By Aniah Jackson
FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and Mrs. Sharon Robinson hosted a special masquerade gala during Homecoming to honor FAMU’s 130th anniversary and raise scholarship dollars to support student success.
The gala was held at the Al Lawson Center and was hosted by alumna, actress, director, and educator T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh. The popular performance group Tallahassee Nights Live provided the entertainment.
In addition to raising thousands of dollars for scholarships with the help of title sponsors like FAMU Business and Auxiliary Services and the FAMU Foundation, the chair of the FAMU Foundation Board Thomas Jones, Jr., announced a personal donation of $25,000 to the University, while challenging the audience members to help match his donation.
Alumni and supporters from around the country attended the sold-out event, including FAMU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Kimberly Moore, who brought greetings on behalf of the trustees.
“I believe I can speak for my fellow trustees in saying that we are proud to serve this great institution and join a long list of trustees and leaders who count it a privilege to help FAMU accomplish its mission and vision,” Moore said.
Dr. Robinson thanked the event patrons and donors for their support of FAMU’s success.
“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world,” said Robinson, quoting Nelson Mandela. “Each of you here tonight, thanks to your gracious contributions, are helping us to put that tool into the hands of our students, who may otherwise never have an opportunity to realize their dreams.”
Other corporate sponsors included Cumulus, Rowland Publishing, Ingalls Shipbuilding, the Tallahassee Democrat, WCTV, Regions Bank, the Florida Lottery, the FAMU National Alumni Association, Metz, and FAMU Trustee Belvin Perry, Jr., J.D.
Please enjoy the photo gallery below.