Bob and Judy Fleming recognized during Emeritus Alumni Luncheon

FSU Panama City awarded honorary alumni status Wednesday, Dec. 6, during the Emeritus Alumni Luncheon to recognize the largest gift in campus history.

Bob and Judy Fleming named FSU Panama City as a benefactor in their estate in August 2016 to establish the Robert H. and Jacqueline K. Fleming Endowed Scholarship Fund. Jacqueline Fleming, Bob’s late wife, was a teacher who valued education.

The gift estimated at $3 million has the potential to provide financial aid to up to 80 students annually with preference given to first-generation college students.

Although the couple have no direct affiliations with Florida State University, they said they have always been fans of FSU and wanted to give back to the campus in their local community.

“This is a very special group of alumni, and we wanted to honor Bob and Judy in a very special way,” FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna said. “Through honorary alumni status, the Flemings will be able to call themselves Florida State Seminoles like the generations of students who will be able to afford higher education because of their generosity.”

FSU Panama City has hosted the Emeritus Alumni Luncheon for the past 18 years to recognize area alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago from Florida State University or the Florida State College for Women. About 70 alumni and guests attended the event.