The campus of Florida A&M University was buzzing with excitement Monday after FAMU was named one of the top 100 public universities in the nation.
This achievement was fulfilled as the institution was ranked 91 among the U.S. News &World Report Top Public National Universities on Monday. The impressive ranking leap is paired with the school being named the No. 1 public HBCU in the country for the fifth consecutive year.
Faculty, administration, alumni and students have something to “Bragg about, and the school threw a celebration event on the Quad surrounding the eternal flame Monday.
The event featured performances by the Marching 100, the FAMU cheerleaders and DJ Bo Weezy, as over 200 students danced and enjoyed the free food, giveaways and fun. The high spirits were felt by all in attendance as President Larry Robinson addressed the hard-working student body.
As part of his five-year “Boldly Striking” campaign, Robinson said he is proud of the ranking. When asked about the school’s achievement Robinson said the “remarkable achievement is a product of a lot of hard work, not only from the faculty but the student body.”
Robinson gave this advice to the students who have contributed to this achievement: “Never forget why you came here. Go out onto this campus and go after everything, but never forget why you came here.”
As students heed the President’s message, some student leaders know action is required to keep this goal. Loryn May, the Student Senate president, knows that to keep the celebration going, “we have to continue to be great. We are working so the next generations of students after us can still uphold our standing and feel the way we feel right now,” May said.
As students enjoyed cupcakes and refreshments, Lex Dortelus, a fourth-year electrical engineering major and Marching 100 drum major, said he feels “excited and humbled” by the school’s new honor, as he knows this is one they will all have to uphold.
“It’s an honor to represent this school,” Dortelus said. “To wear the uniform is a privilege, so I am grateful this is an opportunity we can all share.”.
Showing school pride, alumni and faculty members joined the student body during the celebration. Online and in person, alumni have been showing support for the university in celebration of the accomplishment.
Jovanni Hampton, a FAMU graduate and communications coordinator, knew the school that taught her would one day teach the world it belongs at the top. “I’ve always known FAMU would be in the top 100 universities,” she said. “I am happy to have come back to the university and be a graduate of this university, as well as be a part of this amazing staff.”
As Monday’s event brought Rattlers together, it became clear that this achievement would not be taken lightly but would become a goal each member of this FAMUly will strive to keep. As only one part of a five-part plan to improve the school by 2027, the campus has a ways to go to achieve Robinson’s goals, but this student body is proof that they can achieve great things.
