FAMU Celebrates its 137th Anniversary with Wreath Laying Ceremony

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) community gathered together to celebrate Founder Day and 137 years of “Excellence with Caring” during a wreath laying ceremony at the eternal flame.

Student Government Association President Loryn May served as mistress of ceremonies, and SGA Vice President Dakarai Williams welcomed the audience of students, alumni, faculty and staff. He described what it means to be a part of the FAMU legacy. 

“I stand before you today as someone whose life has been shaped and inspired by this incredible institution. It was here amidst history and tradition that I found a second home,” said Williams. “Today is not just about reflecting on our rich history, it is about acknowledging how far we’ve come and recognizing the commitment to push forward and to be greater.”

FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. was joined by three former university presidents to lay a wreath of orange and green flowers in front of the eternal flame: Larry Robinson, Ph.D. (2017-2024), Fred Gainous, Ph. D. (2002-2004), and Henry Lewis, Ph.D. (2002).

Next, the audience was serenaded by students from the FAMU Essential Theatre, who presented a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem interspersed with reflections from FAMU’s storied history. 

FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., offers closing remarks at the 2024 Founders Day Wreath Laying Ceremony.

In closing, President Beard thanked the faculty and staff while acknowledging the institution’s position as a top 4 percent academic leader among all public universities. FAMU rose 10 spots to No. 81 on the US News and World Report list of Top Public Schools, which Beard described as a testament to the blood, sweat and tears of those who paved the way before us. 

“Looking forward, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. FAMU continues to be a leader in research and innovation, preparing the next generation to tackle the pressing issues of our time,” said Beard. “Together, we can ensure that the spirit of FAMU lives on, inspiring future scholars and leaders to dream big and achieve greatness.”

 

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