from left President Larry Robinson, Michael Dubose, wife, Elizabeth Dubose, and SBI Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud.(Credit: Glenn Beil)
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) added a new name to its illustrious Big Board on May 5.
FAMU Trustee Michael Dubose and his wife, Elizabeth, donated $100,000, endowed for scholarships for students in SBI, which earned them the Dubose Family plaque on the SBI Big Board.
In addressing a small gathering to mark the event, Dubose recalled the day when he and his best friend were dropped off at Gibbs Hall by his grandmother more than 40 years ago. That summer, he was among 200 freshmen competing for 50 slots in the Marching “100” Band. Even as others quit under the rigors of the tough training, Dubose stayed put and eventually rose to become a drum major while he studied business at FAMU.
“Going back home was not an option. Failure or giving up was not an option in my family,” he said. “During my time, I was pushed by professors, classmates and fraternity brothers to grow up, stand up and prepare myself for the bright future my family hoped I would have in the world.”
President of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dubose was appointed to the FAMU Board of Trustees in December 2020. He said he has seen his siblings, cousins and other relatives come to FAMU, graduate and go on to lead successful lives.
“Our family’s history runs deep here at the University. To whom much is given, much is required,” said Dubose, who called Elizabeth, his wife of 32 years, a partner and supporter in his giving. “Our family has been blessed through the years of working hard, turning challenges into success, and investing our earnings. Now we want to invest in our young Rattlers at FAMU. We believe the greatest return on our investment is to ensure the future of our young people.”
While thanking Dubose and his wife, President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said the best measure of an academic institution is what its alumni do in the world.
“It’s because of the support of people like yourself, investments by our own alum that will make the biggest difference. It tells the world that you appreciate why we put so much into you as a student. In order to sustain this institution, we must give back accordingly. And not just the money, but it’s the example that you’ve set,” Robinson told Dubose who has encouraged his employer Thermo Fisher to offer scholarships and internships to FAMU students and also supplies to establish a COVID-19 testing lab at the Viticulture Center.
SBI Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., who is also vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, said the Duboses’ gift will continue to pay dividends for years to come.
“The faculty and staff, we work very hard, at all hours, to make sure our students have awesome opportunities,” Friday-Stroud said. “Many times, they need just a little support to get over the. hump. The dollars you have donated will in perpetuity provide support to help generations of students get over the hump.”
