Full Sail University

10 Years of Hall of Fame

A look back at a decade of learning, networking, celebrations, and fun.

10 Years of Hall of Fame - Hero image

Since 2009, Full Sail University has celebrated the now time-honored tradition that is the Full Sail University Hall of Fame. Its purpose is to acknowledge those graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment media and emerging technologies throughout the university’s almost 40-year history. This honor serves as a tribute to the creative inspiration, technical brilliance, and determination of each inductee, their unyielding dedication to more than a decade of excellence in their professional career, and their heartfelt commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Full Sail University.

Over the years, the annual celebration surrounding the induction of that year's class of Hall of Fame grads has grown and evolved. Now, an entire week is dedicated to Hall of Fame, with a wide range of events for students, including:

  • Guest lectures, panels, workshops, and hands-on technology demonstrations from leading industry influencers, experts, and companies.
  • Career networking events focused on employment and mentoring for students and graduates.
  • A technology expo showcasing the latest in tech trends and interactive experiences.
  • Live musical performances featuring a variety of artists and genres.
  • Interactive Creative Challenges for students and alumni.
  • Gaming tournaments, film screenings, and more.

Here, we look back on nearly a decade of Hall of Fame celebrations.

Featured image - Hof9 Dan Patrick Workshop Inline

Workshops are a big part of the educational component of Hall of Fame Week, giving students hands-on experience with the guidance of industry experts. For Hall of Fame Nine, sportscasting icon Dan Patrick led students through a live-read workshop, complete with running cameras and hot mics.

Featured image - Hof9 Silent Disco Inline

Interactive Creative Challenges during Hall of Fame Week give students a chance to compete with one another in various fun challenges or, in the case of the Silent Disco during Hall of Fame Nine, dance away the afternoon.

Featured image - Hof9 Tech Expo Inline

The Tech Expo portion of Hall of Fame Week has proven to be quite popular, both with students and with Full Sail's industry partners. During the Expo – like this one during Hall of Fame Nine – students get hands-on demonstrations of some of the latest gear and equipment the industry has to offer.

Featured image - Hof8 Game Tournament Inline

A game tournament during Hall of Fame Eight brought hundreds of students out over the course of several nights to compete with one another in a variety of games.

Featured image - Hof8 Career Expo Inline

The Career Expo during Hall of Fame Week brings together employers, students, and alumni for networking and employment opportunities.

Featured image - Hof7 Ashish And Swedien Inline

Educational panels during Hall of Fame Week provide lots of unique learning opportunities for students. For example, this session during Hall of Fame Seven saw Bruce Swedien – longtime engineer for Michael Jackson – and former apprentice (and Hall of Fame inductee) Ashish Manchanda reminiscing about their work together.

Featured image - Hof6 Portfolio Review Inline

Students get many opportunities to interact with Hall of Fame inductees during Hall of Fame Week, whether through casual meetings around campus or scheduled settings like green room sessions or portfolio reviews like this one during Hall of Fame Six with inductees Kim Alpert and Nathaniel Howe.

Featured image - Hof6 Watch Party Inline

Capping off every Hall of Fame Week is the Induction Ceremony, in which six more notable Full Sail grads become members of the Hall of Fame. Students have participated in different ways throughout the years, including "block party"-style watch festivals like this one during Hall of Fame Six, where students not only watched the ceremony, but also enjoyed free pizza, ice cream, and games.

Featured image - Hof5 Music Festival Inline

For the fifth Hall of Fame, a multi-day music festival was held on the Full Sail backlot, featuring local and national bands.

Featured image - Hof4 Ohurley Inline

The fourth Hall of Fame induction ceremony featured TV actor John O'Hurley as master of ceremonies.

Featured image - Hof3 Volition Panel Inline

A wide range of panels and lectures have been held every year during Hall of Fame Week, like this one from Hall of Fame Three, featuring grads who work at Volition discussing their work on some of the studio's biggest games.

Featured image - Hof2 Mute Math Inline

Hall of Fame Two featured a live performance from the band Mutemath.

Featured image - Hof1 Induction Ceremony Inline

Full Sail President Garry Jones kicks off the induction ceremony at the inaugural edition of Hall of Fame in 2009.