Amphitheater to be named in honor of Will Packer

Florida A&M University’s Performance Arts Amphitheater will be named in honor of FAMU alumnus and philanthropist Will Packer, who anonymously made a donation for the new venue.

FAMU announced the naming ceremony in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

Packer, who graduated from FAMU with a degree in engineering, has been blazing a trail with his success in film production for nearly three decades. Giving back to his alma mater for many years, he said he hopes his success and generosity will inspire current and future Rattlers.

“HBCU giving has never been more essential than it is today. I’m honored to give back to the institution that has given so much to me and others over the years,” Packer said in a news release. “I hope this accomplishment serves as an inspiration for future generations of FAMUans who will know the success I achieved has its foundations in the same halls, classrooms and dorms where they reside.”

Dominga Robinson, a FAMU alumna, is excited for Packer and appreciates everything he brings to the table — not just for FAMU, but for all HBCUs.

“I have always been inspired by Will Packer, his success and the love and generosity for FAMU,”  Robinson said. “He highlights this great university and what we stand for. It is truly an honor to be a two-time graduate student from FAMU. Will Packer makes it extra special.”

The Emmy nominated producer and director will produce the upcoming 94^th Oscars in March. Demiya Davis, a senior health science major and trombone player for the Marching 100, thinks the naming of the amphitheater in honor of Packer is well deserved. She said she recently read about some of the great things he is doing in Hollywood.

“I think it’s a great idea. I just read that he is going to be directing the Oscars next year,” Davis said. “He has done a lot for the university, always visits the university and talks to anyone who wants to be in his major. He gives them advice, he is always supporting the students so I really think he deserves it.”

Packer has produced numerous movies and is the founder and CEO of Will Packer Productions film production company/Will Packer Media.

The Performing Arts Amphitheater is located on “The Set.” The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, starting off FAMU Homecoming 2021: An Epic Return. The annual Homecoming Convocation, featuring FAMU alum Roy Wood as the keynote speaker, gets underway at 10:10 a.m. in the Lawson Center.