The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) raised more than $457,000 during its Annual Day of Giving at its recent convention in Birmingham, Ala.
“We are thankful for and humbled by the generosity of our alumni and friends. It is our students who are the true beneficiaries of their generosity,” said Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and dean of the School of Business and Industry. She also expressed appreciation to those who gave online and in person during the weekend fundraiser.
A highlight of the fundraising event was the parade of donors – individuals and alumni leaders – who personally presented their monetary gifts and shared their deep appreciation for all that FAMU meant to their success. In his remarks to attendees, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., emphasized the critically important link between alumni support and successful implementation of the University’s strategic plan.
Of the alumni donations, the Florida Region contributed $222,366; the Northeast Region, $62,737, and the Far West Region, $57,508. The Southern Region alumni donated $46,476, while the Midwest Region contributed $9,105. Other donations totaled $59,508, according to preliminary reports.
Money collected during the Rattler Church Service will be donated to the FAMU NAA “Save Our Students” campaign, which provides scholarships to students. Over the past three years, the FAMU NAA has contributed $1.5 million to the University, according to the Office of Advancement.
“Part of the mission of the FAMU National Alumni Association is to raise funds to support students at Florida A&M University,” said NAA President Col. Gregory L. Clark. “The funds raised during our fundraising luncheon will go to support many entities within FAMU. These gifts will go a long way to display our unwavering love for Mother FAMU.”
The May 16-19 convention included inspirational keynote presentations from Clark, who was sworn in to his second term as president, Jemal Gibson, chairman of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors, and C. Denise Hendricks, a senior producer for HLN.
Photo caption: from Left: FAMU NAA President Col. Gregory Clark, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and FAMU Foundation Board Chairman Jemal Gibson celebrate the philanthropy of alumni from across the country during the Annual Day of Giving. (Photo Credit: Michael A. Cork)