Founder’s Day wreath laying ceremony

Presentation of colors by Reserve Officer Training Corps. Photo Submitted by Kayla McKinney

On Thursday, Florida A&M University celebrated its 132nd anniversary with a wreath laying ceremony. This ceremony is an annual event that celebrates FAMU’s founders and humble beginnings.

Vernon Bryant, the university’s Coordinator of Public Functions, claims the event is a continuation of FAMU traditions and gets the students involved in the school’s rich history.

“It’s part of FAMU’s history. The school was founded 132 years ago in an environment that was probably much hotter than today. It is important that we continue to educate students and provide an excellent student experience,” Bryant said.

The event celebrated FAMU’s founding anniversary of Oct. 3rd, 1887 on the campus’s quad.

Like most FAMU events, the ceremony began with the presentation of colors by Reserve Officer Training Corps followed by a prayer lead by Taylar Hall.

Students and faculty alike gathered for what they felt was an enriching and beautiful ceremony.

Mister & Miss FAMU at the Founder’s Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Photo Submitted by Kayla Mckinney

The wreath was then placed by the university’s infamous eternal flame by Crenel “CJ” Francis Jones and Kyra Freeman, Mister and Miss Florida A&M University for the 2019-2020 academic Year.

Sarina Norris, a graduate physical therapy student, spoke about her experience.

“I wanted to take advantage of the school’s homecoming events,” Norris said.

Due to the event taking place on FAMU’s founding day, many students look forward to attending events regarding the university’s history.

Ardedra Rogers, another physical therapy graduate student enjoyed the convenient location.

“It was right across the street from my class, so it was easy for me to just walk over and watch,” Rogers said.

The ceremony was closed with a responsive reading lead by school faculty and SGA president, Rochard Moricette.

The wreath remained displayed for the remainder of the day, with faculty, staff, students, and visitors taking pictures and posing proudly in honor of FAMU’s birthday.