Three current Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) College of Law students are the proud recipients of the Rattler for Justice Scholarships. The students will receive full-tuition scholarships ($15,000) for their last year of law school beginning in August of 2020.

“FAMU Law is filled with bright, talented and committed students who are eager to make a positive difference serving their communities,” said FAMU Law Interim Dean Nicky Boothe Perry. “We applaud the efforts of this year’s Rattler for Justice Scholarship recipients for going above and beyond to exemplify the characteristics of true advocates for social justice.”

The students submitted essays explaining what being a Rattler for Justice means to them. Below are brief excerpts of those essays and names of the scholarship recipients.

Michael Ihe, Piscataway, New Jersey

“Being a Rattler for Justice means using your skills, talents, and what you have learned as a result of the unparalleled education we receive at FAMU, as well as our individual, lived experiences, to promote justice and positive growth. These traits align with my character as someone who acknowledges adversities in the world and challenges the status quo to advocate for change.”

Elliot Jackson, Charlotte, North Carolina

“It is axiomatic that a person who is passionate about identifying key equitable problems within the community and courageously attacks, attacks, and attacks the problems until they are finally solved – is a Rattler for Justice.”

Asia Evans, Buffalo, New York

“A “Rattler for Justice” is not only an advocate, she shall exude excellence with caring for her community. A “Rattler for Justice” not only understands, but leads a life devoted to serving and uplifting her community.”

For more information about the FAMU College of Law, please visit law.famu.edu.

Photo:FAMU Law student Michael Ihe, FAMU Law student Elliot Jackson, FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., FAMU Law student Asia Evans, and FAMU Law Interim Dean Nicky Boothe Perry

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FAMU SGA President Appointed to Chamber Board

Rochard Moricette, Student Government Association president for Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a fourth-year agribusiness student in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, has been appointed a student representative to the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. 

As a student representative for the Chamber, Moricette will work to create awareness of professional opportunities available to FAMU students and within Tallahassee’s business community.

FAMU-FSU Engineering Faculty Appointed as Chair

Lisa Spainhour, Ph.D., P.E., has recently been appointed chair of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). Spainhour has served as interim chair for the past two years.

CEE has 25 tenured faculty across the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses, as well as three professors emeritus and six professional staff members.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is FAMU’s Fall Commencement Speaker

A Tallahassee native, who is the first African-American and womanto lead the Library of Congress will be the FAMU Fall 2019 Commencement speaker.

Carla Hayden, Ph.D., 14th Librarian of Congress, will serve as speaker for both the Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 commencement ceremonies at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, 1800 Wahnish Way.

President to Host Annual Holiday Toy Drive Event

President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., will host the President’s Holiday Toy Drive celebration on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 at the President’s House (1810 S. Adams Street) from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

The FAMU and Tallahassee communities are invited to attend the event and celebrate the holiday season, while donating new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages. Advance donations are being accepted in FAMU’s Office of Communications, located in Lee Hall at 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 200.

The post Happening on the “Hill” – SGA President Appointed to Board appeared first on FAMU Forward.

The number of alumni donors who stood up when recognized. More than 150 graduates stood to demonstrate they had already made donations either in cash or online to their alma mater.

The number of students who stood for finishing in four years or less. The four-year-graduation rate is a key Performance Funding metric for the Florida Board of Governors.

Keynote Speaker Carla Hayden, Ph.D., walking the line and greeting student graduates, including Demetria Bridgett and her daughter, Tashanti Bridgett. Both graduated with honors.

Hayden recognizing her former babysitter, Faye Green Daniels, and her husband Booker, and her mother Colleen Hayden, in the audience.

Rattler starting quarterback MEAC offensive player of the year Ryan Stanley being recognized by President Robinson.

The ROTC Commissioning ceremony. Seven new officers, six male and one female, were commissioned Saturday morning.

Marching “100” first female drum major Cori Bostic getting her journalism degree in front of a row full of siblings, parents, and grandparents. Bostic is headed to medical school.

Former SGA President David Jackson III receiving the Student Leadership Award.

The Rattler Charge and President Robinson’s quip on Saturday, “It’s on Larry.”

The rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by a duet from the Concert Choir on Saturday. 

The post Top 10 Fall 2019 Commencement Highlights appeared first on FAMU Forward.

One-Stop-Shop

You can access 10 top student services in one location at the Grand Ballroom from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 8, 2020. Remember to bring your Rattler card. Talk to customer service representatives from the following areas:

• Academic Advising
• Admission
• Financial Aid
• Financial Literacy
• Help Desk/iRattler
• Parking Services
• Registrar’s Office
• Student Accounts
• Student Health Services
• Transfer Student Services

Business and Auxiliary Services

Access the following services in one convenient location, the Student Services Center.

• Food Court (featuring Wingstop and Tropical Smoothie Café)
• Business Center
• Laundry Services
• Rattler Card Office
• Bookstore

Counseling Services

Balancing school and University life can be challenging. See the services below to help you live your best life.

• Individual Counseling
• Couples Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Psychiatric Consultation
• Crisis/Emergency Intervention
• QPR Suicide Prevention Training
• WellTrack Interactive Self-Help Therapy
• Workshops

You can contact the Office of Counseling Services at: (850) 599-3145 or counseling@famu.edu.

Student Health Services

FAMU Student Health Services provides primary care and health promotion services including:

• Prescriptions
• Immunizations
• Self-Care Education
• Medication Review and Monitoring
• Consultations
• Classroom and Residence Hall Presentations

You can contact them or schedule an appointment at (850) 599-3777.

Self-Care Services

The FAMU Rattler’s Edge Hair Salon provides the following services:

• Hair Care
• Hair Extensions
• Haircuts
• Brows
• Eyelash Extensions
• Waxing

You may book appointments at RattlersEdge.com.

The post Student Services to Help You Live Your Best Life appeared first on FAMU Forward.

Wednesday, Feb 12 at 7 p.m.
Minorities in America: This Is Us
Grand Ballroom

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion in collaboration with the Beta Psi Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. and the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. present Minorities in America: This is Us; a dialogue navigating people of color in today’s geo-political climate.

Thursday, February 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Black History Month Townhall
Lee Hall Auditorium

This year’s Black History Month Town Hall will feature Tiffany Loftin, NAACP National Director, Youth and College Division; City of Tallahassee Commissioner Curtis Richardson and history professors Kimberly Brown Pellum, Ph.D., John Warford, Ph.D., and Darius Young, Ph.D. The event will be moderated by Carmen Cummings Martin, AVP University Engagement/Alumni Affairs. 

This year’s theme is African Americans and the Vote.

Wednesday, February 19 at 5 p.m.
Remembering Virgil Hawkins
FAMU College of Law Room 249

The program will feature discussion and video about the life of Virgil Hawkins and how he was instrumental in the creation of the FAMU College of Law. Online exhibits from the Law Library institutional repository, Scholarly Commons at http://commons.law.famu.edu, will be featured; including an online exhibit about the life of Virgil Hawkins, with examples from the books in the original FAMU Law Library when it was located in Tallahassee.

Students RSVP at the Library TWEN page. Faculty and Staff send email to Yolanda.Jones@FAMU.edu to RSVP.

Saturday, February 22; 2 to 10 p.m.
Harambee FestivalCascades Park

Get ready! It’s time for the FAMU Harambee Festival. Mapy, also known as The Violin Queen, headlines the entertainment. Alumnus and saxophonist BK Jackson, just off of his performance with Trombone Shorty during the Grammy Awards show, will also perform. Come and enjoy the food and vendors from across the region and much more as we continue to “Inspire Unity in The Community” at the festival. Make your plans to attend. For more information, call (850) 599-3413.

Wednesday, February 26 at Noon
Celebration of Black History Month
Al Lawson Multipurpose Center

Speaker: Hon. Andrew L. Dixon, III

Sponsored by: FAMU College of Education, Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation; College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; Department of History and Political Science; ADA-USA and the Office of International Education and Development

Please contact Maria Okeke, Ph.D. at (850) 561-2773 for additional information.

Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.
A Night at BirdlandFoster-Tanner Band Rehearsal Hall

The event will feature the FAMU Jazz Ensemble performing instrumental and vocal music from great artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie among others, who performed at the Birdland Jazz Club. The Band Rehearsal Hall will be transformed into a likeness of Birdland and performances will include a special guest MC, monologues, poetry, fashion show and dancers in addition to the music played by the Jazz Ensemble. This event is a collaboration between the Department of Music and the Theatre Department. Audience members are encouraged to dress in 1940’s attire in order to create an authentic atmosphere. The event will be recorded by FAMU TV 20 for future broadcast. Purchase tickets at: https://my.famu.edu/event/birdland.

The post FAMU 2020 Black History Month Events appeared first on FAMU Forward.

FAMU National Alumni Association
Thursday, February 6, 2020

8:00 a.m. Registration | Welcome | Opening Session
Florida A&M Faculty Club House

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Shuttle Departs to CapitolFAMU Colleges/Division Exhibits
2nd and 3rd Floor Rotunda Capitol

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Legislative Visits | Committee Meetings | Chamber Observation

9:00 a.m. | Senate Appropriations Committee | Rm 412 Knott
Noon | House Education Committee | Room 212 Knott

1:30 p.m. | Senate in Session | Senate Chamber

Refreshments will be available in Room 221 Senate Office Building.

11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch | Old Capitol Senate Room

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Florida House Chamber Tour/Mock Session

If you do not have a legislative meeting scheduled, please attend one of the committee meetings listed above or visit the Senate Chamber while in session.

The post FAMU Day at the Capitol Schedule appeared first on FAMU Forward.

From the First Lady’s “Sound the Alarm” WHM event to a FAMU Women Faculty Showcase, FAMU’s celebration of Women History Month has events for students, faculty/staff, alumni and the surrounding communities.

Wednesday, March 4 at 12:15 p.m.
ARTalks: A Discussion with an Alum
Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Building, Room 107 West

FAMU alumna Jaymee Smith will discuss her current role as interim graphics manager at the Florida Lottery and career path after graduating from FAMU.

Thursday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m.
FAMU Women Faculty Showcase & Reception
Meek-Eaton Black Archives (2nd Floor)

Join the Teaching & Learning Center as they highlight the achievements of exceptional women whose contributions to teaching, scholarship and community service continue to positively impact higher education.

Register for this free event at: www.famu.edu/tcl.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 1 p.m.
The 3rd Annual  Sound The Alarm
Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Student Recreation Center

Sound the Alarm. Join First Lady Sharon Robinson for a day of empowering women to be champions of healthy living. The event will include fitness demos, a health fair and screenings, and giveaways. Participants are encouraged to donate women’s beauty and hygiene products that will be distributed to a local charity.

For more info, call the Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413.

The post FAMU 2020 Women’s History Month Events appeared first on FAMU Forward.

By Tisha Keller

For Marcos Purty, realizing that he could thrive outside his comfort zone was a turning point in his career. That realization ultimately led to him being awarded the Black Engineer of the Year for Career Achievement at the 2020 BEYA Conference in Washington, D.C.

The Michigan native started out at General Motors (GM) immediately after graduating from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1994. Purty is one of three distinguished GM professionals to receive the prestigious award, which is the second highest honor bestowed at the BEYA STEM conference. GM’s Executive Vice President, Global Manufacturing Gerald Johnson, who is one of the elite three, nominated Purty because of his versatility, global competence, technical skills and leadership.

“Being nominated in the company of other high achieving African Americans means so much,” Purty says. “Being recognized in that crowd is humbling.”

Purty earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. From his first job at GM to his current appointment as executive director, Global Manufacturing Strategy & Planning, Purty has always pointed to his undergraduate years as where he learned to take on new challenges.

“Being on a separate (FAMU-FSU Engineering) campus, away from my University but still in a nurturing environment, that taught me a lot,” Purty remembers.

It was “outside his comfort zone,” but the experience was good for the young engineering student. Looking back, Purty sees the opportunity to work with students from FAMU and Florida State University, both domestic and global, taught him skills that inform his leadership even now. It was the perfect dovetail from his experience as a freshman at FAMU.

“I think the biggest thing that I learned from FAMU’s nurturing, family atmosphere was, I could be comfortable in the higher education learning experience, and that I deserved to be there,” says Purty, who with his wife, Tracy, has two sons (Myles and Bryce) who want to be engineers.

During his tenure at GM, Purty has moved eight times (including within the U.S.)—from the U.S. to Canada, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and now back to Michigan. Each came with an elevation in title and responsibilities. His many assignments within the company have meant

working in different functions but also with a diverse group of employees from many regions, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and South America.

As an executive director, Purty now oversees the manufacturing strategy for global operations. He is the first to point out that these are not typical engineering skillsets. Problem-solving and innovation, however, are core engineering facets that Purty says serves him well in business and in his collaborative leadership style.

“GM has always shown me that I can do more,” says Purty, who holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. He believes that with the opportunities the company has given him, steadfast support from his mentors and by taking on assignments outside his comfort zone, he was uniquely prepared for this role.

The post Electrical Engineering Alumnus Marcos Purty Wins 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Career Achievement Award appeared first on FAMU Forward.

Labor Day weekend is upon us and we know you are ready to enjoy a few days away from class. As the leaders of the University and the Student Government Association, we have both been very impressed with how you are embracing the “new normal” and adhering to COVID-19 health precautions, recognizing them as central to our success as a University.

A rich campus life is one of the most important aspects of the college experience. During the holiday weekend we hope you will relax, unwind on campus, catch up or get ahead of your coursework and make it a point to get out and enjoy the activities being offered at the Efferson Student Union.

Here is a list of activities and services this weekend:

• Friday- September 4^th
  Galimore Lanes – Bowling & Billiards 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Saturday- September 5^th
  Virtual Wellness Series – iStrike for link – 11 a.m.
  Galimore Lanes – Bowling & Billiards 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

• Sunday- September 6^th
  Galimore Lanes – Bowling & Billiards 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  Virtual Rattler Hunt – iStrike for link– 4 p.m.

These events are designed to provide you with fun, friendship and relaxation. Some additional activities that may interest you are:

• Make an appointment to work out in the Hansel Tookes Recreation Center
• Visit Wakulla Springs for a nature trail walk or ride
• Explore the Lighthouse at St. Marks
• Take a walk in Cascades Park or along the St. Marks trailway
• Grab a friend and get a cup of coffee in Railroad Square

Most importantly this weekend, please take good care of yourself by acting responsibly and considerately, and avoiding situations where social distancing is not being followed.

We look forward to seeing you back in class on Tuesday, September 8, refreshed and ready to go.

Thank you for recognizing our collective responsibility to “Protect the FAMULY!”

The post Labor Day Message from President Robinson and SGA President McClinton appeared first on FAMU Forward.

By Véronique George

There’s no love like FAMUly love.

That was the theme of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Valentine’s Day weekend social media campaign, #FAMUloveStory. If there’s one thing we do, it’s love hard – our University, the FAMUly we’ve met on our journey at FAMU and that special someone who steals our heart. There’s truly no love like FAMUly love.

Inspired by love stories that have blossomed from Rattlers who found love on the ‘Hill’ or later in their respective cities, this year #FAMUloveStory celebrated couples from across the country, including Atlanta, Ga., Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee, Fla.

The highlight of the series was a #FAMUloveStory post from President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. featuring a throwback photo on his wedding day and a current photo with the love of his life, First Lady Sharon Robinson. Nearly 30,000 people were inspired by President Robinson’s and First Lady Robinson’s warm and touching #FAMUloveStory.

Overall, the campaign reached nearly 500,000 people on social media and counting. Many users reminisced about their experiences at the weddings of the featured couples. View some of the social media engagement below.

The next time for Rattlers to show big FAMUly love is on March 25-26 on the 1887 Strikes Annual Day of Giving.

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