Since moving here from Taiwan by way of Indiana in 1968, Lucy Ho has contributed to the greater Tallahassee community.

In addition to distinguishing herself as a successful restaurateur and respected business professional while raising her family, Lucy was generous with the time she dedicated to the Florida State University College of Music. For more than 45 years, she designed and created exquisite costumes for the Florida State Opera, providing a beautiful visual aesthetic to enhance the vocal artistry that took place on stage until her retirement in 2014.

Lucy’s commitment and many talents have been indispensable to the success of countless productions and, throughout her time with the Florida State Opera, her family saw the impact their mother’s beautifully envisioned and constructed costumes created, bringing stage characters to life throughout years of performances. Suzy Ho, Lucy’s daughter, has honored her mother’s influential contributions to both the opera program and the University by gifting $250,000 to the FSU College of Music to establish the Lucy Ho Endowment for Opera Costuming.

When asked about the motivation behind her gift, Ms. Ho shared, “I ultimately wanted to commemorate my mother's 45 years as a costumer for the Florida State Opera. And my hope is this endowment will augment additional private funding for the College of Music, bolstering the extent of long-term financial support for her beloved costume department."

The Lucy Ho Endowment for Opera Costuming will support a broad range of work of the costume department within the college, including the purchase of costume stock, other materials and equipment, payment for personnel expenses, design fees, costume and prop rental fees, maintenance fees and payment for improvements to the costume storage facilities housed within the college.

“Thanks to Ms. Ho, her mother’s legacy at Florida State will continue to endure through the brilliant artistry and craftsmanship donned by generations of students performing operatic roles,” FSU College of Music Dean Patricia Flowers shared. “The generosity and enthusiasm she displayed for our University and students are exemplary, and I’m truly appreciative of all Lucy Ho has done for the opera program, the college and Florida State.”

Nearing its 50th anniversary, the Florida State Opera is dedicated to serving not only the professionally-oriented student but also the cultural life of Florida State University and the region. Featuring student talent in principal roles, chorus, orchestra and technical staff, the Florida State Opera presents fully-staged operatic productions each term.

Visit the Florida State University College of Music online to learn more about the opera program and ways to support.