Hello Rattlers,
Welcome to another exciting edition of the FAMU Forward Newsletter, a publication focused on the outstanding achievements of our students and faculty on the “Hill” and our magnificent alumni around the world. I’d like to give a special thank you to all of the Rattlers who came out to support the 2015 Florida Blue Florida Classic this past weekend in Orlando. The weekend’s activities were a huge success with more than 45,000 fans attending the game.
As we prepare to enjoy the company of family and friends for Thanksgiving and officially embark upon the holiday season, please remember the importance of service to others and the historic mission at the very core of FAMU’s existence. Providing an education and collegiate experience that is second to none to our students remains at the forefront of my objectives as President. In light of this, the University conducted the first of what we hope will become an annual “Dining with Dignitaries” event for students. The dinner, which took place in the University’s Grand Ballroom, provided about 40 students a unique opportunity to enhance their dining etiquette, interview and networking skills.
In an effort to further spread the contributions of FAMU and other historically Black college and universities (HBCUs), I had the pleasure of giving a presentation at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Ind. on Nov. 15. The presentation, entitled “Globalizing HBCUs: International Student and Faculty Engagement in the 21st Century,” was well received. The annual meeting is recognized as the premier gathering for public university leaders to meet and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the country and North America. While attending the meeting I was delighted so share the Rattler spotlight with FAMU alumna Doris Hicks who was a recipient of the inaugural APLU 1890 Universities Career Exemplar Award. This prestigious award recognizes alumni from the 19 historically Black land-grant universities who have made advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers and provide mentorships to aspiring students.
As you enjoy the upcoming holidays, please take a few minutes to contemplate how you can make a difference in the continued growth and sustainment of FAMU. By doing so, you will contribute to the long list of Rattler faithful who regularly sacrifice to help make our great University the best it can possibly be for current and future students for generations to come.
May we all give thanks for FAMU and the great work yet to come from all members of our University family.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rattlers!
