Florida A&M University receives $125,000 gift from Indelible Solutions at SBI Forum Series
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., accepted a $125,000 gift from Indelible Solutions, a leading management consulting firm committed to fostering economic growth and professional development. The check was presented by Indelible Solutions Chairman Jerome Byers during the School of Business and Industry (SBI) Forum Series—an investment that speaks volumes about their commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders.
"Today, we witness the power of giving and the impact of investing in our students. Indelible Solutions has not just made a donation—they have made a statement. A statement that says, ‘We believe in the brilliance, the promise, and the future of FAMU students,’” said Beard. “Our Indelible Solutions family has set a shining example of what it means to uplift and empower. We are grateful for their partnership, generosity, and steadfast belief in paying it forward.”
Michael White speaking at FAMU's SBI forum.
FAMU alums and co-founders of Indelible Solutions, Michael White (‘13) and Joshua Hay (‘11), returned to their alma mater to participate in the SBI Forum Series, alongside Chief Strategy Officer Jose Alfaro. The event, held in Lee Hall Auditorium, brought together industry leaders and aspiring business professionals for a discussion on the evolving business landscape.
In the room packed wall-to-wall with business majors, the trio shared hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and the evolving landscape of business in the digital age. The panelists emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, and community investment, inspiring students to embrace hard work and seize opportunities for success.
“I’m going to give it you straight no chaser,” said White, who also serves on FAMU’s Board of Trustees. “Don’t think about work-life balance right now. That’s just impossible. You all are heading into your career. You all are young. You are expected to put your head down and become a student of the client and a student of the firm you’ll be working for.”
Alfaro warned students that learning does not end with a degree. “If you do not stay ahead. You will get left behind. When you go in the market, you’re going to be up against people who will try to have an edge on you. It does not matter if you work in government or the private sector. Be a student of yourself. Understand your good spots and how to improve them,” he said.
Joshua Hay talks about his journey from FAMU to successful entrepreneur.
Students listened closely to a discussion that was more than just the business leaders’ rise to success—from burgeoning entrepreneurs to leading a professional services firm that operates in 23 states—within six years. It was also about lessons learned along the way.
For Hay, being back on campus was a full-circle moment because he was able to “give back to the students through my experiences as a student and as a business leader.”
He also stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and hurdling the obstacles of entrepreneurship.
“Overcoming the infrastructure challenge was one, but we mitigated that through our strategic alliances. I think the other aspect of it was really not having a defined strategy because we were just responding to an opportunity. When we got maybe a year or so into the business, we're like, ‘Hey, if we want to make this sustainable, we have to be more deliberate with what we want to do,” Hay said.
In closing, Beard addressed the audience telling them that they represent what FAMUly is all about. “We have a saying, ‘You can get anywhere from here.’ Certainly, our alumni really are indicative of that statement. Trustee White along with his colleagues are changing the world. We said to you, ‘If you come here, we’ll change you and you’ll change the world.’ So, I thank you for being here today.”
The president then presented Byers with a plaque of excellence that acknowledged the organizations outstanding support and contributions to the university.
FAMU Interim President Beard presents Jerome Byers with an award for his contributions
to the University.
After the panel, students gathered in the lobby to continue the conversation. White, Hay and Alfaro graciously answered all questions.
When it came to the donation, White described it as a blessing. “There’s a scripture that goes it’s better to give than to receive. I’ve received so much from FAMU and being able to give back is something that I live by. It’s one of my creeds. I really enjoy speaking with the students as well.
Byers, a financial services veteran with an impressive career – including serving as president for Citibank’s 500 branch West Region and regional resident of Wells Fargo – underscored FAMU’s role in talent development characterized FAMU’s talent as a natural resource pipeline over the duration of his professional career.
Jerome Byers talks about the differences in culture and corporate culture during FAMU's
SBI forum.
“I have recruited students from FAMU for over 30 years from three different companies,
including here at Indelible. As I said before, we view Florida A&M as a natural resource
for the best and brightest talent. Florida A&M has a knack for developings students
and preparing them to become future business leaders, as SBI did with Mike and Josh.
It's the reason we continue to give back as stakeholders; because we want to experience
even better success stories than Indelible in the future.” he said.
This latest contribution brings Indelible Solutions’ total financial support to FAMU to $250,000 over the past four years. Their investment is intended to bolster student scholarships, professional development programs, and entrepreneurial initiatives, ensuring that FAMU students have the resources needed to thrive in competitive industries.
About Indelible Solutions
Indelible Solutions is a dynamic consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory, financial management, and business transformation services. With a commitment to community impact and professional excellence, Indelible Solutions partners with organizations to drive meaningful change and foster long-term success.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
rachel.jamesterry@FAMU.edu
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