That "Old FAMU Spirit" is alive and well

FAMU student Vincent Evans keeps the Rattler Spirit alive with his classic collegiate attire, no sagging.

Rattlers defeat Bears, 31-17

Morgan State rallied from 14 points down, and was driving for the go ahead score but the Bears made a costly mistake.

With the ballgame knotted at 17-17, Delonte Williams had his pass intercepted by Jerrell Stewart who returned it 37 yards for a touchdown with 7:17 left in the game. Philip Sylvester added the dagger in the form of an 89 yard touchdown run, and now the Bears Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title shot hopes seem dim.

Sophomore running back David Brown posted a career-high 131 yards on 17 carries, but Morgan State was unable to slow down Sylvester who led the Rattlers to its third straight win with a 31-17 victory over the Bears on Saturday during Florida A&M’s homecoming festivities.

The Rattlers’ (5-3, 4-1) victory avenged a 2008 homecoming loss to Morgan State and it marked Joe Taylor’s first win against the Bears as head coach at Florida A&M.

Morgan State (4-4, 3-2) coach Donald Hill-Eley talked about the tough loss.

“Mistakes plagued us early,” Hill said. “I thought once we got back into the game, we thought the momentum was on our side. The kid ended up throwing an interception for a touchdown.”

“Victory goes to them [Florida A&M]. They made their plays and they had a good schematic game across the board.”

Williams entered the game as the MEAC’s reigning Rookie of the Week after leading Morgan State to a homecoming win against Delaware State. In this game, he completed 7-of-22 for 115 yards with a touchdown. But he was sacked four times for -16 yards.

“We really weren’t clicking today,” said Williams. “We just need to get back to executing our game plan.”

The Bears held a 3-0 early advantage following a 47-yard field goal by Kemar Scarlett, but the Rattlers answered by scoring 17 unanswered. Florida A&M quarterback Martin Upai connected with Antonio Lawrence for a 52 yard touchdown pass, followed by a 25 yard field goal by Trevor Scott and Sylvester got loose for a 14 yard touchdown score just before the Marching 100’s halftime performance.

Sylvester was a problem throughout the day for the Bears. The preseason All-MEAC first team selection finished with 19 carries for 192 yards, including two touchdowns.

A Day in the Life - Miss FAMU

A Day in the Life of Kindall Johnson, 2010-2011 Miss FAMU, is pretty hectic. Johnson, a senior public relations student from Tampa, Fla., gracefully balances her school work and duties on the Royal Court with a constant smile on her face. This is a day in the life of a FAMU student leader.

Briggs headlines YAG speakers list

The Young Alumni Giving luncheon returns for Homecoming 2010. This year’s event carries the theme: “Looking Forward, Giving Back.”

Scheduled for Friday, October 29, at 1:30 p.m., the event will take place at the Hotel Duval on 415 North Monroe Street. The upscale, boutique hotel features Shula’s 347 Grill, LeRoc, and Level 8 lounge.

This year’s speaker line-up features Joe D. Briggs. Very little of Joe D. Briggs’ professional success falls into the ‘average’ category. The FAMU alumnus serves as Public Policy Counsel of the National Football League Players’ Association, and is a Founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships for IMPACT, an organization connecting and developing a new generation of leaders in cultural, economic and political fields.

Other speakers include Amber D. Hall, National Continuous Improvement Master Trainer for Frito Lay, and Nicole Sims, founder of Tomorrow’s Academy.

Tickets cost $50 and are available at the YAG’s website. Proceeds go to the FAMU Foundation.

Ammons reverses bonus deferral on tax grounds

FAMU President James Ammons has reversed his decision to defer an $81,000 bonus “in light of tax consequences.”

In a university-wide memo, Ammons said: “At the time of (trustees) approval, I deferred my acceptance. However, in light of tax consequences…I am requesting that you take the necessary actions to effectuate the payment of the bonus on December 17, 2010.”

Ammons announced last month that would defer an $81,000 bonus that was awarded to him based upon his performance in 2008-2009. His decision was based upon the tough budget situation that the university faces.

Members of the university’s Board of Trustees voted to give him the minimum bonus permitted by his contract. According to the language of the performance bonus clause: “Based upon his achievement of annual goals and objectives…Dr. Ammons shall receive an annual performance bonus. It is intended that said annual performance bonus shall be in the range of 25% to 35% of the annual base salary.”

Ammons’ base salary is $325,000 per year. Last year he accepted a 35 percent, or $113,750 bonus. He gave 50 percent to the FAMU National Alumni Association.

The president is in discussions with the board chairman concerning a “restructuring” of the bonus clause of his contract.

Lyceum artists Black Violin redefining music world

FAMU’s Lyceum Series Committee is proud to present the music group Black Violin, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.

Black Violin, consisting of Wil B. and Kev Marcus, and their DJ, is redefining the music world — one string at a time, combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound. The two classically trained violinists have been influenced by Dmitri Shostakovich and Johann Sebastian Bach to rappers Nas and Jay-Z. Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare, a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel.

When the members of Black Violin first learned to play their signature instruments — Wil B., the viola 14 years old and Kev Marcus, the violin at 9 years old, neither could have foreseen that it would become their livelihood, though it was already becoming their passion. The two Florida natives first met while attending the Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

After graduating from high school, both Wil and Kev were granted full music scholarships to college, Florida State University and Florida International University, respectively. In 2004, the group joined superstar Alicia Keys on stage at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2005, the group was awarded the coveted title of Apollo Legend by the esteemed Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

Mike Shinoda, lead singer of rock act Linkin Park, was impressed by Black Violin’s imaginative composition and finely tuned musicianship, and invited them along on a world tour with his hip-hop side project, Fort Minor. In addition to Shinoda, Black Violin has worked with musicians as diverse as P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles.

The group recently released its eponymous debut album, “Unleased.” The group continues to tour, opening for hip-hop mainstays like Fat Joe, Akon, and the Wu-Tang Clan in Prague, Dubai and South Africa. The group’s rising fame has also made it a highly desired act for celebrity events. Black Violin provided the music at Minister Louis Farrakhan’s 75th birthday and at NFL star Santana Moss’ wedding.

FAMU scholars recieve HP laptops, iPads

With smiles stretching from ear to ear and sounds of students saying ‘Yes,’ 22 Florida A&M University (FAMU) scholars were full of joy and excitement when FAMU President James H. Ammons presented them with a couple of items to assist them with their studies. Each scholar received an HP Elite Book 2450p and an Apple iPad as part of the FAMU Presidential Scholarship Program, which includes the Life Gets Better Scholarship and the Distinguished Scholar Award.

The scholars were so overwhelmed that it left one scholar speechless.

“I am truly speechless,” said Nellena Adekoya, a biology major from Grayson, Ga. “I have never had so much available at my fingertips.”

This group of scholars is from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia. One scholar, Joel Sankar, is a native of Tunapuna, Trinadad.

“I’m very excited and humbled by the gifts that I have received,” said Sankar, a chemistry major. “They [computers] are very necessary for our education and for us to succeed.”

Aubrey Upsher, a journalism major, expressed that he was very appreciative.

“I received more than I expected,” said Upsher. “These are some excellent tools to have. This will definitely help me in my classes.”

FAMU Diamond Dancers and 100rd get ready for homecoming

People who say that the Marching 100 doesn't like the FAMU Diamond Dancers are obviously mistaken. They look pretty happy together here.

FAMU receives $497,663 to promote Gulf conservation and restoration

FAMU has received a $497,663 cooperative agreement for the “Environmental Education Program for Expanding Conservation and Stewardship of the Gulf of Mexico” project from the Gulf of Mexico Program. Leading this three-year project are Katherine Milla, Ph.D. and Sunil Pancholy, Ph.D. at FAMU’s Center for Water and Air Quality.

“A major goal of the project is to increase citizen awareness of the value of natural resources in the Gulf of Mexico and its coastal regions, and to promote conservation and restoration of the waters of the Gulf,” Milla said. “The project will be developed, in collaboration with partners from Gulf coastal states, through a multifaceted approach, including K-12 teacher and student experiential education opportunities, public education and outreach activities.”

An important emphasis area for the project is reaching traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups and communities. For this effort, Cooperative Extension offices at the historically black land-grant universities in Gulf Coast states will be using educational and promotional materials developed by FAMU to increase awareness of their constituents on Gulf issues. By increasing their knowledge of the Gulf, communities can better engage in discussions on the true value of Gulf resources and the need to conserve and protect those resources as part of a healthy and vibrant society.

“The commitment of this year’s projects to meet the collaborative goals of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance is a high watermark for EPA and the Gulf states,” said Bryon Griffith, director of the Gulf of Mexico Program and federal co-lead for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. “The work our partners are completing this year will achieve measurable successes in protecting the health and environment for our families, friends and neighbors in the Gulf.”

This cooperative agreement is part of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Regional Partnership Projects and supports the Governors’Action Plan.

Volleyball team drops 2nd MEAC game in 10 years

South Carolina State handed the Florida A&M University Volleyball team their second loss to a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponent in ten years winning 3-2 in a five set thriller (20-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-13, 11-15) in Orangeburg, SC.

The Lady Rattlers (6-12, 4-1, MEAC) had 16 errors and had a hitting percentage of only .278. SCSU improved to 9-20 on the season ( 2-2 MEAC) and finished the match with 59 kills in 126 total attacks with 17 errors for a .333 hitting percentage.

SCSU had a three Lady Bulldogs to finish in double-digit kills.

Rattlers spoil NSU homecoming 17-13

Philip Sylvester ran 23 times for 130 yards to lead the FAMU Rattlers to a 17-13 victory over Norfolk State on Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium.

Sylvester scored on a 4th quarter TD which capped a 13-play, 98-yard drive that proved to be the difference, sending the Spartans (2-5, 1-4 MEAC) to their fourth straight loss in front of a homecoming crowd of 21,118, a season high.

Turnovers played a key role in the first half, which ended with a 10-10 deadlock. NSU kick returner Dwight Fluker-Berry fumbled the opening kickoff handing the ball to the Rattlers DeAndre Mitchell on the Spartan's 11 yard line. The Rattlers went three and out and had to settle to a filed goal to take a 3-0 lead just 1:51 into the contest.

After an NSU punt, the Rattlers (4-3, 3-1) drove into Spartan territory trying to add to their lead. But Martin Ukpai’s pass was intercepted by Dante Barnes, who returned it 68 yards for an NSU touchdown with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter.

Later, Ukpai fumbled a handoff turning the ball over to the Spartans. Ten plays later, Ryan Estep drilled a 41-yard field goal with 7:07 left in the second quarter, stretching NSU’s lead to 10-3.

But FAMU tied the score just before half. Ukpai helped engineer a seven-play, 85-yard drive, which he capped with a 1-yard TD run just 17 seconds before halftime. Scott’s extra point tied the game at 10-all. The scoring march was aided by a 39-yard reverse pass from Antonio Lawrence to Kevin Elliott.

The Spartans regained the lead on their second possession of the second half. Estep kicked a 26-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 31-yard drive.

The Spartans outgained FAMU 346-307, but couldn’t find the end zone on offense. NSU completed 11 of 16 passes for 140 yards and ran for a season-high 62 on 11 carries.

You can get the complete game stats here

Myles to keynote homecoming convocation

FAMU will host its annual Homecoming Convocation Friday, October 29, at 10:10 a.m. in Gaither Gymnasium. This year’s keynote speaker is FAMU alumna Sonia J. Myles, director of Global Printed Packaging Purchases for Procter and Gamble Company (P&G).

Joe Bullard, program director for Cumulus Tallahassee WHBX 96.1-FM and WHBT Heaven 1410-AM, will serve as the master of ceremony. The general public is invited to attend.

In July 2006, Myles accepted the position of director of Global Media Purchases. In this role, she was responsible for leading the global media purchases organization and ensuring best in class strategies are developed, shared, and applied globally. At P&G, she has continued her track record of attaining outstanding results and using innovative strategies. She led the launch of the Media Transformation Initiative for the company in late 2009, and was appointed director of Global Purchases in early 2010, responsible for leading the Purchases 2020 Initiative. In August 2010, Myles was appointed to her current position responsible for all fiber and printed packaging for the company. She is responsible for leading a team of 100 people with a budget of $3 billion.

In 2009, Myles was named one of Essence Magazine’s 25 Women of Power and was selected as a Bloomberg “History Maker.” She also is a recipient of The Trumpet Awards Foundation “High Heels Award.” Myles has media profiles in Businessweek, Fortune, Profiles in Diversity Journal and The New York Times. She has written two books: “The Sister Accord: 51 Ways to Love Your Sisters” and “7 Spirit-Filled Strategies for Raising a Loving Child.” Myles penned the very popular The Sister Accord: The Promise that will Transform your Life! designed to help women establish more meaningful, loving relationships with each other.

Myles is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., FAMU National Alumni Association, a charter member of the Metro Detroit Optimist Club, National Black MBA Association, and a Board Member for Impact Young Lives, an organization that focuses on assisting outstanding students in South Africa develop into Global Leaders. She was most recently elected as chair for the FAMU School of Business and Industry Advisory Board, and Board Member for Women Helping Women, in Cincinnati, Ohio that focuses on helping victims of domestic violence and rape.

Myles graduated summa cum laude in 1989 with her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from FAMU. She later received her master’s degree in business administration in 1990. During her matriculation at FAMU, she received numerous honors and awards including: Academic Achievement Award--Highest GPA Class of 1989; Academic All-American Student Award; Academic All-American Collegiate Scholarship; National Dean's List; Outstanding Young Women of America; White & Gold Honor Society; National Business Merit Award; National Urban Bankers Award; Dean’s Scholar; and in 1988 the Economics Club Award and Outstanding College Students of America.

A native of Saginaw, Mich., she is married to Kenneth A. Myles, president and CEO, KAMJAM Entertainment and has two sons, Kendall, 14, and Jordan, 13.

FAMU students win National Team Selling competition

FAMU's School of Business and Industry (SBI) won the National Team Selling Competition hosted by the Center for Global Sales Leadership at Indiana University.

The competition attracts top teams of undergraduate sales students from America's leading universities who wish to pursue high-level, complex sales in an opportunity to practice team-selling simulations. Altria Sales & Distribution employees created the case, role-play the position of buyers and senior management, and also serve as judges.

Some of the universities that participated in the competition included Indiana University, Michigan State University, University of Kansas, University of Florida, Penn State, Ball State University and Syracuse University.

“Everyone was good, but our young people were great,” said Roscoe Hightower, Jr., team coach, lead adviser and a SBI associate professor. “We look forward to continuing to recruit, train and graduate the best professional selling student leaders in the U.S. Under the current leadership of Dean Friday-Stroud, we are continuously in search of excellence.”

According to Hightower, this year’s case was provided to the teams one week prior to the competition. The case included, but was not limited to, convenience store and candy industries focusing on all aspects of general business with specific emphasis on in-store visibility, inventory and pricing. The case challenged the students to really understand and apply what they knew about the basic convenience store business to the concept of team selling.

FAMU’s team consisted of Nicole Crowell, a fourth-year business administration student from California; Keisha Faulkner, a fourth-year business administration student from New Jersey; Jamil Codner, a third-year business administration student from Florida; and Darriel Brown, a fourth-year business administration student from Florida.

“The preparation made the competition seem easier upon completion,” said Crowell, the team captain. “Competing against the best professional selling schools and dominating them made us appreciate the education that we are receiving at FAMU even more.”

Through the program, the students received job offers from Altria Sales & Distribution and at least one will take a position with the firm in 2011. The others are currently in the interviewing process.

Brown, a returning team member from the 2009 second place team, said, “We were on a mission. We were being tested in a number of ways, especially from a conviction or belief in our training, coaching and ourselves. We showed them the outcome when a student has the wherewithal to believe in their training.”

FAMU wins $50,000 Ford C3 grant

FAMU has been selected as one of the 2010 winners of the Ford College Community Challenge (Ford C3). As such, the University is the recipient of a $50,000 grant to develop a student-led project focused on sustainability in the farm community. Ford C3 is a initiative of the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

Students at FAMU will implement a demonstration and education model for renewable biofuel production. The project will test the use of biofuel made from oil seed crops and waste vegetable oil for use as an alternative energy source for farm machinery in the university’s StateWide ® Small Farm Collaborative. The project will involve students from the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA), the School of Architecture, and community stakeholders.

“This project will provide a unique opportunity to partner with community collaborators, provide education and training experiences to FAMU students, while equipping small farms and the community with exciting options for a thriving sustainable future,”said Jennifer Taylor, FAMU’s coordinator for the Small Farms Program.

The Ford College Community Challenge (Ford C3) recognizes colleges and universities that utilize a school's resources to address an urgent community need. This year's proposals were expected to incorporate the use of alternative energy in a unique way. Unlike many traditional college grant programs, Ford C3 requires colleges to create proposals that have significant student input, involvement and leadership from beginning to end.

“Winning proposals have a distinctive student perspective on what it means to have a sustainable community,” said Mike Schmidt, director of Education and Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are pleased to be able to support the millennial spirit of innovation in these students, whose projects help address critical needs within their communities.”

FAMU adds USF to 2011, 2015 schedules

The University of South Florida football team will host Florida A&M University twice over the next five years, USF Director of Athletics Doug Woolard announced on Tuesday. The Bulls will host the Rattlers on Sept. 17, 2011 and Sept. 5, 2015.

"We couldn't be more excited about rekindling the series with FAMU," Woolard said. "Getting the chance to host FAMU will be great for both fan bases, the city of Tampa and football in Florida. FAMU has one of the richest traditions in the state and it is another great opportunity for Tampa to host what should be both a great football game and a great event for the community."

USF defeated FAMU, 37-3, in 2005, the only meeting between the two programs. The game was the Bulls' home opener that season and produced one of the top crowds in program history up to that point. It marked the first time that tickets in the upper deck at Raymond James Stadium were made available for a USF game, resulting in a crowd of over 43,000 fans.

"This is a great opportunity for us to play another school from the state of Florida," said FAMU Director of Athletics Derek Horne. "We have so many fans in the Tampa area, so we're excited that they'll have the opportunity to come out and see the team. It also will be a great opportunity for the young men on our football team to face a BIG EAST team. We couldn't be happier about coming to Tampa to play USF not only next season, but in 2015 as well."

"We are very excited to be involved in this strong partnership with Florida A&M University and the University of South Florida that will result in significant social and economic impact for our community," said the Tampa Bay Sports Commission's Executive Director Rob Higgins. "We're focused on making this a memorable weekend for all of the student-athletes, coaches and fans of both of these great institutions."

Kinsey Art Collection heads to Smithsonian

FAMU Alums Bernard and Shirley Kinsey’s exhibition, “The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey — Where Art and History Intersect” will be on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The exhibition started Friday, October 15 and will end May 1, 2011.

The Kinseys also will be featured on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric tonight, Tuesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m.

“The Kinsey Collection has traveled to six cities sharing and revealing the wonderful stories of accomplishment and triumph of our ancestors,” said Bernard Kinsey. “We are privileged to be able to bring our ancestors’ stories to life and give our ancestors a voice, a name and a personality. We are honored to share the Kinsey Collection with the expected 2.5 million people that will see the exhibition at the Smithsonian American History Museum.”

According to Kinsey, the Kinsey Collection is one of the few privately held collections to be shown at the Smithsonian.

“It is unique because of its comprehensive approach to telling the story of the African-American experience through art, books, historical documents and ephemera,” Kinsey said.

The Kinsey Collection contains more than 100 original and authentic historical artifacts, documents and works of art that tell a story of the African-American experience from the 1600s to the present. The collection and companion 180-page coffee table book has been recognized to be of great cultural significance and was recently adopted by the Florida Department of Education as part of their statewide African-American history curriculum for grades K -12.

The couple has raised millions of dollars for more than 150 scholarships for college bound graduates. Through his leadership, the Southern California Alumni Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association has raised more than $900,000 for scholarships for 115 students from Los Angeles to attend FAMU.

Bernard Kinsey has served as past president of the FAMU-NAA. The Kinseys have personally contributed more than $350,000 in grants and gifts to FAMU. They reside in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and are the proud parents of one son, Khalil.

Jax council wants med school; UF, UNF say no

Back in 1998, FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries and then-Provost James H. Ammons announced a proposal for a Doctor of Medicine degree at the university. FAMU’s request went unmet even as FSU, FIU, UCF, and FAU received medical schools in the years that followed.

Some Jacksonville leaders are now making a public push to bring a medical school to their city. They are not happy about the fact that the University of Florida and University North Florida have both said no.

“Jacksonville is one of very few large cities across America that does not have a medical school,” said T. O’Neal Douglas, chairman of the Healthcare and Bioscience Council of Northeast Florida.

The council has been exploring ways to develop a medical school in Jacksonville since 2007.

“A medical school is an important component of a high-quality, credible academic health science center, which is the nexus of a vibrant healthcare and bioscience community,” O’Neal said on behalf of the council.

Council members had hoped that UF would create a four-year campus at its Regional Health Center/Shands Jacksonville. But UF officials say that will not happen.

“Due to a lack of state funding, we have been assured that there is NO PLAN to increase the number of medical students, medical residencies or in any way enhance the Academic Health Science Center in Jacksonville,” O’Neal said.

The council report took a swipe at UF’s “lack of state funding” excuse by pointing out that the university has plans to pump over half-a-billion dollars into its Gainesville medical campus.

“The University of Florida recently released a $580 million five year plan intended to enhance the University of Florida Health Science Center in Gainesville. It does not address our issues in Jacksonville,” O’Neal stated.

O’Neal said that the council is questioning whether it should simply move on with its medical school goal without UF’s support since “it appears that the University of Florida does not have the means or willingness to partner effectively in our growth.”

The Healthcare and Bioscience Council has hit a dead end with UNF, too.

“We’re focused on growing at our own pace and being one of the best undergraduate institutions in the state,” UNF President John Delaney told the Jacksonville Times-Union. “If I was given $60 million, I wouldn’t use it on a med school. I’d use it to improve our existing programs — every time.”

The Jacksonville community has shown strong support for FAMU’s health science education expansion plans. The Times-Union editorialized in favor of FAMU’s College of Dental Medicine proposal. It also provided positive coverage when FAMU tried to save a Jacksonville-based dental clinic that UF decided to shut down. FAMU currently runs a satellite pharmacy school training site in Jacksonville.

FAMU’s current administration has not yet commented about the future steps for the university’s long-held medical school goal.

Rattlers tame Tigers, 31-0

FAMU rebounded this weekend to claim a 31-0 victory over the Savannah State Tigers. The Savannah State offense could not get on track, thanks to a stingy Rattler defense that held Savannah State to 169 yards.

Despite the large win, FAMU (3-3) made their mistakes getting penalized 14 times for 109 yards.

After a scoreless opening quarter, it took the Rattlers just one play to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter as Phil Sylvester ran for a 69 yard touchdown with 14:46 on the clock. Trevor Scott added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Late in the quarter, FAMU drove to the Savannah State 12 but had to settle on a 29 yard field goal by Scott as time expired in the half to take a 10-0 halftime lead.

Antonio Lawrence made the score 17-0 with 12:28 left in the third quarter when he scored on a 58 yard run.

The Rattlers increased their lead to 24-0 when Sylvester added a 5 yard touchdown run with 7:47 remaining in the third period.

The final score of the contest came with 13:31 remaining as Lavante Page scored on a 11 yard run to cap a 12 play, 66 yard drive.

In the middle of the quarter, the Tigers (0-7) put together a 9 play, 60 yard drive but it ended with Derek Williams' 27 yard field goal attempt went left. The key play on the drive was a 40 yard run by Barnes.

On the next SSU possession, the Tigers drove to the Florida A&M 32 but Antonio Bostick has his pass picked off by the Rattlers Jerral Stewart at the 5 yard line with just over a minute left.

Bostick was 6 of 21 for 36 yards and two interceptions. Simon Heyward and Brian Lackey both caught three passes for 18 yards. Sadrak JeanBaptise and Chris Asbury led the SSU defense with eight tackles apiece.

FAMU, whose offense produced 395 yards and defense sacked the SSU quarterback four times, was led by Sylvester's 153 rushing yards and two touchdown performance. Martin Ukpai passed for 64 yards and Issas West caught three passes for 27 yards. Demarius Folsom had eight stops for the defense.

FAMU welcomes new diplomat-in-residence

FAMU recently welcomed its newly selected Diplomat-In-Residence, Jay Smith. Smith is charged with building awareness and attracting students’ interest in the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Service at career fairs and other programs implemented.

“I want to take every opportunity available to reach out and speak to the students,” Smith said. “Educate them on what it is we do, what we can offer them in a way of a career and try to recruit some bright young people to come in behind me.”

Smith received his bachelor’s of art from the University of Notre Dame in 1975. He was invited to attend the United States Army War College as a State Department officer from 1994 to 1995 and successfully completed the course of study given to senior military officers in senior leadership studies.

Smith has served extensively overseas, performing services across the spectrum of Foreign Service skills. He began his career in 1981 in Lilongwe, Malawi and went on to serve in Indonesia, France, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), the Philippines, Romania, Haiti and – most recently – Senegal where he served alternately as Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission.

Smith was promoted into the Senior Foreign Service in 2003 and now holds the personal rank of Minister-Counselor. His service has been recognized with two individual Superior Honor awards, two group Superior Honor awards and one individual Meritorious Honor award. He speaks French, Indonesian (Bahasa) and Romanian.

Smith insists that FAMU students have an advantage because he is stationed on campus and concurrently serving as a diplomat for the east coast region.

“I’m looking for people who are open-minded, bright and who are open to working overseas,” said Smith. “They must be resilient and dedicated.”

Smith and his wife of 34 years, the former Jacqueline Billy of Saumur, France, have five children.

FAMU law students go door to door to help homeowners facing foreclosure

As America's soft housing sector continues to flounder and the dream of homeownership is being ripped to shreds by a record-setting numbers of foreclosures, student at the FAMU College of Law (pictured) have taken to hard-hit Central Florida neighborhoods to offer assistance to homeowners in harms way.

While, the U.S. economy is growing, if only barely so, the recovery has yet to reach the housing sector, where prices remain depressed and foreclosures are on the rise. In September alone more than 100,000 new Americans received foreclosure notices.

From Voice of America News:

Adding to the woes are reports of widespread abuses in the foreclosure process itself, with allegations that lenders haphazardly signed off on a multitude of foreclosures with faulty or even falsified paperwork.

Lender's goals are to move through a foreclosure case as quickly as they can, said Florida foreclosure attorney Christopher Immel. "That cut short people's opportunities to try to get back on their feet."

Experts suggest that bringing down the U.S. foreclosure rate could take years and the fallout could rival that of the 2008 financial meltdown or the implosion of many high-technology U.S. firms nearly a decade ago.

"This foreclosure mess is escalating to as big a mess as the mortgage crisis," said Atlanta-based financial analyst Ty Young. "And I do believe, at some point in the future, we'll talk about the dot com [stock] crisis, the banking crisis, and the foreclosure crisis in the same light."

Most foreclosures stem from a borrower losing a job and lacking income to pay the mortgage. But the drop in U.S. home values in recent years has led to a new class of non-payers: borrowers whose mortgages exceed the value of their homes and who simply walk away from the investment.

1950s marked time of change for 100

Dorothy Fields Jenkins, founder of the Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida, recounts how women broke barriers in the Marching 100 during the 1950s.

From here recent Miami Herald column:

In the 1950s women made history when they joined Florida A&M College's band. Norma White broke the gender barrier. She was the first female student in the school's marching and concert band. She was not allowed to march.

Later seven female high school graduates were recruited to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, now university, on music scholarships. Their lives were enriched by the teachings of then-band director, William P. Foster (1919-2010). Foster is widely recognized as the band director innovator who initiated the high-stepping FAMU 100.

A 1958 Miami Herald article proclaimed the Marching Band as ``the Marchingest, Playingest Band in the Land.''

One of the seven women, Joyce Williams (Knight), spearheaded the search for information from her classmates for this column. A member of a musical family, Joyce graduated from Rochelle High School in Lakeland.

Her six classmates included two students from Jacksonville's Stanton High School: Denise Williams, French Horn and Mary Hunter, English Horn; Edna Sampson (Hargett), Jones High School in Orlando, a pianist who played instruments in the percussion section; Millie Rodriquez (Jones), Milton High School, Tampa, played flute; Marian Patricia Barrett Edwards, Lake County Training School, Leesburg, played clarinet; and Sherran Yvonne Cottrell (Winchester), Central High, Mobile, Ala., played clarinet.

Continue reading here.

Grant will revitalize M.S. Thomas building

On September 29, Rattler Nation reported that FAMU had received a $1,477,722 stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish a Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development. One week later, FAMU held a press conference to share further details about the project.

FAMU will set up the computer center in the M.S. Thomas Industrial Arts Lab across from the Wahnish Way parking garage. The money will help FAMU renovate the facility. Right now, the facility only has one classroom that is operational.

“There's no internet in here, there's- the infrastructure is intact but it needs some work. And this broadband grant is going to rehaul the building, which is a win-win situation for the university,” FAMU professor David White told WCTV-6. White teaches a technology class in the building.

The facility was constructed during the 1920s as a laundry building. It was named after the late professor M.S. Thomas in 1987. Before it fell into a state of disrepair, it held a photography lab and darkroom, industrial arts lab, graphic arts shop, offices, and classrooms.

The new public computer center housed in M.S. Thomas will serve Leon, Gadsden, and Jefferson Counties for three years. This three-county region has poverty and unemployment rates well above the state and national averages. Many residents lack the 21st century skills necessary for industry certifications and job preparation.

The new Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development will have 65 workstations and will train as many as 14,500 residents with approximately 87,000 hours of teacher-led training annually. The project’s training and broadband programs will include specific disciplines important to North Florida. These include: public administration, education services, healthcare, social assistance, agriculture, forestry, and fishing and hunting.

Vice-President for Enterprise Information Technology Robert Seniors is the principle investigator for the project. The co-principle investigator is Dawn Holley-Dennis, associate professor and chair of the Department of Workforce Education and Development in the FAMU College of Education.

Barrera named MEAC Player of the Week

FAMU sophomore Pamela Barrera was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Volleyball Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

Barrera (6-1, So., MB, Lima Peru) aided the Lady Rattlers to a 3-0 mark, including a 2-0 record in MEAC play, with 21 kills, 14 digs, seven blocks and four aces. Against S.C. State, she hit 50-percent from the floor (7-of-12) with seven digs and one ace.

FAMU employees to receive $1,000 raise

The FAMUan reports that President James H. Ammons is increasing the base salaries of certain eligible full-time employees by $1,000. The raise applies only to workers who are not part of the union collective bargaining agreements. Most FAMU professors are members of the United Faculty of Florida (UFF). Most public safety officers are members of Police Benevolent Association.

The raise is effective July 1, 2010 and will be applied retroactively to eligible faculty/staff paychecks on the November 5, 2010 pay date. Eligible part-time employees who have been working at FAMU since May 1 will receive a pro-rated based upon the full-time equivalency of their respective positions.

“Although the university is still faced with challenging economic conditions, finding a means of rewarding employees to the fullest extent possible within budgetary limitations has been paramount to FAMU and its Board of Trustees,” Ammons said, according to a quote printed in the student newspaper. “In recent years, Florida A&M University has been restricted in its ability to provide monetary incentives for employees due to budgetary constraints.”

The pay raise announcement follows a big enrollment boost that has pumped some money back into FAMU's hard-hit budget. The student numbers have climbed from 11,567 when Ammons took over in Fall 2007 to 13,226 in Fall 2010.

FAMU-UFF president Elizabeth Davenport disagrees with the administration's decision.

"To selectively provide raises to support staff and the administration… creates divisiveness in the community," she told The FAMUan.

FAMU has offered all union employees the same $1,000 salary increase it offered non-union members.

Obama records radio ad for Meek

Yesterday, the Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate Campaign released a new radio ad featuring President Barack Obama. In it, the president lauds Meek as a proven fighter for the middle class and pointed to Meek's leadership holding Wall Street accountable, making college more affordable, and opposing the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy.

“Kendrick's been a powerful voice for Floridians,” Obama said in the ad, “Standing up to special interests, to hold Wall Street accountable, fighting the insurance industry to make sure health care isn't denied to our children because of a preexisting condition, working to eliminate subsidies to banks so young people can afford a college education, and Kendrick strongly opposes extending tax breaks for the wealthy and has worked tirelessly to expand the middle class and support small businesses.”

Listen to the full ad here.

On Monday, Meek joined Obama in Miami as the president visited South Florida. Former President Bill Clinton will campaign with Meek next week in St. Petersburg and Orlando.

FAMU, UF exemplify contrasting stimulus spending strategies in SUS

Florida’s two public land grant universities offer examples of the very different strategies that State University System (SUS) institutions are using as they spend their federal stimulus dollars.

U.S. President Barack Obama’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act pumped hundreds of millions into the SUS.

FAMU has used all of its unrestricted stimulus dollars to save personnel jobs. The University of Florida has not.

FAMU received $7.4M education stimulus dollars for 2009-2010 and $8.4M for 2010-2011. It has used the money to support the salaries of staffers and permanent faculty members. FAMU has pared back on adjunct positions, travel, and new hiring.

Twenty-six FAMU employee salary lines are being paid with stimulus funds that will expire at the end of this fiscal year.

UF has taken a different approach with its stimulus dollars. Its administration has used a big portion of the stimulus to start easing liberal arts faculty members out the door. According to the Gainesville Sun, “UF used $6.4 million for final payouts to laid-off faculty and staff, and another $7.6 million was paid for early retirement incentives meant to prevent layoffs.”

UF is using about $10M stimulus dollars to hire new faculty members. The new hiring is mainly in areas such as medicine which attract big research grants. After the stimulus dries up, UF will use tuition dollars to pay those salaries.

The laid-off liberal arts faculty positions are not likely to come back any time soon. UF's College of Liberal and Sciences has made headlines in recent years for its multi-million dollar deficit troubles. Back in 2006, the UF administration announced a three-year plan to downsize the college in order to address the ongoing budget problem.

“Our reading was they were taking this opportunity to redirect resources to change the direction of the institution,” UF faculty union president John Biro told the Sun.

FAMU might have to cut another $5M from its budget this year. Florida’s public universities also received notice that they might take another 15 percent across-the-board cut in 2011-2012. That would be $14.2M at FAMU.

Never too Much: Nat Adderley, Jr. shows FAMU students how its done

FAMU students had an opportunity to get up close and personal with musical genius, pianist, composer, and arranger Nat Adderley Jr last week. Adderley visited FAMU as a part of the University's 2010-11 Lyceum series.

Adderely's father, powerhouse cornetist and composer Nat Adderley, who was famed for his work with his brother (Nat Jr's uncle) the legendary alto saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley are both FAMU graduates.

The 55-year-old pianist was born in Quincy, Fla., but grew up in Teaneck from age 5. He began playing the piano soon thereafter wrote his first song (age 11) "I'm on My Way", which was recorded by his father and uncle. The tune appeared on Cannonball's 1967 classic, "Why Am I Treated So Bad!" (Capitol).

Luther Vandross' music director
Despite all that jazz juice in his genes, Adderley Jr. spent nearly his entire career in pop and R&B, primarily as music director and arranger for the esteemed R&B singer Luther Vandross (1951-2005).

Adderley arranged material for Vandross' first hit album, 1981's "Never Too Much" (Epic/Legacy). He subsequently worked with the singer until February 2003, when Vandross suffered the stroke that ended his career and led to his death.

These days, Adderley, who makes his home in West Orange, has his sights set back on jazz. "There's no question, my success in pop overshadowed jazz," he says.

Nat Jr. revives kinfolks' music at Lyceum
For the FAMU Lyceum performance Friday, Adderley performed the music of his uncle, saxophonist Cannonball, and his father by teaming up with FAMU professors Longineu Parsons , and Diron Holloway. Parsons, a cornetist , and Holloway, a alto saxophonists, who are both world renowned performers in their own right.

Prof. Parsons’ efforts were glistening examples of advanced technique, with a satisfactory echo of cornetist Nat. Prof. Holloway (no relation to tenor man Red Holloway) did not try to evoke Cannonball. He just threw in plenty, plenty soul of his own devising and a bushel of affection too. And of course that did sound like Cannonball.

McKelton and Bennett earn preseason All-MEAC nods

The Florida A&M University Women’s Basketball team has been predicted to finish fourth for the 2010-11 season, while both Tameka McKelton and Antonia Bennett have been named to the 2010-11 Women’s Basketball Preseason All Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference team, voted on by the conference sports information directors and head women’s basketball coaches, the conference office announced today.

McKelton, a 5-8 junior guard from Palm Beach, Fla., earned first team preseason honors as she finished last season averaging 15.1 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game. In addition, she scored a season high 32 points against Howard University (1-23-10) and poured in 30 points against Maryland Eastern Shore (2-17-10). McKelton finished last season in the conference ranked third in three-point percentage (35.2%); fourth in the MEAC in three-point field goals made (32.5); sixth in scoring (15.1 ppg); sixth in scoring and finished 10th in the conference in steals (1.7 spg).

Bennett, a 6-1 junior guard/forward from Lakeland, Fla., reaped second team preseason honors as she finished the season averaging 11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg; and 1.1 bpg. She scored a season high 27 points against South Carolina State (3-1-10) and pumped in 24 points against Winston-Salem State (2-27-10). In addition, she pulled a season high 17 rebounds against Delaware State (2-15-10) and 12 rebounds against South Carolina State (3-1-10). Bennett finished last season ranked third in the MEAC in defensive rebounds per game (6.36 drpg) and fourth in blocked shots per game (1.1 bpg).

The Lady Rattlers will open up their 2010-11 campaign as they will travel to Fayetteville, Ark., to take on University of Arkansas on Friday, Nov. 12 at Bud Walton Arena.

Green Coalition rallies Rattlers for "10-10-10" challenge

FAMU students, faculty, staff and administrators are being challenged to make at least 10 changes in their lifestyle by Oct. 10, or 10-10-10 to decrease their impact on the environment.

The “Do 10 for 10-10-10” campaign is part of an international 10-10-10 movement sponsored by 350.org, which was founded by well-known author and environmentalist Bill McKibben and his associates. More than 2,000 “global work parties” will take place around the world on Oct. 10.

“The idea behind ‘Do 10 for 10-10-10’ is that if lots of individuals make small changes, this will create the momentum and political will for even greater changes by business and governments as we address the global climate crisis,” said LaRae Donnellan, journalism professor and adviser to the FAMU Green Coalition, which is sponsoring the event.

Two separate competitions are underway, one for students and one for faculty, staff and administrators. Participants complete a pledge card, indicating which 10 or more changes they will make in their behavior. A tear-off bookmark serves as a reminder of the changes participants have pledged to make.

“Do 10” examples include using a water bottle rather than bottled water, turning off water while brushing teeth, using reusable shopping bags, giving up meat at least one day a week, taking the City of Tallahassee Idle Free Pledge or changing the printer setting to two-sided to save paper.

Participants can sign up as individuals and also as members of a group. Individuals will be eligible for prizes such as Chico foldable shopping bags, water bottles, organic coffee and gift certificates from area businesses. Teams will be eligible to win trophies made from recyclable materials. Individuals who choose to write a letter to elected officials, urging them to support clean energy, will be eligible for the grand prizes. The FAMU Student Government Association is considering providing an Energy Star-rated flat-screen TV as the top prize for the student competition.

Pledge forms can be downloaded from http://www.famugreencoalition.com.

FAMU volleyball wins conference opener against Norfolk State

The Norfolk State volleyball team showed flashes of brilliance but could not pull out the upset victory against nine-time defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Florida A&M in a 3-1 loss Monday night at Joseph Echols Hall.

In the conference opener for both teams, the Rattlers took the first set, 25-18, and the second set, 25-21, before NSU stormed back to take the third set, 25-21. The Spartans could not sustain that momentum as FAMU won the decisive fourth set, 25-17.

FAMU improved to 2-11 with a 1-0 mark in the MEAC now, while NSU dropped to 5-14 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Freshman Arielle Knafel had one of her strongest showings of the year with 17 kills on a .214 attack percentage to go along with 12 digs and three blocks, while sophomore Charlotte Armstead totaled 12 kills.

Freshman Noelle Eagles totaled 26 digs, and junior Nicole Kessner handed out 40 assists.

Junior Jasmine Frazier had six blocks as NSU held an 8-5 advantage in team blocks on the night. The Spartans also attacked at a .101 clip while limiting the Rattlers to a .097 attack percentage. NSU also had a 73-66 edge in digs, while FAMU had eight service aces to just one for the Spartans.

Ashley Johnson led the Rattlers with 10 kills on the night, with Katherine Huanec adding nine kills. Diana Gonzalez posted 30 assists, and Susan Egoavil led the backcourt defense with a team-high 22 digs.

A 16 year old FAMU freshman has earned his spot

FAMU freshman, Ralph Jones Jr., a 16 year old from Atlanta, Ga. turned down offers to Howard, Fort Valley State, Morehouse, Stanford, and Harvard to attend FAMU. With an SAT score of 2,120 out of 2,400, it is understandable how he was admitted to the top institutions in the United States.

Jones is a National Achievement Finalist recipient of FAMU's Life-Gets-Better Scholarship. Jones was awarded $120,000 in scholarships, which includes a stipend, tuition and fees, room and board, books and a laptop.

Being a member of a family who has a three-generation history of attending Fort Valley State University and parents who are educators, Jones feels that his childhood played a huge role in his development.

“My background growing up is a little different,” said Jones. “My parents are both educators. My mother is a first grade teacher and my dad was a college professor for some time. Needless to say, a large focus was on education in my house.”

By the time Jones was four-years old, he was adding, subtracting, dividing, reading at the ninth grade level and doing basic algebra.

As impressive as Jones’ ability to learn at a young age may seem, he continued to excel by setting a record of having the highest SAT scores in the past five years at his high school.

Jones’ former SAT math prep teacher and FAMU alumnae Kemberlee Pugh Bingham challenged her students by promising them an “A” in her class if they scored high on the SAT test. As a junior in high school, Jones scored a 1,910. The following year, he increased his SAT scores by more than 200 points.

When Jones shared his score with Bingham, she immediately inquired what college he planned to attend.

“When I first told her, she was excited,” said Jones, a mechanical engineering student. “One thing I can say about FAMU alumni is that they will lobby for their school. Before I knew it, she had gone over to her FAMU billboard and gave me a brochure on the Life-Gets-Better Scholarship, which was the first time I heard of the scholarship. She was like ‘Baby did you know you can go to FAMU for free for four years with a full scholarship and a computer?’ and I was like ‘no ma’am.’”

The following year, Jones attended the recruitment fair that FAMU hosted in Atlanta, Ga., where he felt the energy in the room as President James H. Ammons began to articulate the Rattler Charge.

“When Dr. Ammons got up, he began to say ‘When the dark clouds gather over the horizon’ there was this atmosphere of tension and I knew something was going to happen,” said Jones. “I did not know exactly what; it was very exciting. Then suddenly you heard hissing from all over the room and you saw people with fingers in the air and that is when you start to feel it. I was like wow! This is something bigger than what I could have expected.”

During the award ceremony, Ammons awarded Jones with a $120,000 scholarship for four years along with a list of other incentives. It was Jones first scholarship before he learned about being selected as a National Achievement Scholar.

“Everything that I have worked for has helped me earn my place here,” said Jones. “I am going to earn my right to stay here and when I graduate, I am going to have earned my degree.”

Billy Joe steps down as Miles Col football coach

Miles College Head football Coach William “Billy” Joe resigned abruptly yesterday afternoon sighting health concerns. His resignation is effective immediately. Miles Assistant Offensive-line Coach, Patrick Peasant, will assume duties as interim Coach while a national search ensues.

“It’s been a great and glorious three year ride," Joe said. "But health concerns are becoming too much of a challenge for me to continue in my current capacity.”

Joe took over at Miles in 2008, his 32nd year serving as a head coach. He coached the Rattlers from 1994-2004. Joe leaves Miles as the second all-time winning Coach in HBCU history with over 240 wins, trailing only Grambling’s legendary Eddie Robinson. .

Golden leads Lady Rattlers to cross country title

The Lady Rattlers cross country team took home the championship trophy at the 2nd Annual Bobby Lang Invitational this past Saturday at the Robert “Pete” Griffin Track. With legendary head coach Lang in attendance, the ladies blazed to a first place finish on the course that wound through the campus of FAMU.

Clariccia Golden took home top honors in the 5K race that toured the beautiful campus of FAMU. Golden finished the run with a strong kick as she re-entered the Robert “Pete” Griffin Track Complex , and blazed the final 300 meters for a time of 19:24.72. That averaged out to just 6:14.9 per mile.

Golden was followed by Chandelic Jackson, who finished in 19:38.32. Jackson’s strong second place finish averaged 6:19.3 per mile. Albany State’s Brittany Carter finished third at 19:56.56 averaging 6:25.2 per mile. FAMU’s Shanay Mayes rounded out the top four competitors with a time of 20:15.15, averaging 6:31.2 per mile.

The additional Lady Rattler competitors were Stephaun Martinez (21:59.10/7:04.6), Ariel Allen (22:00.53/7:05.1), Keelyn Fleming (23:01..82/7:24.1) and Netali Chapple (23:12.56/7:28.3).

The Lady Rattlers’ overall time of 1:43:17.82, averaging 20:39.57, was enough to finish in first place as a team. They were followd by Albany State University (1:46:40.6/21:20.06), Bethune-Cookman University (1:57:51.36/23:34.28) and Edward Waters College (2:09:58.10/25:59.62).

This was the Lady Rattlers’ fourth tournament this season where they finished first. The solid recruiting class of coach Darlene Moore has yielded a competitive group of ladies. Freshmen Chandelic Jackson and Clariccia Golden have both captured two titles apiece.

FAMU nets $80,000 to fight childhood obesity

The FAMU Institute of Public Health (IPH) in FAMU's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CoPPS) received an $80,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s (BCBSF) foundation, The Blue Foundation to build a multisectoral coalition in Leon County to address childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is one of the top concerns of First Lady Michelle Obama. On February 9, 2010 she launched an initiative called "Let's Move," which aims to educate American families about the importance raising children with healthy eating habits and active lifestyles.

According to the Let's Move website,"One third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma."

Tallahassee is one of five Florida cities collaborating with The Blue Foundation through Embrace a Healthy Florida – The Blue Foundation’s childhood obesity initiative.

“Childhood obesity’s widespread threat to children, families, communities and the health care system compels us to take action,” said Susan Towler, vice president, The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida. “Through Embrace a Healthy Florida, we hope to work side-by-side with the Tallahassee coalition to stop the epidemic before more of our children develop diabetes, heart disease and other obesity-related health problems.”

These concerted efforts may help to parallel and promote similar endeavors in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.

Rattlers blanked by SC State 19-0

The FAMU Rattlers dropped their home opener to the defending MEAC Champions South Carolina State 19-0 on Saturday night in front of 14,052 fans. This was the first time in 76 years that the Bulldogs have held the Rattlers scoreless. The Rattler offense only racked up six first downs in four quarters of play.

State rode the leg of kicker Blake Erickson who scored on four field goals to lead the Bulldogs to victory. The Rattlers (2-3, 2-1) had not been shut out at home since losing to Tuskegee 23-0 in 1987 and coach Joe Taylor has not beaten South Carolina State since 2007 when he was at Hampton.

The Bulldogs rolled up 409 yards while holding Florida A&M to 106 yards, 48 on the ground.

South Carolina State, the two-time defending MEAC champion, has won 20 straight league games and nine in a row over the Rattlers (2-3, 2-1). The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 124-20 in three wins since losing to Georgia Tech 41-10 in their season opener.

FAMU experience, connections served Briggs well

In a recent interview with HBCU Digest FAMU alumnus Joe Briggs spoke about how his administrative experience on The Hill led him to his current career as high-powered lobbyist on Capitol Hill. He earned his master's of political science from FAMU and formerly served as an executive assistant in the university president's office.

Briggs is one of the FAMU graudates who will be honored at this homecoming's "Young Alumni Awards: A 40/40 Celebration."

From HBCU Digest:

Very little of Joe D. Briggs’ professional success falls into the ‘average’ category. The Florida A&M University alumnus serves as Public Policy Counsel of the National Football League Players’ Association, and is a Founder and Director of Strategic Partnerships for IMPACT, an organization connecting and developing a new generation of leaders in cultural, economic and political fields.

Briggs recently shared his perspectives on being an HBCU graduate alumnus, the responsibility of HBCUs to market their athletes, and what fans can expect in player/owner negotiations in the NFL next year.

You are a graduate alumnus of Florida A&M University. How do you think the graduate experience compares to the undergraduate experience in creating alumni pride and loyalty to an HBCU?

The experience was different and even moreso for me. At the time I was working in the president’s office at FAMU. I think the work I did with the administration, especially traveling to the football games and alumni meetings, helped put in to clear focus for me the importance of caring for FAMU long after the completion of my degree.

What are some of the experiences at Florida A&M that have shaped your professional perspectives throughout your career?

Working with the FAMU National Alumni Association gave me a chance to rub elbows with the leaders of Fortune 500 companies. Being a student on campus, even in a graduate program, reinforced my understanding of the importance of developing a network of contacts that would be beneficial in future life and business endeavors.

Continue reading here.

FAMU law unveils portrait of Luney

The FAMU College of Law updated its historic gallery with a portrait of Percy R. Luney, Jr. founding dean of the re-established College of Law.

Luney served as professor and dean of the FAMU College of Law from 2000 to 2005, when the college was housed in its temporary facility at One North Orange Avenue. He was instrumental in securing provisional accreditation from the American Bar Association, allowing students of the inaugural 2005 class to sit for the Florida Bar.

“Percy Luney was a trailblazer for legal education, the FAMU College of Law and the Orlando community,” said LeRoy Pernell, current dean of FAMU College of Law. “We are honored to have his portrait greet students and visitors of the law school.”

The Luney portrait was presented to the former dean and his wife, Beverly Marshall Luney, during a dinner earlier this year. Nine graduates of the classes of 2005 and 2006 donated funds to commission the portrait and dedicate it to him during the surprise tribute event. The portrait, along with a plaque listing the names of the alumni contributors, was unveiled during a reception in the College of Law Atrium this summer. A replica was also given to Luney.

College of Law alumni who contributed funds to procure the Percy R. Luney, Jr. portrait were Tia Gibbs (‘05); Charles M. Holloman, II ('05); E. Juan Lynum ('05); Jarian Narada Lyons ('06); Trinetta Fisher Lyons ('05); Darnelle P. Toth ('05); Terrie L. Tressler ('05); Ka'Juel Washington ('05); and Carlos L. Woody ('05).

Rouson appointed to FAMU Board of Trustees

Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed Angela H. Rouson, of St. Petersburg, to the FAMU Board of Trustees for a term beginning September 29, 2010, and ending January 6, 2011. She succeeds Belinda Shannon.

Rouson, 43, is the marketing coordinator for Bayfront Medical Center and wife of State. Rep. Darryl Rouson. They have five children.

Rouson graduated from Hampton University and went on to earn her master of business administration from FAMU. She briefly interrupted her MBA studies to help care for her mother, who had contracted breast cancer. Her mother's death from the disease made her work even harder to complete the degree.

"It was really important to me to finish my master's,'' she told the St. Petersburg Times. Thinking of her mother, she said she understood that "the worse tragedy was not to finish, because I knew that would have been important to her.''