$250,000 gift names Storm Center suite in Legacy Hall

When alumnus Ted Ostrander, who has enjoyed an enviable 40-year career in the insurance industry, and his wife, Gail, decided to show appreciation to the Florida State University College of Business, funding the Ostrander Family Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center Suite in Legacy Hall made perfect sense.

“First, I thought it was appropriate since I’m in the insurance business and the storm center plays such an important role for the industry, especially in Florida, which is exposed to hurricanes and the resultant damage they cause,” said the 1970 graduate of the risk management and insurance program and chairman of the board at LassiterWare.“Second, I have gotten to know Pat Maroney (retired RMI professor) over the years, and have seen the great work he had done with the storm center and wanted to honor his legacy.”

Ostrander (pictured) credits his time at FSU and the college for much of his success. “It helped me get my first job, which started me on the road to my career; it allowed me to meet alumni all over the country who have helped me achieve the success I enjoy today,” said Ostrander, a longtime member of the Seminole Boosters and FSU Alumni Association. “Also most of my company’s senior leadership team graduated from FSU and the college, which I think has allowed the company to continue to grow and prosper.”

Ostrander joined LassiterWare, headquartered in Leesburg, Fla., in 1973, eventually becoming president in 1987. Under his leadership, the company has become one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the country.

As an industry leader, Ostrander has served as a risk adviser to many of the insurance industry’s top executives, investors and associates. Ostrander’s career has included chairing the Florida Association of Insurance Agents and serving on the boards for Certified Insurance Counselors and the Central Florida Healthcare Development Corp.

Over the years, LassiterWare has been actively involved with the college’s RMI program, participating in several events and hiring summer interns. 

“Our senior leadership team continues to be impressed with the quality and dedication these bright young students have and are excited to have some of them come to work for us,” Ostrander said. “I also will tell you it is very exciting to be around the today’s college students and see their enthusiasm and willingness to succeed.”

Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business, said, “All of us at the college are grateful for the Ostranders’ generosity and very excited that they chose the storm center as the beneficiary of their gift. This new suite will make a huge difference as we recruit star students and the best of the best faculty in the field. It will create the optimal environment in which they can perform their valuable work.”

Ostrander encourages other alumni to also participate in college activities.

“I think it is very critical for alumni to be involved in the college because it helps the college reach its goal of becoming a premier business school in the nation,” he said. “That will attract top-flight students who someday will become the business owners and leaders in our state.” 

By Barbara Ash