FAMU Homecoming Convocation Ignites Inspiration and Rattler Pride
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M University (FAMU), in true Rattler tradition, wrapped up a spirited Homecoming Week earlier this month with its annual convocation on Oct. 17. The signature event brought together students, alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate legacy, leadership and the Rattler community. Held inside the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center , the convocation set the tone for the remaining school year with a theme of tradition, connection and pride.
The program opened with high energy and heartfelt tributes to FAMU excellence, including a moment of gratitude for members of the National Alumni Association (NAA), a network of supporters who continue to invest in the university’s mission and future.
FAMU NAA President Artisha R. Polk addresses the crowd during her first Homecoming
Convocation, inspiring students and alumni alike. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Artisha R. Polk, the 20th president of the FAMU NAA, inspired students and alumni alike.
“Scholars, one day very soon you will join the ranks of alumni, and when you do, I want you to know it’s not just about paying dues.It’s about fulfilling a promise,” Polk said. “It’s an emotional and tangible commitment to the place that taught and nurtured you. You can ensure that the students who come after you experience the same opportunities, the same support and the same love that you feel right now.”
The Marching “100” filled the air with energy and precision, kicking off Homecoming Convocation with signature Rattler pride. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Before the keynote, alumnus Franco Harris energized the crowd by sharing his now-viral definition of a five-star Rattler.“What exactly is a five-star Rattler?” he asked, before listing five attributes, as follows:
-
Get a degree from FAMU and use that degree to ascend to the highest levels of your chosen field. - While you’re at FAMU, get involved and make an impact on campus.
- You need to marry a Rattler.
- You need to send at least one child to FAMU.
- After you leave FAMU, give back financially and with your time.
Harris shared these words while introducing 2025 homecoming convocation speaker Kenneth Jones, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital.
Kenneth Jones prepares to deliver his inspiring address during the 2025 Homecoming
Convocation. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Jones took the stage to a wave of applause and delivered a keynote centered on perseverance, purpose and community. Reflecting on his journey from the Hill to the healthcare industry, he urged students to embrace FAMU’s lessons as a foundation for success and service.
“We learned grit. I’m talking about grit, courage and mental toughness for short- and long-term goals. My journey post-FAMU was not linear. In fact, my current profession wasn’t even determined until after my senior year. I entered FAMU as a biology major interested in healthcare, but I wasn’t quite sure what role I would play,” he said.
Jones’ story was a reminder that determination, resilience and an open mind are essential for navigating life’s unexpected twists.
“I graduated from FAMU in 2000 and returned to Atlanta for a year with AmeriCorps. During that time, I learned about the advanced degree in healthcare administration and decided to attend the University of Minnesota, where I received a dual master’s in healthcare administration and business administration.
Those early experiences, Jones said, provided the foundation for the lessons and values that guided his career.
“Like many of you, I looked up to mentors who paved the way. They didn’t just inspire my career—they ignited the passion and conviction that our work is not just a job but a calling that touches lives every single day.That passion led to a healthcare leadership journey that defines movement,” Jones said.
Drawing from his experiences, Jones emphasized that leadership requires courage, adaptability and stepping outside your comfort zone.
“Each leadership opportunity required taking risks and stretching myself;a willingness to be uncomfortable. It wasn’t always smooth. If you plotted my career path, it would be less of a straight line and more like a winding road. The secret to navigating that winding road wasn’t individual brilliance; it was collective strength and mastering a crucial leadership skill: resilience,” Jones said.
His reflections on perseverance underscored the ceremony’s celebration of FAMU’s enduring spirit and the inspiration it provides students and alumni alike.
President Marva Johnson and keynote speaker Kenneth Jones celebrate a successful Homecoming
Convocation honoring FAMU’s legacy of leadership and excellence. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
President Marva Johnson, J.D., followed the celebration by sharing a moment of gratitude with the faculty and staff.
“You are the lifeline of this institution,” Johnson said. “Thank you for being the bright light that lets us know what our students can strive to become after four years here at FAMU. Because we all know, you can get anywhere from FAMU.”
The gathering was more than a tradition, serving as a moment of remembrance, celebration and empowerment, honoring 138 years of FAMU’s legacy while motivating students to carry forward the spirit of leadership and service.
“Who are we? We are Rattlers. Rattlers move with ease in any situation they face. They move with intention. Rattlers demand respect wherever they go. Their actions and reputations show them as both ferocious and strong. Rattlers are always prepared and ready to strike,” said Chair Deveron Gibbons, J.D., during the closing minutes.
As the sea of Rattlers in orange and green exited the Lawson Center, the sense of unity and pride was unmistakable.The homecoming convocation served as both a tribute to FAMU’s legacy and a reminder of the lifelong bonds that make being a Rattler truly five-star.
The view from this year’s Homecoming Convocation — a celebration of excellence and
tradition. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
