FAMU celebrates hard work of more than 700 new alumni

FAMU Interim Provost Rodner Wright congratulates former Student Body President Breyon Love.

More than 700 new graduates walked across the stage during FAMU's fall commencement ceremony. FAMU’s 9,000 seat Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium was filled to capacity as family and friends came to celebrate the graduation of their loved ones at the.

FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman Solomon Badger welcomed the class and commended its members for staying focused throughout the course of their studies.

"This evening is a moment in time that will be remembered throughout your life. With this historic occasion serving as the only event in the lives of every graduate and the family members, friends and supporters who helped make this moment a reality," he said.

The commencement speaker was attorney H.T. Smith, a FAMU alumnus who currently serves as the director of Trial Advocacy Programs at the Florida International University College of Law. He challenged the graduates to continue to make their friends and family members proud.

"Because these graduates before you have been true to the man and woman in the mirror educationally, the FAMU graduating class of 2012 rocks!" Smith said. The audience greeted his statement with thunderous applause.

FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson closed the commencement ceremony with the Rattler charge.

Immediately following the alma mater and the processional, thousands gathered in front of the Lawson Center. Greek organization, university clubs and organizations and families met to celebrate. Fraternities and sororities sang, chanted and stepped to celebrate the accomplishments of their members as visiting family members snapped photos. The African Caribbean Dance Theater also inspired many of the commencement-goers to dance with its fast-paced drum rhythms.