Around this time of year, students, faculty, staff and alumni anxiously gather on the “Highest of Seven Hills” to attend the President’s Convocation.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we are not able to congregate and share the Rattler spirit. Nonetheless, Larry Robinson, the 12th president of Florida A&M University, said at this morning’s convocation: “whether in person or virtual, the Rattler spirit is not virtual. It touches you wherever you are.”
A powerful, opening message was delivered by FAMU’s student body president, Xavier McClinton, who presided over the convocation.
McClinton, a fourth-year economics major, addressed a question he asked himself this morning, “What is the true meaning of life and what does it mean for me?”
He added that he found the answer to this question by looking around his room. He looked at the fan, which reminded him to stay cool, calm and collected. Then he looked to the roof, which reminded him to aim high and shoot for the stars.
Greetings were delivered by student body Vice President Carrington Whigham, as well as Mr. and Ms. Florida A&M University, Kimani Jackson and Erika Johnson.
This year has brought us to challenges that we have never seen before. But, this has not stopped Rattlers from striking in their respective fields.
President Robinson touched on the importance of staying at the forefront of social and racial injustice.
“Alumni are taking the lead and not backing down,” Robinson said. “I am most proud of Atlanta mayor and alumna, Keisha Lance-Bottoms and St. Paul, Minnesota mayor and alumnus, Melvin Carter, who are both standing tall in leading their respective cities.”
In addition, FAMU grad Vincent Evans, was named the political director for Biden’s VP choice, Kamala Harris.
The continuous success of the FAMUly shows that it is still a great day to be a Rattler. Robinson said that there is no place on this planet where you can go and not find a Rattler making a difference.
“I am confident that when it comes to future Rattlers reading the sections about institutions of higher education, it will tell them know how the students enrolled at this time, at this university, did all of the right things necessary for their well-being, the health and safety of others and the well-being of Florida A&M University,” he said.