The Florida A&M University Student National Alumni Association is working to recruit students and help them become alumni members before they are graduates.
SNAA President Torey Alston, a junior business administration student from Fort Lauderdale, said the organization currently has about 80 dues-paying members, and the roster continues to grow daily. Dues, which are $10, will be used for future projects, he said, once all of his committee chair positions are filled. But he added-as other members of the executive board did-that dues do not go toward becoming a member of the National Alumni Association.
Brooke Smith, the membership and recruitment chairwoman, told those who attended Wednesday’s general body meeting how to begin the process of becoming members of the NAA. According to Smith, student life members pay a $500 fee as opposed to $750 they would be charged if they wait until they have graduated. Student subscribing members can pay in installments of $125 until they have paid the full amount. Student members then have access to alumni privileges, including receiving A&M, the alumni magazine.
Smith, a fifth-year business administration student from Fort Lauderdale, told SNAA members her mother has been an alumna since 1974 and is still an active member in the Broward County chapter of the NAA. Smith stressed the importance of becoming active with the alumni association.
“(Being a member) is internalizing all that FAMU has done for you. Rattlers have that homegrown theology of ‘somehow’…no matter what you’re going through, somehow it’s going to be alright,” Smith said. Senior Sabrina L. Davis, president of the FAMU chapter of The National Council of Negro Women, said she attended the meeting to extend a hand to the members of her organization to join the SNAA. She also wanted to make a pledge to become a subscribing life member and pay her initial $125.
“As a future alumna, I wanted to start my process,” said Davis, 22, double majoring in psychology and political science.
“I plan to send my children here.”
Davis also encouraged fellow students to follow her lead and become student members.
“You’re a Rattler-if you can support Homecoming…it’s time to step up,” she said.
During the meeting, Alston, who is also a student senator, displayed a plaque with freshman Sen. Anthony Murphy, which will be sent to NAA president Alvin Bryant to show appreciation.
Alston said the plaque was a tangible way to present the senate resolution he drafted to honor Bryant and the entire NAA. Murphy said the senators were all in agreement that they should thank the current NAA president.
“It was a unanimous vote to pass the legislation (the resolution),” he said.
“I like FAMU, but there are problems. But being active in the alumni association can make (the school) better for future students. Our alumni drive the University.”
The SNAA faculty adviser, Cornelius Ann Floyd, said she is a life member of the NAA. She added that she has waited a few years to see an organization like this come about.
“By the mere fact it has taken over three years to revitalize (the SNAA), that’s a big step,” she said. “I’m excited.”
Alston said the organization has activities planned to keep students involved until they are graduates. However, the true goal of the SNAA is to make sure students stay financially active with their alma mater to further the school’s progress.
“If you love FAMU…if you truly bleed orange and green, you’ll pay your $10,” he said.
“Then I’ll further convince you to pay your $125 to become a subscribing life member. Then I will further convince you to pay the $500 to become a life member.”
Contact Lindsay Pollard at lensay383@yahoo.com.