FAMU graduates 12 student-athletes during summer commencement

Alexis Brown earned her degree from the FAMU School of Business

In front of thousands of cheering fans friends and family members, 12 former FAMU student-athletes received their degrees at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Five football players, two volleyball players and one athlete each from women’s track, women’s basketball, women’s tennis and cheerleading walked across the stage and shook the hand of FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson.

“There is no greater victory for us than to see these student-athletes take that stroll across the stage,” said Michael Smith, interim athletic director. “It assures us that our department has provided the opportunity and they have taken advantage of the ability to make a better life for themselves.”

A number of FAMU’s graduating student-athletes earned top honors in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Maria Ceccarelli, who earned a bachelor of arts in Spanish degree, was an All-MEAC and All-Tournament player for the Rattler volleyball team. She was also a member of the Lady Rattlers’ last MEAC championship team.

Steven Robinson, who received his bachelor of criminal justice, and Robert Hartley, who graduated with his master of applied social sciences degree, were both former All-MEAC offensive linemen.

Alexis Brown (pictured), who received a bachelor of science in business administration, was an All-MEAC tennis player for the Lady Rattlers.  She was also the sideline and huddle reporter for Rattler Vision this past basketball season.

Simbarashe Happy, who crossed the stage with a master of science in sports management, was a standout Rattler tennis player during his days as an undergraduate student. He is currently the assistant head coach to the Rattler men’s tennis team. Happy is the older brother of recent tennis star Takura Happy, who has turned professional and is competing on the USTA tour.