A Friendly Competition Joseph Rallo, dean of the College of Business, issued a challenge to his fellow deans to compete in FSU's first Spaghetti Bridge Building Contest in February of 1998. The event proved so popular that the contest was held again this year. The deans enter teams comprised of members from recognized student organizations housed in that dean's College. Student participants are provided boxes of spaghetti, glue and hot glue guns with which to build the strongest possible bridge in one hour. The bridge must span a 24-inch open area as well as meet a number of other criteria.
Finalists build a second bridge in a two-hour contest to determine the winners of the Challenge Cup.
Prizes and cash awards also are given to the teams who build the ugliest, most beautiful, gaudiest and weakest bridges. All participants and spectators are treated to a free spaghetti lunch. First Impressions Now in its fourth year, the First Impressions program exemplifies a tradition of service, specifically, welcoming students to the main campus at the beginning of each academic semester. Information tents staffed by volunteers from the faculty, staff, student body and administration greet and guide new students through their first days on campus. Students can stop in any night Monday through Thursday, enjoy light refreshments, visit with faculty and staff and register for prize drawings.