Many students choose to remain in Tallahassee after graduation because of the opportunities Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University provides. The connections they build at the university are valuable to the students and the community. To nurture these relationships, graduates often stay in the city to pursue their careers, carrying the connections they’ve developed throughout their college years and beyond.
“I honestly do see myself staying in Tallahassee after graduation because of my connection to school and the community that I’ve built around myself,” Atlantis Austin, a student at FAMU said.
Many alumni stay in Tallahassee because of the opportunities FAMU provides. Their continued connection to the community highlights FAMU’s impact, from theater productions, football seasons, homecoming events and networking with fellow alumni. Being an alumnus is a privilege to share the university’s legacy with prospective students.
“I actually sometimes feel sorry for those people who didn’t stay, who do live away, because there’s so many things that I am able to take advantage of that the university offers,” Sabrina Demps, an alumna of FAMU, said.
Additionally, FAMU provides support to individuals in need through a variety of resources, including programs focused on manhood, womanhood, wellness and K-12 education for children. By offering these services, FAMU not only supports the development of its own students but also plays a vital role in uplifting those beyond campus, reinforcing its dedication to serving everyone within its community and fostering a positive change in Tallahassee.
Aretha Jones, a local resident, said, “You don’t have to be a student to gain support from FAMU; they help out their community a whole lot. You don’t have to be a teacher or an employee to get assistance and help with family,” she said. “Tallahassee don’t have much to breathe off of; we look forward to the parade and the Marching 100.”
In a small city like Tallahassee, FAMU offers a sense of excitement and anticipation. The university hosts a range of events that draw Rattler fans and provide the local community with opportunities to engage in and celebrate the legacy of the HBCU, creating lasting connections across generations.
Additionally, FAMU’s impact extends beyond academics in Tallahassee, with student organizations actively engaging in the community. When representing FAMU in these organizations, students reflect the university’s values. They are consistently involved in shaping and contributing to the development of the Tallahassee community.
Janay White, CEO and founder of Girls2Divas, said, “FAMU student involvement in the community is intentional. When I see our students serve in the Tallahassee community, they are serving from the heart,” she said. “But beyond volunteerism, FAMU has always been at the forefront of change that addresses the needs of this community.”
FAMU’s student organizations play a key role in giving back to the city, underscoring their commitment to the community. This involvement strengthens community bonds and provides opportunities for students to expand their networks. Through initiatives such as local volunteering, educational outreach programs and partnerships with community organizations, it addresses issues ranging from youth mentorship to environmental sustainability.
Events like food drives, health fairs, and cultural festivals further demonstrate FAMU’s dedication to improving Tallahassee’s quality of life. These efforts foster a sense of responsibility among students while simultaneously enhancing the university’s reputation as a catalyst for positive change in the city.
“Organizations come to Capital City Youth Services and perform their challenge, whether it’s presenting a group on substance abuse or talking about the organizations and how they matriculate into college,” Dazzerell Grady-Johnson, a representative from CCYS, said.
Volunteering demonstrates a strong commitment to the City of Tallahassee, bringing the community together. For those outside of FAMU, it offers a glimpse into the university’s family-oriented culture. FAMU students volunteer to make a positive impact on others’ lives and to support those in need.
FAMU’s impact is felt well beyond its campus. The university’s commitment to building relationships, offering resources, and hosting engaging events ensures that it continues to be a cornerstone for the community. As both an educational and a cultural institution, FAMU enriches the city of Tallahassee, creating a dynamic environment where both students and residents can thrive.