A Personal & Historic Valentine
Some love stories don’t come from hearts on paper — they grow from roots and branches that stand for generations.
One of the most iconic symbols of love and legacy at Florida State University is the Love Oak, named for James Pasco Love. Love served as farm superintendent for what was then the Florida State College for Women, managing the school’s dairy and farm operations for decades beginning in the early 20th century. Under the shade of that great oak, he raised his family and helped sustain the college — providing food, milk, and support that nourished students both physically and spiritually.
The Love family cottage once stood beside that oak, and generations of students walked beneath its branches as they pursued their education. The tree itself has witnessed nearly the entire history of FSU, standing long before the West Florida Seminary became the university it is today and watching new generations grow and thrive.
Your personal connection adds another layer to that story: the house where your father was born, the original plaque you still treasure, and the letter from Mr. Kellum to your grandfather upon his retirement. Those tangible pieces remind us that love isn’t just romantic — it’s legacy, service, family, and community.
This Valentine’s, take a moment to think about the love that lasts — the kind that shapes lives, communities, and even campuses. Some hearts aren’t carried in cards or candy boxes, but in trees that shelter us, homes that hold memories, and legacies passed between generations.
