October 5, 2009
 |
| President James H. Ammons (left) shares a laugh with Representative Alan Williams and Trustee Member Daryl Parks (right) during the annual Founders Day Convocation. |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Students, staff, faculty, members of the community and alumni gathered at Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Lee Hall Auditorium to celebrate the legacy of the institution at the annual Founders Day Convocation.
John Haugabrook, past president of the Leon County chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association (FAMU-NAA), presided and was welcomed on stage by a plethora of outstanding guests.
Daryl Parks, FAMU alum and member of the FAMU Board of Trustees; Tommy Mitchell, alum; and Gallop Franklin II, president of the FAMU Student Government Association (SGA), delivered greetings to the audience.
The growing audience moved to the auditorium’s balcony as Andrew Lawyer, president of the Leon County Chapter of the FAMU-NAA and Leila Walker, president of the Capital City Chapter of the FAMU-NAA, participated in the rekindling of the flame.
Calvin Hayes, SGA vice president, read the Laws of Florida, Chapter 3692, No. 12. The bill gave birth to the State Normal College for Colored Students, which eventually became FAMU.
FAMU President James H. Ammons introduced the keynote speaker, Representative Alan Williams, District 8, who urged the crowd to continue to build upon FAMU’s legacy.
“FAMU has had her share of challenges and threats, but I am glad to be here to say ‘I’m so proud, I’m from FAMU!’ ” Williams said.
Williams, a third-generation Rattler, explained how FAMU was conceived in times of oppression and inequality and how students must be thankful for its original leaders. He reflected back on his times at FAMU before he was a student.
“I can remember bagging Jake Gaither’s groceries at the local Winn-Dixie,” he said. “I even had the opportunity to meet and speak with former FAMU President B.L. Perry, about the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, of which I am a member.”
Williams urged the student body to be more than just students, and to one day become active members of the alumni association.
“Always remember that whenever you need one, there will be a Rattler for you to lean one,” he said.
According to Williams, FAMU needs every one of its constituents to lean on, in order for it to continue to grow and thrive.
“Continue to keep their dream," he said. "We must continue to create opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni. We must continue so that ‘Excellence with Caring’ will forever remain standing tall and true.”
Following Williams’ address, Ammons presented him with the President’s Award.
Jeremy Monticure, a former Mr. FAMU and president of the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., awarded Ammons for his leadership at FAMU. Iman Sandifer, a representative from SGA, read a resolution in honor of a fallen Rattler, Courtney Simms, and presented a copy to James Hawkins, dean of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
The program culminated with the singing of the alma mater. Following the program was a Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of the Founders at the Eternal Flame.
- 30 -
