FAMU President Elmira Mangum called for alumni support and action
while mapping out her “At FAMU, great things are happening every day and we want to continue that legacy of excellence with the support of our alumni,” said Mangum. “Their contributions are critical to help us accomplish our goals to improve the student experience and enhance the university infrastructure.”
The weekend included several opportunities for Rattlers to engage and interact with FAMU leadership, including an intimate listening session where Mangum answered questions ranging from athletics to increasing the university’s research focus.
In addition to making financial contributions, several alumni were recognized for making a lifelong commitment to the “college of love and charity” by becoming life members of the FAMU National Alumni Association. Both new and past life members alike were treated to the Doris Hicks Life Members Reception at the Muhammad Ali Center followed by the musical stylings of jazz trumpeter and FAMU alumnus Lin Rountree.
“Life membership in the national alumni association strengthens our alma mater and is a tangible way to show school pride,” said FAMU NAA President Tommy Mitchell, Sr. “Also, several ranking organizations use alumni engagement as a measure of the university’s quality, so the more members we have on record, the more prestige FAMU can attain.”
During the convention, the Leon County Chapter based in Tallahassee, Fla., was recognized for having the most members and life members, a total of 154, for 2013. The Sarasota Chapter was recognized for the highest increase in membership at 165 percent.
Those who missed the convention still have time to get in on the action. The FAMU Office of Communications has launched the Down for Life Rattler Challenge to encourage more FAMUans to become life members in the alumni association. All alumni who pay their one-time payment of $750 by July 31 will be entered into a drawing to receive a FAMU Swag Bag of paraphernalia.
“We want to invite every alumnus who loves FAMU to make the commitment to be ‘down for life’ and support the university in a meaningful way.” said Alonda Thomas, interim chief communications officer. “We look forward to highlighting the 2014 life members in the next issue of the A&M Magazine, just in time for homecoming.”