News Summary
Florida A&M University commemorated its 138th anniversary with a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame, attended by university leaders. President Johnson celebrated FAMU’s legacy as a ‘powerhouse of education.’ The event also included updates on sports and upcoming homecoming festivities. The university continues to excel as the top public HBCU for seven consecutive years, emphasizing its commitment to student success while looking towards an impactful future.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida A&M University (FAMU) celebrated its 138th anniversary on October 3, 2025, with a meaningful Founders Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony held on October 1, 2025, at the Eternal Flame. This annual event is a significant tradition that honors the university’s rich history and legacy.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including FAMU President Marva Johnson, former FAMU President Larry Robinson, and former interim President Timothy Beard. They gathered to reflect on FAMU’s journey from its inception in 1887 to its current status as a leading educational institution.
President Johnson highlighted FAMU’s legacy, equating it to planting a “seed of hope” that has blossomed into an enduring “legacy of opportunity.” She emphasized the university’s transformation into a “powerhouse of education, research, culture, and service.” This recognition underscores FAMU’s vital role in shaping the educational landscape.
The Founders Day ceremony took place earlier this year due to scheduling conflicts with the Georgia Football Classic, which university leadership was set to attend on the actual anniversary date, October 3. Adding to the excitement, FAMU’s football game against Mississippi Valley State has been rescheduled to November 29, 2025, and will be hosted at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena, changing from its original venue at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
FAMU continues to gain national recognition, as it has been ranked as the No. 1 public HBCU in the nation for the seventh consecutive year. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s “2025-2026 Best Colleges” rankings, FAMU is also recognized as No. 92 among public universities nationwide. This accolade speaks to the university’s commitment to excellence in education and its impact on students.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, Miles Howard, the 26th Mister FAMU, expressed gratitude for being part of the university’s history. Artisha Polk, President of FAMU’s National Alumni Association, commemorated the university’s achievements and urged alumni to support FAMU’s future initiatives and endeavors.
As the university looks forward to upcoming events, students are eagerly awaiting the announcement of performers for FAMU’s homecoming celebrations, which include a variety of concerts and comedy shows. The announcement, initially scheduled for October 3, has been postponed to October 10, 2025, generating heightened anticipation among students and alumni alike.
Homecoming Week at FAMU is a highly anticipated event, filled with traditions like parades, alumni seminars, and various entertainment options drawing thousands of attendees. Previous homecoming performers have included artists like Nardo Wick and Mariah the Scientist, along with comedians such as Chico Bean. Students are speculating about new big-name artists that may be announced for this year’s festivities.
Additionally, the FAMUAN newsroom has recently secured funding to enhance technology and audience engagement. This support comes through Howard University’s Center for Journalism and Democracy’s Newsroom Innovation Challenge, setting a promising direction for FAMU’s student-led media efforts.
In conclusion, as Florida A&M University celebrates its 138th anniversary, it continues to uphold a proud legacy while looking toward a future rich with opportunities, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of higher education and a beacon of hope for its community and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Celebrates HBCU’s 138th Anniversary
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
- The Famuan: Students Anticipate Homecoming Lineup
- Google Search: FAMU Homecoming 2025
- Miami Times: FAMU to Host Good Morning America
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- The Famuan: FAMU Celebrates Founders Day Convocation
- Google News: FAMU Founders Day
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Honors 137th Anniversary
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
