HISTORY OF THE FSU PC 'NOLE FEST & TORCH RUN

What began as just a passing thought for Shaun and Mark Mulligan, has become one of the most treasured traditions at FSU Panama City. The idea of a torch run first occurred to the two FSU PC students while driving home from an FSU football game in 1989. “We thought a torch run would be a great way to create awareness of the Panama City campus in Tallahassee, and really promote the idea that the branch campus is just a part of the whole—to create a sense of unity,” stated Shaun Mulligan.

Shaun and Mark enrolled in a public relations class that Fall and developed their idea into a class project. With only thirty days before the homecoming game, the brothers went to work and the first torch run left for Tallahassee the night before the game. With students, alumni and other FSU fans participating in the 100 mile run, the torch was carried from the Panama City campus to Doak Campbell Stadium and arrived in time for the kick-off of the homecoming football game.

Since that first year, the tradition has not only continued, but also expanded. The simple torch run has turned into a full homecoming celebration with nearly 1,000 people attending each year.