FAMU Honors 2026 Class of 40 Under 40 Alumni
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University honored 40 alumni during its 2026 FAMU 40 Under 40 Awards Gala on Oct. 22, celebrating emerging leaders whose professional achievements and community contributions reflect the university's legacy of excellence and service.
Held at Jake Gaither Gymnasium during FAMU's “There's No Place Like The Hill” homecoming week, the event brought together honorees, university leaders, families and supporters to recognize alumni making an impact across industries.
Guests applaud during FAMU’s 2026 40 Under 40 Awards Gala on Oct. 22 at Jake Gaither
Gymnasium. The Homecoming celebration brought together honorees, families and supporters
to recognize alumni achievement, leadership and service.
Presented by the Office of Communications in partnership with the Office of University Advancement, the annual program recognizes young alumni who demonstrate leadership, innovation and a commitment to their communities.
FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., congratulated the honorees and encouraged them to continue creating opportunities for future generations.
“You lead companies, classrooms, and communities,” Johnson said, acknowledging alumni working in a variety of sectors such as business, health care, law, engineering, education, the arts and public service.
FAMU’s 2026 40 Under 40 Awards Gala recognized alumni for their professional achievements
and community contributions.Johnson emphasized the university's mission of expanding educational opportunities and encouraged honorees to remain engaged through mentorship and continued support for students.
“Our purpose is to open doors,” she said. “Share your stories with them so that they see the world of possibility.”
Among the honorees was Brandon A. Moton, DrPH, division director and associate professor in FAMU's School of Allied Health Sciences, who credited the university with shaping his professional journey as both a graduate student and faculty member.
“The culture of this institution has really changed the trajectory of my life,” Moton said.
He also encouraged students to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
“Never give up, never stop trying, always put your best foot forward,” Moton said. “Put your head down, do your work, everything else will follow.”
Fellow honoree Faith Lynette Lowe, Esq., a two-time FAMU graduate and vice president of public affairs at Assemble the Agency, reflected on how her education prepared her for a career in public service and national leadership.
A graduate of FAMU's College of Law, Lowe previously served as an engagement adviser to then-Vice President Kamala Harris and held national security roles with the White House National Security Council and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She also served as the first deputy assistant national cyber director for stakeholder engagement.
“Florida A&M University taught me not only how to walk on the Set with confidence, but how to walk into any room, from the boardroom to the Oval Office, knowing I belonged,” Lowe said. “The FAMU College of Law sharpened my voice, strengthened my conviction, and prepared me to earn a seat at the table and help shape the decisions made around it.”
Attendees capture a celebratory selfie during FAMU’s 2026 40 Under 40 Awards Gala.Lowe described the recognition as a reminder of her responsibility to give back to the institution that helped shape her career.
“It's a reminder that I'm still indebted to the institution that has given me so much,” she said.
For Booker T. Gainor IV, city manager of Cairo, Ga., the recognition represented a meaningful connection to the university that prepared him for leadership.
He credited FAMU's School of Business and Industry with providing the foundation for his career in municipal government.
“What I learned on the Hill gave me the confidence to go back to my community and lead,” Gainor said.
Booker T. Gainor IV, city manager of Cairo, Georgia, attends FAMU’s 2026 40 Under
40 Awards Gala. Gainor was recognized for his leadership and service in municipal
government.
He also encouraged students to embrace opportunities and remain determined in pursuing their ambitions.
“Continue to strike, strike, and strike again until the opportunity comes into fruition,” he said.
The celebration also honored Christopher LaBoo, a senior project manager at NextEra Energy, whose family praised his dedication and continued involvement with FAMU.
His his sister, Alexus Few, described him as a source of motivation.
“He's always been a role model for me,” Few said.
Few, who also attended FAMU's School of Business and Industry (SBI), recalled the respect her brother earned from professors and fellow students. She highlighted his continued involvement with the university through events and recruitment opportunities.
Honoree Terry Waters, managing director of Axiom Advisory, also supported the celebration through his firm.
A Gold Sponsorship Award recognizes Axiom Advisory LLC for supporting FAMU’s 2026
40 Under 40 Awards Gala.A 2015 SBI graduate, shared his appreciation for the university.
“The University gave me so much during my time as a student, so I felt it was imperative to make a meaningful contribution,” said Waters, whose firm Axiom Advisory was an event sponsor.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing emerging leaders while creating opportunities for professional networking, mentorship and collaboration.
“It is important to lift as we climb,” Waters said.
Additional sponsors included PapaTui, a men’s care brand founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the FAMU National Alumni Association.
A 2026 FAMU 40 Under 40 honoree celebrates with supporters during the Oct. 22 awards
gala at Jake Gaither Gymnasium. PapaTui was among the sponsors supporting the recognition
of alumni excellence, leadership and service.
The program featured an invocation by Keith Shannon, chaplain for the FAMU National Alumni Association, remarks from representatives of University Advancement and Artisha R. Polk, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association.
Musical performances included the FAMU Jazz Combo, theater major Samuel King and 2026 Florida Gospel Music award winner Omega Forbes. Adam Ramgeet, marketing manager, recognized the event sponsors, while Alonda Thomas, Ph.D., FAMU's vice president and chief marketing and communications officer, delivered closing remarks.
Throughout the celebration, honorees reflected on the opportunities FAMU provided and the importance of supporting future generations.
Attendees share an embrace during FAMU’s 2026 40 Under 40 Awards Gala. The Homecoming
celebration recognized alumni for professional achievement, leadership and community
service.(All Photos by Jeff Adams)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
