FAMU Honors Legacy with Vibrant Founders Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Amid tradition, reflection, and community pride, Florida A&M University (FAMU) honors its history while inspiring the next generation of Rattlers.
Against the backdrop of Coleman Library, FAMU marked its 138th year with a powerful display of tradition and pride during the annual Founders Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame on Wednesday morning.
A commemorative wreath rests at the Eternal Flame in honor of Florida A&M University’s
Founders Day. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Students in their college polos, gathered on the university quad next to faculty and alumni proudly wearing Rattler colors of orange and green. As the wreath was carefully placed at the Eternal Flame by Mister and Miss FAMU, a hush fell over the crowd — followed by a wave of applause that echoed the community’s shared gratitude for the visionaries who founded the university in 1887.
President Marva Johnson reflected on that history, reminding attendees of the humble beginnings that blossomed into a world-renowned institution.
“What was created 138 years ago planted a seed of hope that has blossomed into a legacy of opportunity,” Johnson said. “It started humbly, with just 15 students and two professors. Yet even with this modest beginning, there was a bold vision — to cultivate knowledge, dignity and purpose. From those first steps, FAMU has grown into a powerhouse of education, research, culture and service. That same vision that carried us forward then must continue to propel us today.”
Mister and Miss FAMU carry the Founders Day wreath to the Eternal Flame in honor of
the University’s legacy.(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
The wreath, adorned with lush greenery and bright florals, stood tall against the Eternal Flame’s steady radiance — a striking symbol of the balance between remembrance and renewal.
Mister FAMU, Miles Howard, also reflected on what it means to stand in the university’s legacy.
“It’s surreal. Glory to God. I’m thankful just to be able to be part of this legacy here at FAMU, and I want to continue to touch lives and be a light,” Howard said.
For Miss FAMU, Edwina Fleuridor, the ceremony was more than tradition — it was a reminder that resilience is at the heart of the FAMU legacy. Fleuridor, shared her heartfelt reflection:
“Yes, I’m very blessed and highly favored to be here. Let’s start there. I also feel like my story of resilience is something that will resonate with a lot of students, and I hope my story will inspire others to never take losses as failures but as lessons. That’s always the goal. I just want people to never give up. Life is hard, so just dust it off and pick it up.”
Among those students in attendance was Jaleal Williams, a fourth-year psychology major and sociology minor from Shreveport, Louisiana, who described the ceremony as both personal and inspiring.
“Founders Day is like a wake-up call — it reminds me that HBCUs hit on some intense, key points,” Williams said. “I wake up and see the Eternal Flame, knowing it’s never going to burn out. Walking around campus, seeing the rich culture and the history — it feels great to be part of a dynasty like this.”
This year’s ceremony featured a powerful and memorable moment presented by the university’s talented FAMU Essential Theatre students, whose unwavering dedication to artistic excellence continues to inspire campus life and enrich the cultural legacy of the institution. Their heartfelt performance of the Recommitment Reading brought a unique blend of creativity and reverence to the day’s tribute. Through their voices, they paid homage to the university leaders who paved the way for FAMU’s success — including Gibbs, Tucker, Howard, Lee, Gary, Gore, Perry, Smith, Humphries, Gainous, Ammons, Mangum, Robinson — and now proudly adding Johnson to that distinguished legacy.
FAMU Essential Theatre performs a special reading in honor of Founders Day. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
The wreath-laying is a signature tradition of Founders Day, a moment that connects generations of Rattlers. This ceremony, along with the anticipation for this year’s Homecoming events, highlights FAMU’s proud legacy as one of the nation’s premier historically Black colleges and universities.
As the sun rose higher above the quad and the ceremony drew to a close, the Eternal Flame continued to burn brightly — a powerful reminder that the legacy of Florida A&M University is alive, vibrant and unstoppable.
A new day rises over FAMU’s campus as the University commemorates Founders Day. (Photo
by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
