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1/31/2023

FSU Mourns Death of Top Dance Supporter and First Cheerleader Maggie Allesee

Maggie Allesee poses next to a sign that reads "Welcome back Maggie Allesee and School of Dance Alumni." She is wearing a vibrant red suit and a black blouse.
Allesee is welcomed back to campus in 2016.

Margaret “Maggie” Strum Acheson Allesee, who attended Florida State College for Women just as it was transitioning to a co-ed university, passed away on January 27 at the age of 94.

A 1949 FSU graduate in English, journalism and education, Allesee went on to earn a master’s degree in education, guidance and counseling and a post-master’s degree in gerontology from Wayne State University, along with four honorary doctorate degrees.

As FSU’s first head cheerleader leading the opening cheer at the first football game in 1947, Allesee was also the first woman to win a varsity letter. She later went on to be the only female of the FSU Varsity Club’s dozen founders.

Allesee traveled the world and settled in the Detroit area, but she never stopped cheering for Florida State, returning annually to Tallahassee to don her original uniform and make appearances in the FSU Homecoming Parade and on the football field.

“It was such a joy to see her return each year for our homecoming festivities,” said Julie Decker, President and CEO of the FSU Alumni Association. “She leaves a generous legacy that will continue paving the way for a new generation of FSU athletes and artists.”

An avid Seminole fan and ardent supporter of her alma mater, Allesee had a rich history of philanthropy to FSU.


A group of six people pose together for a photo, smiling towards the camera.
Allesee with MANCC Resident Artists Kota Yamazaki and Joanna Kotze and collaborators, 2017

In 2000, Maggie endowed the Maggie Strum Allesee Women’s Golf Scholarship, which has greatly benefited female student-athletes in the sport, most recently Kaylah Williams, a sophomore psychology major from South Africa.

Allesee also gifted the university the one-ton, 15-foot tall statue, Sportsmanship, which stands in Strum Plaza at Doak Campbell Stadium. Unveiled in 2000, the gift honors her father, Al Strum, an athlete in his own right who had a remarkable reputation for grace and sportsmanship.

Two women in professional attire pose for a photo. Nametags identify them as Sally McRorie and Maggie Allesee.
Allesee and former Provost Sally McRorie.

Most notably, she endowed the Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography in 2004. The center, housed within the FSU School of Dance, is the first national center for choreography located in a major research institution. Since its inception, MANCC has supported multi-week residencies for more than 150 choreographers and their 1,100+ collaborators worldwide. In 2013 FSU honored Allesee with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for her support of dance innovation and research.

“Through the experience in this center for choreography, FSU offers a positive impact for developing outstanding dancers from all over the world,” Allesee said. “High levels of education are the finest gifts we can provide for our students today.”

Carla Peterson, MANCC director since 2014, credits Allesee’s “expansive vision, deep passion for dance, commitment to students and abiding generosity” for inspiring artists and propelling the center’s success.

“We owe her a deep measure of gratitude for a center that will continue to support artists and model professional pathways for students long into the future,” Peterson said.

Maggie will be mourned by many, including her three children Shirley Shirock (Bob), Kathy Cooke (Kim) and Michael Acheson (Adele); three stepchildren Robert Jr, John (Karen Sterzik) and Bill Allesee (Joan); 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Homecoming won’t be the same without Maggie’s presence, but her vision and commitment to good sportsmanship on the field and dance floor will live on.


A large group of dancers and friends pose for a photo in front of a gallery of portraits.
Allesee and daughter Shirley Shirock are welcomed by the FSU Dance family at Montgomery Hall, in front of a wall featuring the many choreographers whose residencies she made possible, 2016