This October, Florida A&M University (FAMU) will kick off its celebration of 130 years of providing “Excellence With Caring” to scholars and communities around the globe.
FAMU will host a masquerade-themed gala at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m., during Homecoming week. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The formal event will feature entertainment from popular performance group, Tallahassee Nights Live, and serve as a community fundraiser to support need-based scholarships for FAMU students.
“This is an exciting time for FAMU,” said Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We have another opportunity to pay homage to FAMU’s legacy of providing affordable educational pathways that have a positive impact on the economic reality of countless families and communities. We also look forward to coming together to show our students that we support them and are committed to their success.”
While FAMU scholars represent some of the best and brightest in the country, approximately 65 percent of its undergraduate students are considered Pell Grant eligible. This often translates into many enrolled students facing limited financial resources and thus working full-time and part-time, which can impede student progress. The goal of the gala is to help eliminate these obstacles for as many students as possible and shorten their time to obtaining a college degree.
“We are inviting our alumni, faculty and staff, community supporters and business partners to help us celebrate FAMU’s impact by investing in our students through ticket purchases or becoming event sponsors,” said Kathy Y. Times, Executive Associate Director of Communications. “Homecoming brings in thousands of Rattlers and supporters from around the nation each year. We thought it was the perfect opportunity to rally support for our students, while bringing the community together to experience FAMU with an evening of live entertainment and great food.”
Now through Aug. 31, individual tickets are available for a discounted rate of $100. After Aug. 31, tickets will be sold at $130 and can be purchased at www.FAMU.edu/130 or via Ticket Master. Tickets may also be purchased at the University box office, located at 1800 Wahnish Way, Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.
Sponsorship packages range from $1,500 to $25,000 and are available by emailing communications@famu.edu or calling 850-599-3413.
The full schedule of events for Homecoming week will be unveiled later this month.
