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| David Jackson III (left) with Emmanuel Dawson. |
When FAMU welcomed over 600 new alumni to the fold at last week’s fall commencement, two stood out among the sea of new graduates. Emmanuel (Blake) Dawson and David Jackson, III, completed their studies in three-and-a-half years.
"I am proud of all my students that graduate, but it is really special to see these two young men…. because they capitalized on many of the opportunities offered in SBI and at FAMU," said Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Industry and vice president for University Advancement.
Dawson and Jackson, who at one time were roommates, said it took tenacity, hard work and the willingness to fully immerse themselves at FAMU to be able to graduate in under four years. They also recommended students challenge themselves in ways that may not always be popular.
"I’ve had naysayers that haven’t approved of what I’ve done...I expected it and I haven’t let that hinder my accomplishments," said Jackson. "FAMU's initiative to "finish in four," in conjunction with the performance-based funding metrics, allow us to help the university by finishing early and that makes me proud."
Both men excel academically and they are involved in various organizations. Dawson serves on the national board of directors for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is their 46th southern region assistant vice president, and Jackson is a former Student Government Association (SGA) president and student senator. In addition to their many accomplishments they also emphasized their desire to help others.
"We're men that can be proud of our accomplishments and at the same time give back to those that look up to us and those that need our help," said Jackson.
“It's special that they trust me enough with my professional experiences to help them with their careers," Dawson said.
After graduation, Dawson plans to join DeLoitte, one of the big four accounting and professional services firms, in San Francisco and Jackson intends to further his education by pursuing a graduate degree.