On Wednesday, the newly renovated Tucker Hall was made official. At noon, President James Ammons, Chancellor Frank Brogan and Chair of the Board of Trustees William Jennings began the ceremony by cutting the orange and green ribbon that blocked the buildings entrance.
The crowd applauded and then made its way into the Charles Winter Wood Theatre for the duration of the ceremony.
Frank Brogan opened the occasion by speaking on education and the importance of this new building. Derek Gamble, director of operations at Ajax Building Corporation also spoke.
Ted Farver, a director with Ajax said the new Tucker Hall is something that should be admired for generations.
“We are trying to set the bar with construction at FAMU,” said Farver. “With every project we aim to build something we can show to our grandchildren, so I am very content with the result of this building and I hope this community enjoys it.”
One woman in particular was extremely excited for the festivities. Jacqueline Beck, president of the Florida A&M University Retirees Club and former professor, reminisced on her days in Tucker.
“When I attended this institution in 1958, Tucker Hall was new,” said Beck. “So, to see a new era begin is wonderful to me.”
Other members of the retirees club nodded in agreement and were eager to take part in the occasion.
Victoria Wilson, a third year theatre student from Tallahassee, was also excited for this event.
“I wanted to be a part of this moment, because this is my home,” said Wilson. “I wanted to be in the midst of this history taking place and share it with everyone.”
Former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Aubrey Perry, echoed her feelings.
“This has been in the works for years,” said Perry. “There was talk of a new Tucker Hall when I was leaving in 1997. It’s wonderful to see it come to fruition and in such a grand way. Also, to see so many people from the community out here supporting FAMU and the great works we are doing makes it all the more enjoyable.”