FAMU President Robinson Attends Inaugural HBCU SALA Series Event

April 08, 2024
Christina Compere Minor
President Robinson joins Peter Farnsworth (far left) and others at SALA Series event in New York City.
President Robinson joins Peter Farnsworth (far left) and others at SALA Series event in New York City.

The SALA Series partnered with Florida A&M University (FAMU) for its inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) dinner in New York City.  

SALA Series is a membership-based community that brings top executives from various companies together to learn more about the needs of colleges and universities. This exclusive event was the first to bring awareness to the funding needed at HBCUs.  

“SALA is a modern-day version of salon gatherings that was originated in Europe to bring together businesspeople to forge new relationships and friendships to support important causes in society,” said Peter Farnsworth, founder of SALA Series and founder and CEO of Foxrock Partners, a boutique business development firm based in New York.

“We birthed the SALA Series in 2019, and now we host about 150 events per year, which include 100 virtual and 50 in-person events,” Farnsworth added. “So, this celebratory platform, or dinner series, for HBCUs is exciting to start with Florida A&M to continue to bring senior level administrators who may not be able to come visit their campuses.”  

Advancement Staff at SALA event

President Robinson with Vice President Shawnta Friday-Stroud and Division of University Advancement staff and alumni.

 

In his welcome remarks, President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., mentioned the importance for all executives, alumni, and friends to give back to HBCUs because of their lack of non-discretionary funding, and to increase endowments. 

“There is no rainy-day fund for most HBCUs,” said Robinson. “A lot of other institutions have seen a billion dollars in endowments while most HBCUs are sitting at millions or less.” 

The invitation-only event was hosted at a New York City penthouse and included celebrity guests and panelists: Marcelia Freeman, senior vice president of Investor Relations and Product Management for Clearlake Capital Group, and member of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors; Taylor Rooks, On-Air Talent, Bleacher Report and Thursday Night Football (Amazon Prime); TJ Rose, Partner with Veritas Capital, and member of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors; and moderator, Monica McNutt, On-Air Talent, ESPN and Co-Host, SALA Series Podcast. 

President Robinson and Actor Malik Yoba at the SALA Series event.

President Robinson and Actor Malik Yoba at the SALA Series event.

 

There was also a special guest appearance by actor Malik Yoba, known for his starring role in “New York Undercover” television series and as Yul Brenner in the movie “Cool Runnings.”

The panel discussion topic: “Being Seen, Building Community and Celebrating HBCUs,” ignited the event attendees and provoked conversation between executives on ways to help FAMU and all HBCUs that will be experiencing the dinner series this year.  

FAMU Division of University Advancement staff helped to coordinate the event by bringing together major donors and FAMU alumni to the inaugural dinner series. 

“Our partnership started with SALA last year. Their commitment to all HBCUs in conjunction with FAMU Foundation Board Member Scott Uzzell is great. They are bringing more awareness and funding to HBCUs,” said Kimberly Hankerson, assistant vice president in the Division of University Advancement. “We’re grateful for this partnership.”