Dr. Todd and Jill Adams with scholarship recipient Trinity Fulop at Cetamura del Chianti, Italy Florida State University has long been a place where academic excellence and philanthropy go hand in hand. This tradition of giving is being carried forward by Professor Todd Adams and his wife, Jill Adams, whose commitment to their work and their philanthropic vision have had a profound impact on FSU’s International Programs and the College of Arts and Sciences Physics Department. Ranked in the top five by the Joint Task Force on Undergraduate Physics Programs and named among the best in the nation for Graduate Physics by U.S. News and World Report, FSU’s physics department houses unique experimental facilities such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world. FSU’s physics department has also been home to Professor Todd Adams for the last 25 years. Adams has dedicated his career to the pursuit of knowledge, both in the classroom and through groundbreaking research, with specific interest in particle physics, also known as high-energy physics. He currently does research at CERN, the European particle physics laboratory in Switzerland. Jill Adams, his partner in life and philanthropy, shares his passion for education, international studies, travel, and the power of giving back. Together, they have established themselves as pillars of the FSU and Tallahassee communities, supporting initiatives that reflect their shared values of academic excellence and global opportunities. The Adamses first became aware of the FSU Foundation through their work on campus. Professor Adams remembers appreciating what the Foundation does as he saw firsthand the generosity and thoughtfulness of fellow trustees and members during his time on the Faculty Senate and FSU Foundation Board of Trustees. They have since established and contribute annually to the Todd and Jill Adams Endowment for International Programs, in addition to including it in their estate plans along with the physics department. “I wanted to actually be alive while students got to experience going overseas. It’s such an empowering feeling the first time you go by yourself to another country, and I just wish everyone could experience it,” explains Jill, retired administrator of 29 years for FSU International Programs. For Todd and Jill, fostering a global perspective in education is paramount, and their gift is designed to expand study abroad opportunities for countless FSU students and promote cross-cultural understanding. “We don’t give that much, but we really wanted to be alive to see it.” —Todd and Jill Adams Last year, they traveled to Florence, Italy, to visit the Cetamura del Chianti during the Cetamura 50th Anniversary celebration, and Jill excitedly recalls meeting the student who was awarded the scholarship. “She is an archeology major who was there on the dig. It was so special for us. She was very appreciative of it.” Todd credits Mafe Brooks in International Programs for showing them the advantages of not only including their interests in their will but showing them the impact of annual support. “Do it. Just do it. It’s a really good feeling to know that somebody is going to benefit from it,” Jill explains. The Adamses’ estate intentions are a remarkable example of philanthropic giving that will have lasting effects for both the physics department and FSU’s international outreach. “Jill and Todd are standard bearers for investing their time, talent, and treasures in areas of importance to them—both in their professional careers and in retirement. I am grateful for them for their sustained support and stewardship.” —Louisa Blenman, Interim Director International Programs Including your philanthropic mission in your estate plan is a powerful way to make a long-lasting impact on the organizations you care about, like Florida State University. By including FSU in their estate plans, Todd and Jill are creating a legacy that will continue to benefit the University long after their time at FSU. Their generosity exemplifies how thoughtful, strategic giving can provide essential resources for academic programs, research, and student development. Estate gifts can take many forms, including bequests, charitable trusts, gifts of real estate, and retirement account beneficiary designations. By planning ahead, donors can ensure their philanthropic goals are met while potentially achieving tax benefits. For those looking to make a meaningful contribution to FSU, estate giving offers a way to support the University’s mission while leaving a lasting legacy. If you are inspired by Todd and Jill Adams’ story and are considering your own planned gift to FSU, we encourage you to contact The Office of Gift and Estate Planning at giftplanning@advance.fsu.edu. We would be thrilled to help you navigate your estate planning with FSU in mind and can help you explore options available to ensure that your gift makes a lasting difference in the way you envision. Back © Pentera, Inc. Planned giving content. All rights reserved. Disclaimer