News Summary
Graduates from Florida State University and Florida A&M University marked a significant milestone with commencement ceremonies, reflecting on accomplishments during leadership transitions. FSU celebrated approximately 1,850 graduates across multiple ceremonies, while FAMU honored around 400 graduates in a single event led by interim President Timothy Beard. Keynote speaker Laterras R. Whitfield inspired attendees with messages of purpose and resilience. Both institutions livestreamed their ceremonies, ensuring community engagement and accessibility to their graduates’ achievements amidst a pivotal leadership shift.
Tallahassee, Florida – On August 1, summer graduates from Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) celebrated their accomplishments during separate commencement ceremonies, drawing attention amid significant leadership changes within the universities.
Approximately 1,850 students graduated from FSU during three ceremonies held at the Tucker Civic Center. In contrast, around 400 students received their degrees from FAMU in a single ceremony at the Al Lawson Center. Notably, this FAMU commencement was the final event presided over by interim President Timothy Beard, whose tenure as interim president drew to a close on the same day Marva Johnson officially took on the role of president.
While Johnson did not attend the ceremony, Beard reflected on his time at FAMU, noting the bittersweet nature of leaving behind established chapters while looking forward to new beginnings. As part of the event, FAMU featured award-winning storyteller and podcast host Laterras R. Whitfield as the keynote speaker. He emphasized themes of purpose, relationships, and resilience, resonating with the graduating class.
FSU’s commencement ceremonies were structured to accommodate various degrees, starting with a doctoral hooding at 9 a.m., followed by ceremonies for bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees later in the day. At the 2 p.m. ceremony, Jim Henderson, a trustee of FSU and founder of AssuredPartners, delivered the commencement speech. The evening’s event at 7 p.m. featured Dr. Pamela Keel, a psychology professor known for her research in eating disorders and body image.
Both institutions actively engaged their communities by livestreaming the commencement ceremonies. FAMU utilized Facebook and YouTube platforms to allow broader access, while FSU streamed events on their dedicated website.
During his farewell remarks at FAMU, Beard highlighted the importance of inspiring students to tackle challenges head-on and succeed in their future pursuits. Taking on the role of interim president in August 2024 after previously presiding over Pasco-Hernando State College, Beard’s leadership was characterized by significant accomplishments. Under his guidance, FAMU achieved a 6.5% year-over-year increase in contributions during the Day of Giving and secured approximately $2.08 million in estate gifts.
Additionally, FAMU’s athletics thrived under Beard’s stewardship, achieving multiple championship victories in volleyball, women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s golf. He emphasized the need to strengthen the university’s collaboration with the K-12 education sector, underlining the commitment toward educational continuity.
Beard’s farewell reception brought together around 60 attendees, including local officials and university board members, acknowledging his contributions during his interim presidency. As Beard prepares for retirement, he expressed intentions to enjoy leisure activities like golfing and focus on family life alongside active involvement in ministry work.
Both FSU and FAMU celebrated their summer graduates’ significant milestones while also navigating transitions in leadership at a pivotal moment for their institutions. The importance of education, community, and resilience reverberated through both ceremonies, emphasizing a bright future for the graduates and the universities.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU and FAMU Summer Graduation Photos
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Bids Farewell to Interim President
- Tallahassee.com: FSU and FAMU Spring Commencement Details
- Google Search: Florida State University commencement
- Tallahassee.com: FSU and FAMU Fall 2024 Commencement Speakers Announcement
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
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