Advocates for Florida A&M University will come together on Thursday for FAMU Day at The Capitol to solicit support for the 130-year old institution of higher learning, which is a viable component and contributing member of the State University System of Florida.
The FAMU National Alumni Association, sponsor of the annual day of advocacy for FAMU, is encouraging all alumni, students, faculty, administration, friends and supporters to participate by highlighting the excellent academic programs and services offered at FAMU to the legislators of their respective districts. FAMU advocates will visit Florida legislators throughout the day. FAMUans and friends are encouraged to display Rattler pride by donning orange and green colors. A brief schedule of alumni activities for the day is as follows:
Alumni and student leaders will gather for the Alumni Welcome Session (Breakfast and Briefing) at the FAMU Faculty Club House/University Activity Center located at 2412 South Adams St. at 8 a.m.
Visits to Florida legislators will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Recruiters from various colleges and schools will showcase at the annual FAMU Day at The Capitol on the first floor Rotunda area and during the Rattler Reception, which will be held on the 22nd floor of the Florida Capitol from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Bus transportation to and from the Capitol will be available throughout the day. Boarding and departure will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. at the FAMU Clubhouse, on South Adams Street and from the FAMU Set.
Lt. Col. Gregory Clark, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, is excited about FAMU’s presence at the pinnacle of state government. “What an incredible opportunity FAMU Day at The Capitol presents for me serving in my role on behalf of alumni and my alma mater. As FAMU Rattlers, we come together for many occasions; FAMU Day creates an awesome atmosphere of advocacy in support of our historic institution. Our alumni take great pride in meeting with legislators to reinforce the importance of funding initiatives that strengthen FAMU’s capability to provide quality academic programs to produce professionals in a global workforce and economy.”
A graduate of the class of 1993, Clark added, “I am calling for all FAMU Rattlers to support FAMU in some way on this special day. Contact your elected legislators (senators and representatives) of your local areas by personal visit, telephone calls or by letter/emails with reasons for supporting FAMU and its programs.” Clark said the FAMU NAA supports the 2018 legislative priorities presented by Larry Robinson, 12th university president, and feels that given state funding, FAMU can make even greater impacts on students and community.
Over the past year, FAMU NAA Governmental Relations Committee (GRC) members from around the United States have been involved in monthly meetings, and in-depth discussions on key issues related to the university’s Legislative Budget Request (LBR) in order to prepare for legislative visits, Carolyn Hepburn Collins, FAMU NAA GRC Chair, indicated. Collins has encouraged this annual activity as a FAMU undertaking which involves alumni chapters from all five regions of the national association, SGA, students, Faculty Senate, deans, administrators, FAMU schools and colleges LC, community supporters and reinforced by the FAMU Board of Trustees.
“This is the one time of the year that FAMUANS come together to give legislators thanks and pursue legislative support to increase student success by enhancing retention and graduation rates among other entities, such as advocating for the Center for Access and Student Success (CASS).” Collins said.
For more detailed information about the FAMU Day at The Capitol, please contact FAMU NAA Governmental Relations Committee – Carolyn Collins, Chair: Telephone (813) 679-3268; or Email: carcollins1@aol.com – or – Lt. Col. Greg Clark, President, FAMU-NAA: Telephone: (205) 223-5770 Email: gregclark06@hotmail.com.