Florida State issued a release on Thursday evening regarding an anonymous donor who committed $1 million to Florida State University Athletics in direct response to the recent gift by FSU Football head coach Willie Taggart:

TALLAHASSEE -- While attending Florida State University’s launch of the Unconquered Campaign, a $100 million fundraising initiative for facilities and scholarships for the Seminoles’ 20 men’s and women’s sports, head football coach Willie Taggart and his wife Taneshia made an unexpected announcement. The first-year head coach and his wife surprised the audience by announcing their commitment of $1 million to the campaign toward a football operations facility. Moved by the Taggart’s conviction and generosity, a Seminole fan who wishes to remain anonymous recently matched the Taggart’s $1 million gift.

"I was astonished by Coach Taggart’s and Taneshia’s personal investment in the Unconquered Campaign and in this new football operations concept,” said the donor. “Anyone who has the conviction and character to lead by example like that – especially so early on in their tenure – deserves a high level of support.

“When I initially heard about their commitment, I was so taken back that I had to ask Seminole Boosters, Inc. representatives if it was actually real. They confirmed it was, so I then began thinking of how I could respond and back them. I am proud of Coach Taggart and it is an honor to support him and his program. I believe this football operations facility will play a prominent role in advancing FSU Football.”

The Unconquered Campaign, which is a joint initiative of Florida State University, the Department of Athletics and Seminole Boosters, Inc., will run through June 30, 2022. In addition to the football facility, the Campaign seeks funding for other athletics facilities to benefit the men’s and women’s teams including a Nicklaus designed golf course, completion of basketball player’s lounges, expansion of the Dick Howser baseball complex and enhancements to the Moore Athletics Center for all sports.

“Coach Taggart and Taneshia are to be commended for their leadership,” said Andy Miller, President & CEO of Seminole Boosters, Inc. “Coach Taggart’s consistent ‘Do Something’ mantra truly is how he runs his program and lives his life. He talks it and he walks it. This gift is proof others will follow even on the highest levels. Thank you, Coach Taggart and Taneshia, and a special thank you to the donor for stepping up for the Unconquered Campaign.”

Interim Athletic Director David Coburn is pleased but not surprised.

“Based on the time I have worked with Coach Taggart and FSU Football, I am not at all surprised to see this type of reaction from our generous donor base,” Coburn said. “The gifts are inspiring and very much appreciated by our administrators, coaches, staff, and student-athletes.”

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Doug Russell, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Seminole Boosters, Inc.

“When I accepted the nomination to lead this organization, I did so because of my unconditional love for Florida State University. This gift is a perfect example of unconditional love and is a direct reflection of how so many of our supporters at all levels feel.

Nylah Thompson, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign and past chairman of the Board of Directors for Seminole Boosters, Inc.

“My thanks go out to this donor and to Coach and Mrs. Taggart for their generous gifts. I am in awe of the generosity of all of our donors and greatly appreciate each and

every one of them.”

John Crowe, Co-Chairman of the Unconquered Campaign, Treasurer of Seminole Boosters, Inc., and 1991 FSU Athletics Hall of Fame inductee

“I can identify with this donor’s response to Coach Taggart’s and Taneshia’s generous commitment and gift. My wife, Betty, and I were also inspired by Coach Taggart’s and Taneshia’s leadership. We believe if we are going to be effective asking others to support the Unconquered Campaign, we need to lead by example. It is our hope that this anonymous donor’s gift is the first of many to come.”

For more information on Florida State University’s Unconquered Campaign visit www.unconqueredcampaign.com or contact Seminole Boosters, Inc. directly at (850) 644-3484.