Dear Alumni and FAMU Supporters: We are excited to share our latest edition of A&M Magazine. The stories on the pages that follow offer great hope for the future of our rich legacy, as they reflect the strength of our alumni, the ingenuity of our faculty and the brilliance of our students. One of the most memorable icons on FAMU’s campus is the Eternal Flame, which represents how the spirit and influence of this great institution will live on forever. The individuals and programs highlighted in this issue showcase how Rattlers everywhere help to keep FAMU’s light burning bright for all the world to see through the dedication of their time, treasure and talent. This spring, I was honored to participate in the University’s Endowment Plaque Unveiling Ceremony held at the heart of our campus around the Eternal Flame. During this event, we honored several FAMUans who have contributed thousands of dollars toward creating endowments with the goal of providing scholarships to our deserving students. The compassion and commitment of those individuals are highlighted in our cover story, “Keepers of the Flame.” The ceremony was reflective of what we all love most about FAMU – its promise of excellence and its history of love and charity. Students told stories of how the scholarships they received, as a result of the endowments, helped them to overcome debt and to focus on academics. Alumni shared the invaluable impact that FAMU has had on their lives. Faculty and staff offered their appreciation for the important role that FAMU supporters play in ensuring our continued ability to offer world-class academic programs. Their words painted a beautiful portrait of how FAMU has set the bar in developing current and future leaders who help to make our world a better place. They revealed just why Rattlers like Lisa LaBoo, Sandra Reddick (wife of the late Hubert Reddick), John Ward and Arnette Scott-Ward, and Doris Hicks and the Polk County alumni chapter are so compelled to give back to FAMU, paving the way for the next generation to open the doors of opportunity. As you read the moving stories in this issue, I encourage you to reflect on how you too can be “Keepers of the Flame.” We know that all of our alumni, students, faculty and staff have something special to offer, whether it’s recruiting the next Rattlers or “Investing in Champions.” We welcome your support with open hearts and arms and thank you for your faithfulness to FAMU. Please continue to share the “Great Things Happening at FAMU Every Day.” Yours in Service,
Larry Robinson, Ph.D. Interim President
4 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE