FAMU Commencement Speaker, Eli Lilly Executive Adrienne Brown, Tells Grads: 'Try the Hard Things'
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — Florida A&M University kicked off its Spring 2025 commencement weekend on Friday, May 2, with the first of three ceremonies in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center. The celebration set the tone for a weekend filled with caps flying, laughter and crying. This spring’s graduating class includes more than 1,344 graduates—a notable increase from 1,217 in Spring 2024 and 718 in Fall 2024.
The energy was electric as students from the College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, and School of the Environment were each recognized for reaching a defining moment in their academic journey.
A Commanding Keynote from Adrienne S. Brown
The evening featured keynote speaker Adrienne S. Brown, a proud FAMU alumna, and current group vice president and head of corporate business development at Eli Lilly and Company. Brown, who holds an MBA from FAMU, moved graduates with a message grounded in grit, grace and global ambition.
FAMU Alumna and Eli Lilly Executive Adrienne Brown
“Your FAMU degree is not just a credential; it’s a compass,” she said. “Let it guide you to places you've never imagined, and remember, the world needs your unique voice and vision.”
She told the graduates that she was recruited from FAMU by Eli Lilly. Brown recounted her rise from sales and marketing to executive leadership, reminding the Class of 2025 that their education and experiences at FAMU are a launching pad—not a limit.
“I have enjoyed a very long career of bringing life-changing medicines to people around the world,” she said.
Brown shared how humbled and honored she was to stand in front of the next generation of leaders, innovators and trailblazers. She recalled being in the same seat, feeling the same excitement and the same uncertainty.
“I would have never predicted that my journey would bring me back here today,” she said.
The executive expressed that she had no idea of the places she would go, the things she would achieve or the impact she would have.
“And at the same time, I didn’t know how steep the mountains I would climb would be. I didn’t know the wind would knock me down and I would have to find the courage to get back up again and again,” Brown said.
She explained that what she did not know then but recognizes now is that life does not move in a straight line.
“It doesn’t follow our plan,” she stressed.
Warning graduates of the mix-bag life brings, Brown told them they would experience the rush of success and also the sting of failure.
She encouraged them to embrace their individual paths with the courage to step into a future they cannot yet see.
“So, as you prepare to take this next step, I like to leave you with a few lessons that I’ve learned on my journey,” she said.
Brown recommended that graduates try the hard things before sharing her experience of moving to Japan to run a company with 800 employees. Although hesitant at first, she accepted the challenge and came out successful, despite obstacles and stumbling blocks.
“Rattlers, when you enter this next chapter, you too will be faced with decisions to take on what may feel impossible or to play it safe. You too will be tested. In those moments, I want you to remember that you were built to do the hard things,” she urged.
Interim President Beard’s Reflections on Purpose and Progress
FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., delivered remarks centered on persistence and the enduring mission of the university. He praised the graduates for their resilience and growth, acknowledging the historic significance of this year’s increasing graduate numbers.
“It is an honor to stand before you today as your interim president on this remarkable occasion. Looking at you, I’m reminded of my time in your seat—filled with excitement and anticipation. I remember being eager to move beyond the exams, the assignments, the sleepless nights… but also feeling a bit nervous,” said Beard. “What would come next? Being a college student offered structure and routine, and now, I was stepping into an unpredictable world of responsibilities, bills, and new challenges. But looking back now, I can say this with certainty—your best days are ahead of you.”
FAMU Keynote Adrienne Brown and Interim President Timothy Beard, Ph.D. before the
Friday, May 2, commencement ceremony.
Beard reminded graduates, "We’ve got a lot to BRAGG about.” He informed them that
they were graduating at a pivotal moment in history from one of the most esteemed
institutions in the nation. He thanked the grads, faculty, staff and administrators
for their dedication and unwavering commitment, which has helped FAMU ascend to No.
81 on the U.S. News & World Report list of Top 100 universities.
“That places us in the top 4% of higher education institutions in the country,” Beard shared.
He also pointed out that FAMU is ranked No. 20 in Social Mobility, a distinction highlighting how the university empowers graduates to change their lives financially.
“Graduates, that means that with your FAMU degree, you can confidently secure the bag in your chosen careers. You took the time to learn; now it’s time for you to earn so that you can return to pay it forward one day,” he said.
Beard also addressed broader university goals, touching on student retention, the push for higher graduation rates, and FAMU's role in preparing leaders for the 21st century.
Student Leadership in Action: SGA President Loryn May Inspires Peers
Student Government Association (SGA) President Loryn May addressed the Class of 2025 with a message of encouragement and collective pride. Though not a graduating senior, May commended the resilience and determination of this year’s graduates.
“You’ve shown us what it means to push forward in faith and in purpose,” May said. “Your journey proves that Rattlers don’t just survive—we strike, we soar, and we set the standard.”
Graduates could not help but smile as they relish in the joy of the occassion.
May challenged graduates to remain connected to their roots and to use their degrees as tools for transformation—not just for themselves, but for their communities.
“As you walk into new spaces, walk boldly,” she said. “Because when one Rattler rises, we all rise.”
Her address was met with enthusiastic applause, marking a moment of unity between FAMU’s current leadership and its newest alumni.
A Family Affair: Honoring the Parents Behind the Success
Behind every beaming graduate stood a proud parent, grandparent, guardian, or mentor in the crowd—many of whom sacrificed sleep, finances, and time to support their scholar’s journey.
Several members of the Bellamy family sport shirts with their graduates face on the
front.
“We are very proud and excited for her next chapter. She is going to grad school at the University of North Florida, majoring in public health administration,” said Loretha Bellamy, the mother of FAMU graduate Ladaja Bellamy.
Throughout the evening, parents and loved ones were seen cheering from the stands, waving handmade signs, and holding back tears of joy as their loved ones crossed the stage. Others gathered for emotional FaceTime calls with relatives who could not attend, sharing the excitement from afar. The ceremony was not just a celebration for the graduates but for everyone who played a part in their matriculation.
One graduate appears emotional as he is hooded at FAMU's spring 2025 commencement.
Graduate Spotlight: Ladarius Gammage
Among the graduates taking the stage was Ladarius Gammage, who completed his Doctorate of Public Health with a focus on behavioral sciences in health education. Reflecting on the significance of the day, he shared his excitement and determination for the future.
“Finally reaching this moment feels like a major milestone,” Gammage said. “I’m ready to go anywhere in the world. FAMU has prepared me to do just that. I feel confident in my skills and capabilities, knowing the world needs people like us to make a difference.”
Gammage said he is determined to impact public health, specifically focusing on becoming a health counselor for youth and young adults.
“People like us need support now more than ever, and I want to be the one to help,” he said.
What’s Next:
Florida A&M University’s Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies continue on Saturday, May 3, with two distinguished keynote speakers.
At 9 a.m. ET, acclaimed businessman and FAMU alumnus Bernard W. Kinsey, co-founder of the renowned Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, will deliver the keynote address.
Miss FAMU Kailyn Jada Thompson shares a proud moment with Interim President Timothy
Beard, Ph.D., as she transitions from undergraduate to alumna.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
