More than 513 FAMU students celebrated the culmination of their academic journeys Friday afternoon as they received bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees during the university's summer commencement ceremony at the Al Lawson Center.
The graduates represented FAMU's 14 schools and colleges, joining the ranks of more than 100,000 Rattler alumni making an impact in business, government, education, health care, engineering, the arts and public service.
Family members and friends filed into the Lawson Center for the 4 p.m. ceremony, cheering as graduates crossed the stage to receive degrees that reflected years of perseverance, scholarship and service. The Class of 2026 ranged from traditional college-age students to a few working professionals returning to complete advanced degrees, underscoring the university's commitment to serving learners at every stage of life.
Award-winning filmmaker, branding strategist and media executive Tirrell Whittley delivered the commencement address, urging graduates to embrace purpose over popularity and to remain authentic as they pursue their ambitions. Drawing from his career in entertainment, entrepreneurship and storytelling, Whittley challenged graduates to use their talents to create opportunities for others while remaining grounded in the values instilled during their time at FAMU.
As the newest members of the Rattler alumni family turned their tassels and celebrated with their loved ones, they carried forward FAMU's enduring legacy of excellence, leadership and service.
The ceremony concluded with a new more celebratory twist as pyrotechnics were ignited at the end of the Rattler Charge to send the new alumni into the world.