Frank Lloyd Wright Day was a Day Filled with Festivities, Food, and Freebies

Florida Southern College’s third annual Frank Lloyd Wright Day was just what the doctor ordered. In this case the doctor was Florida Southern College president Dr. Anne B. Kerr.

“It’s more than just fun events,” accounting major and Student Government Association (SGA) president Carter Webb ‘23 said. “It’s really taking a moment for our mental health. Mental health is so important, and I really think that students should just take a moment to really care about themselves.”

The first Frank Lloyd Wright Day was held in 2021 and has become an annual opportunity for students to take a break from their classes to get outside and soak up the Florida sun while eating, drinking, playing, and collecting a variety of carefully curated goodies.

“We know that being a student can be stressful and we are so excited for this opportunity to reengage and reenergize so you can end the year strong,” Interim Vice President of Student Life Dr. Lauren Albaum said during her kick off address. “I am so grateful to so many people for putting this together, first and foremost, your Student Government Association, Dr. Anne Kerr, the Student Life staff, and so many other campus partners who banded together.”

Mocs came out to enjoy the FSC-specific mental health day that began at 7 a.m. with Sunrise Yoga on Mr. George’s Green. Career Services provided an outdoor coffee shop for the early risers, while the Botany Cats petting station, zip lining, a wellness fair, and a live concert given by The 502s took turns entertaining students throughout the day.

“For the nursing majors, this time of year we have a test a week,” native New Yorker Skyla Perez ’25 said. “So, this is very helpful, to take a break.”

While Mr. George’s Green was one of the main hubs for FLW Day, there were activities and events taking place campuswide. The FSC Wellness Center was the site of a t-shirt give away that began shortly after the official kick off, and a tie-dye station later in the afternoon.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Tourism Center provided franks (pun intended), a variety of chips, and tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Usonian House. The day’s namesake, Frank Lloyd Wright, even made an appearance. Well, not really, but FSC theatre performance and communication double major Chandler Talkington Fletcher ’23 provided a compelling impersonation of the famous architect while dressed in garb reminiscent of attire worn by Mr. Wright.

Students were able to capture memories at a photobooth, then sample Rita’s Italian Ice in the JR/Spivey Courtyard. There was also a variety of frozen confections being given out at the Wellness Center pool.

In the plaza between the Sarah D. and L. Kirk McKay, Jr. Archives Center and the Roux Library, students could play yard games. They also had the option of playing tabletop games inside the Roux Library if they wanted air-conditioned activities.

Near The Buck Stop, thanks to the Evett L. Simmons Center for Multicultural Appreciation, students were able to show off their musical chops with karaoke. Individuals, duos, and groups took turns serenading their classmates with everything from Top 10 hits to songs from movie soundtracks.

“It’s fun singing my heart out to everyone on Frank Lloyd Wright Day,” music major Cierra June ’23, who is originally from Largo, said.

Badcock Memorial Garden was where SGA officers took pies to the face for a fundraiser. There was bracelet making, basketball playing, corn hole, and therapy dogs for petting in the same vicinity. The Badcock Memorial Garden was also the site of the Moc Olympics.

The winning teams for the Olympics were Team Gio in third place, Team Vicroy Boy in second, and Team Swim in first.

One of the most popular events during FLW Day was the plush campus cat making. The line to assemble the furry faux felines started at the Fannin Campus Ministries Center and wrapped around the sidewalk leading down to the George W. Jenkins Field House. The plush toys were a fan favorite.

“I’ve been collecting the free stuff plushies from the school since I got here, and I just don’t want to miss one,” Killian Sullivan ‘25 said. “I like stuffed animals. I want to complete my collection.”

Sullivan, who is from Fort Lauderdale, is double majoring in applied math and computer science while minoring in physics. He has four plushies so far that include a reindeer, two dogs, and a wolf. The campus cat was a must-have for his collection.

Having a day to relax and enjoy the beautiful campus and all the activities, events, and food that SGA put together for them was appreciated by the students.

“I think it’s a really good idea taking care of the students and making a great environment,” Ocala sports management major D’Ante Starks ’24 said.

View the full gallery of photos here.