The Freshman Pinning Ceremony is a rite of passage like walking across “the Set” or experiencing the phenomenon that is Fried Chicken Wednesday.
The FAMU class of 2020’s Freshman Pinning Ceremony took place on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom, where hundreds of students turned out to take the Rattler Oath and begin their journey into Rattler-hood.
Keturah Burden, a first year biology education student from Fort Pierce, Fla., said she felt at home during the ceremony.
“We used to do a pinning ceremony at my high school so the process was familiar. I wanted to attend because I wanted to take the Rattler oath and become a part of something bigger than myself and be initiated into the FAMU family.”
Students were able to hear from Jaylen Smith, acting student body president, William Clemm, director of Student Activities, and William Hudson Jr., assistant vice president of Student Affairs. Hudson recalled a time many moons ago when he entered FAMU and gave students advice on how to take advantage of their time at the University.
“This is the beginning of your career at Florida A&M. when I came to FAMU, I was told it would be the best time of my life, and it was. So I never left,” he laughed. “We want the same for you. Take the values your family and loved ones instilled in you and apply it here,” he urged. “It takes work, dedication and time management but you can do it!”
As they pledged to be great, the incoming students were pinned with “I am FAMU’ pins by upperclassmen, alumni, supporters, faculty, staff, and the Royal Court. Miss FAMU Amberly Williams, a senior biology student hailing from Tallahassee, Fla., said the ceremony serves as an emblematic welcoming of a new generation of millennial FAMUans.
“During this time, new rattlers are officially welcomed and initiated into the camaraderie of excellence we call FAMUly. It is rich in symbolism and serves as a rite of passage as new rattlers learn the symbolic meaning, rich traditions, and the true meaning of exuding our institutions age-old motto of “excellence with caring,” while reaching new heights and walking into their true destined purpose,” Williams said.
Rep. Corinne Brown, Dem-Fl., and even activist Martin Luther King III, son of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr also attended the event. King addressed students in the impromptu visit and even snapped a few photos with the freshmen. King said he was in town to visit Brown and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to address incoming students on the “Hill.”
“Whenever I have an opportunity to share a message with young people, I’m always honored to do that. This is probably one of the most important times for them, there probably isn’t a more important time. These students are emerging leaders in our midst,” King said.
