The College of Law is honored to report that FSU President Emeritus, Dean Emeritus and Professor Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, who passed away in May 2019, will be posthumously awarded Florida State University’s highest distinction, the James D. Westcott Distinguished Service Medal, later this month. The honor recognizes a “person whose distinguished service merits exceptional recognition and whose life and work exemplifies the Vires, Artes and Mores, which the university seeks to nurture in its students.” It has been 11 years since FSU last bestowed the award. Sandy will be awarded the medal posthumously in a private ceremony September 22. Sandy’s service to Florida State and the law school was extraordinary. He served as president of the university from 1994–2003, overseeing a period of remarkable growth and revitalization, which included helping to establish the College of Medicine, undertaking a major campus beautification project and creating the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. Sandy served as dean of FSU Law from 1984–1989, raising the profile of the law school and transforming our programs and physical facilities, including the Rotunda building now named in his honor. His contributions to our school and the university at large still benefit students across campus today and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Published on September 11, 2020