Humphries was the keynote speaker for the annual Founders Day Convocation, which commemorated FAMU’s 125th anniversary.
Throughout his speech, Humphries praised and shared with an audience filled with students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees and members of the community some of FAMU’s outstanding accomplishments.
He spoke about the untiring efforts of Sybil Mobley, founding dean of the School of Business and Industry, who was instrumental in changing the lives of students at the university making FAMU one of the best business programs in the nation. Under the leadership of William P. Foster, Humphries said the Marching “100” was awarded the Sudler Trophy, becoming the only historically black college or university to receive this award. He shared how legendary football coach Jake Gaither led the way in football.
“As we celebrate the legacy of FAMU, we must remember that FAMU is exceptional,” said Humphries.
Humphries concluded his message by challenging the audience that it was their responsibility to respond to FAMU’s needs.
“Now is the time for you to act,” said Humphries. “We are survivors. FAMU will be greater than it is today because of you.”
D’Andrea C. Cotton, who seemed to be bursting with joy after the convocation, expressed how excited she was to hear Humphries’ message and to celebrate FAMU’s 125th anniversary.
“This place [FAMU] made me,” shouted Cotton, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAMU. “FAMU changed my life. Attending FAMU was the best decision I ever made.”
A native of Chicago, Ill., Cotton said that former Dean Mobley recruited her and she was the reason for her coming to FAMU.
It seems that Cotton is just one of the numerous examples that FAMU is exceptional.