Tallahassee Celebrates FAMU’s Annual Day at the Capitol

News Summary

Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted its Annual Day at the Capitol, uniting alumni, faculty, staff, and local officials to advocate for crucial funding. The event featured energetic performances by the Marching 100 band and inspiring speeches about FAMU’s role as an economic engine. Amidst calls for legislative support and funding requests, the community showcased academic excellence and innovative projects. President Curtis Johnson emphasized the importance of alumni advocacy for securing vital resources to enhance student success and institutional development.

Tallahassee Celebrates FAMU’s Annual Day at the Capitol

On a beautiful Wednesday in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly hosted its much-anticipated Annual Day at the Capitol. The courtyard of the Florida Capitol buzzed with excitement as alumni, faculty, staff, students, and local officials gathered to show their support for the university and advocate for necessary funding to keep FAMU at the forefront of education and community development.

Bringing the Spirit with Music and Memories

The atmosphere was lively as the iconic Marching 100 band transported everyone back in time with their energetic performances of popular tunes. Alumni couldn’t resist getting caught up in the moment, joining in to sing along and relive their fond FAMU memories. Among the crowd, Interim FAMU President Timothy Beard inspired everyone with reflections from his time as a student in the early ’80s. The warm reception he received, marked by a standing ovation, was a clear indication of the pride and connection the community feels towards the university.

An Economic Powerhouse

As Beard took the stage, he shared valuable insights into how FAMU serves as a vital economic engine for the community. His discussion highlighted how the university contributes to workforce development and fuels economic growth. Chancellor Ray Rodrigues from the Florida State University System also joined in the praise, recognizing FAMU’s remarkable ability to attract over 20,000 applicants annually, with a commendable 61% of its graduates choosing to stay in Florida post-graduation.

Showcasing Talent and Innovation

The event also featured numerous exhibitions where students showcased their research and innovative projects. This served as a wonderful platform to demonstrate FAMU’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of future leaders in various fields.

The Call for Legislative Support

As part of the event, President Curtis Johnson of the FAMU National Alumni Association emphasized the essential need for alumni to maintain year-round relationships with legislators. This advocacy is crucial, especially as FAMU laid out a legislative request of $55.5 million for the upcoming year. This funding is vital to support numerous initiatives, including:

• $35.5 million geared towards academic excellence, focusing on advanced technologies like AI and ML, recruiting for the College of Law, and renovations for specialized research centers.
• $20 million earmarked for student success initiatives, providing vital scholarships and academic support to ensure a smooth transition for transfer students.

Funding Seek and Renovation Plans

In the backdrop of all these exciting initiatives, the university is also in the midst of a presidential search, with closed-door sessions allowing the search committee to vet candidates. However, Johnson made it clear that the primary focus at the Capitol was to secure the necessary funding rather than discuss the search for FAMU’s new leader.

The Community Comes Together

The event attracted dignitaries like Tallahassee City Commissioners and members of FAMU’s Board of Trustees, underscoring the community’s support. President Dr. Larry Robinson, present at the event, emphasized that securing $15 million for student outcome initiatives is a top priority, alongside additional requests like:

• $20.4 million for a Chemical and Biological Research Laboratory Center
• $13.5 million to renovate Howard Hall, which accommodates the ROTC program

Looking to the Future

The legislative agenda will focus on enhancing student success, improving institutional ranking, and ensuring overall academic excellence for the next fiscal year. FAMU reached notable milestones recently, as they set a record for fundraising, totaling $25.7 million, along with $59 million in research investments. One of the university’s ambitious goals is to elevate its status to a Carnegie R1 Research Institution.

In tribute to the late Barbara Cohen-Pippin, a beloved figure in FAMU’s governmental relations, former Congressman Al Lawson honored her memory during the proceedings. With a passionate call to action, Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper rallied attendees to proactively advocate for FAMU’s interests. The sense of community and shared purpose was palpable, leaving everyone feeling inspired for the future.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: FAMU Celebrates Its Impact at the Capitol
• The Famuan: FAMU Day at the Capitol Advocating for Excellence
• Tallahassee.com: FAMU President Robinson Holds Annual Florida A&M Day at the Capitol
• The Famuan: Wednesday is FAMU Day at the Capitol
• Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
• Google Search: FAMU Day at the Capitol
• Google Scholar: Florida A&M University
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida A&M University
• Google News: Florida A&M University