F-club Circle, Victoria J. Lewis Scrapbook
History
It is no surprise that athletics were central to student life at the Florida State College for Women. Every student was required to take part in a sport of some kind, as the university administration felt athleticism was a cornerstone of a well-educated woman. This idea became written in the fabric of the university through FSCW’s motto: Femina Perfecta, or complete woman, who possessed the qualities of Vires (strength), Artes (knowledge), and Mores (tradition). In the 1910s the university began offering varsity letters to students in athletics, with the first three varsity letters awarded in 1914. The varsity letters were large F’s, which stood for Florida State College for Women.
On March 16, 1920 the F-club was created to bring together all who had won an F. The club was formed to “promote interest in athletics… and bring the girls closer together.” F-club eligibility changed only slightly throughout the years.
To be chosen for the F-club, prospective girls had to be “tapped” by current members. Then began an initiation process called “goating”, with inductees being called “goats”. The initiation activities involved theatrical performances, overnight camping trips at Camp Flastacowo, and wearing costumes around campus.
In 1947, coeducation brought with it the creation of a men’s F-club. It existed under the name F-club until at least 1985.
F-club was the only athletic honorary in the history of Florida State University.
“Winners of Letters.” Talisman, March 1914, pp. 83.
“New Club Organized.” Florida Flambeau, 27 March 1920, p. 07.
Florida State University. Tally-ho, 1948. p. 342.
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