Florida A&M’s School of Business and Industry has ignited the Battle of Decades to raise $1 million for SBI’s 40th year celebration.
Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud began the fundraiser initiative in May and has raised $75,000.
Keeping true to the competitive nature of SBI, the challenge divides each decade from the ’70s to the 2000s to raise a minimum of $250,000 per decade.
“We get funding from the university, but sometimes it isn’t enough,” Friday-Stroud said. “We want to raise the money for ourselves. The $1 million is an investment into our school.
“You can never truly put a price tag on education. However, you can donate to your educational institution so that others may have the opportunity to be as successful as you.”
The $1 million would never be spent, she said. Only the interest from the endowment will be used to fund worldwide competitions, technology upgrades and additional hiring of faculty.
With the ’80s in the lead, Friday-Stroud said she hopes other alumni and friends will engage in the fundraiser.
The $1 million goal may seem large for some people. However, it is realistic to Michael Johnson, a senior business administration student from Jacksonville.
“I think the alumni will be able to raise the money,” Johnson said.
The fundraiser will officially end during FAMU’s 2014 homecoming. Friday-Stroud said the competitive nature of SBIans, a term deemed for students in the SBI program, should make the goal attainable.
Allen Grant, a graduating finance student from Atlanta, said the funds are necessary for students, and he will invest in his school once he enters the workforce.
“I can never repay SBI for all the knowledge,” Grant said. “I will, however, give donations so that other students may have an opportunity to advance and be successful.”
For more information on the Battle of the Decades fundraiser or to give a donation, visit famu.edu/sbialumniandfriends.