FAMU Sponsors a Book Series in Celebration of President Ammons’ Inauguration

The Florida A&M University Book Series celebrating the inauguration of President James H. Ammons is set to begin October 2 in Perry Paige Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Keith Simmonds, assistant dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, will lead a discussion on the first book of the series entitled “The Audacity of Hope” by Senator Barack Obama.

“The series was formed in order to provide opportunities for enlightening and informative dialogue sessions on various topics leading up to the inauguration of Dr. Ammons as the 10th President of FAMU,” said Sharon P. Saunders, chair of the President’s Inauguration Committee, adding the sessions are free and open to the public.

Here’s a listing of what’s scheduled:

Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 p.m.
“Jazz” by Toni Morrison
Discussion Leader: Dr. Emma Dawson, professor and director of the FAMU Honors Program
Location: Lee Hall Auditorium

Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m.
“Letters to a Young Sister” and “Letters to a Young Brother”
by Hill Harper
Discussion Leaders: Monique Gillum, FAMU SGA President, 2007-2008 and Commissioner Andrew Gillum, City of Tallahassee
Location: Perry Paige Auditorium

Thursday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
“A Return to Excellence: Historic Headlines Reflecting the Presidential Eras of Florida A&M University (2001-2008)” by Dr. Elizabeth Dawson, Dr. Leedell W. Neyland and Professor Yanela Gordon.

Discussion Leaders: Dr. Elizabeth Dawson, Dr. Leedell Neyland and Professor Yanela Gordon
Location: Perry Paige Auditorium

The President’s Installation Ceremony will take place in the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center on October 31, at 10:10 a.m. Additional key events planned during the inaugural week include an inaugural gala dinner dance, a gospel concert featuring Shirley Caesar, an inaugural barbecue, and an art exhibition and symposia.