Programs were turned into fans, the football players of the Fall 2002 season were introduced and the band kept the students enthusiastic. This was the scene at the All-University President’s Convocation Friday.
President Fred Gainous directed his speech, full of guarantee and expectancy, at both the student body and faculty of his alma mater.
Gainous said he is committed to seeing students reach their goals and is challenging his staff to become more dedicated to the students.
“I really liked what he had to say about the administration having to treat the students with respect,” said Jason Davis, 18, a freshman general studies student from Tallahassee.
“Dr. Gainous’ promises were good and if he backs up his word, then he’ll be all right,”said Kevin Joseph, a second-year business student from Atlanta.
Gainous’ vow that paperwork will no longer be lost and that financial aid
checks will be delivered in a timely manner sent cheers through the crowd.
Gainous said that “the collective intellect and faculty at FAMU is second to none” and that “the unprecedented achievements of FAMU is reliant upon the
collective participation of students and faculty.”
Gainous told the audience “the administration understands that FAMU is a dream builder and a dream maker and that they realize that now is the time to demonstrate excellence with caring.”
Christa Johnson, 19, a psychology student from Birmingham, Ala., said she felt Gainous’ speech was “nice” but she too wants to see demonstration of what was said.
The first formal gathering of the school year was not only unique because of the new president but also because many people were unaccustomed to seeing Gaither Gymnasium so full for a convocation.
“The students really showed their support by packing the gym out and that is the first step to a successful year,” said SGA President Andre Hammel. “We have great leadership with President Gainous and SGA is excited to serve the students,” he said.
Latoya Williams, a junior health administration student from Miami said she enjoyed hearing what Gainous had to say.
“It seems as though he is going to implement a lot of positive changes,” she said. “A lot of people came to hear what the goals of the new president were and they want to see how determined he is to make sure that things go right in the future”