Student project looks to revive Legacy Brick fundraising campaign

Under the shade of heritage oaks between the Technology and Barron buildings at Florida State University Panama City lies a small brick-paved courtyard. A closer look reveals the names of former students and organizations emblazoned on many of the bricks.

But few people know why the names are there—and students in Brian Parker’s Introduction to Public Relations class aim to correct that situation. 

Parker, Ph.D., is the Professional Communication program coordinator at FSU Panama City. He gives students the opportunity to get as close as they can to real-world experience while still being in a controlled environment. Students must research the community to know their audiences and target their messages appropriately.

In recent years, Parker has encouraged his students to take on a class project that would somehow enhance the campus and increase student engagement. Last year, that took the form of establishing a Little Free Library kiosk. This year, his students have rallied to promote Legacy Bricks.

The stakes of this project are higher than other years. Parker described the Little Free Library as more “fun and games,” while this campaign involves “real people and real money.”

Alumni, friends and family members can leave a lasting legacy by including a graduate’s name on commemorative bricks at FSU Panama City. At $200 each, the bricks are perfect for marking graduation or celebrating alumni status. The purchase of a Legacy Brick includes a matching miniature keepsake brick.

All proceeds benefit the FSU Foundation, going to scholarships and campus enrichment. Purchase is 100-percent tax deductible, and the bricks will be maintained and covered by a lifetime warranty. For questions or more information, call (850) 770-2168 or email alumni@pc.fsu.edu, or visit https://pc.fsu.edu/alumni-giving/brick-program.

The Legacy Brick program is not well-known, and Parker said his students aim to change that: “That is a communication issue, and they are communication students.”

Currently, students are planning a courtyard party for early December to draw attention to the program. They are also discussing options such as offering a limited-edition brick in shades of garnet and gold. Class members will develop a marketing program as part of their grade. 

“I feel that the most important lesson we have learned so far is how to work as a team and figure out how our individual strong suits can contribute to this project,” said student Emily Bowen. “We are learning what we are each capable of, and where those skills can best be used to bring our ideas to life.”