FAMU Alum and Film Producer Will Packer Says No Other HBCU Prepares Students Like FAMU during the Homecoming Convocation

*** Please note: The following is a revised press release. Total donation amounts have been included.

With Florida A&M University’s 120th anniversary and homecoming well underway, the university celebrated the Homecoming Convocation at the Jake Gaither Gym.

This year’s homecoming theme, “The Rattler Renaissance; A Rebirth of Rattler Pride and Spirit,” encompasses the renewal of the institution in every aspect. Alvin Bryant, president of the FAMU National Alumni Chapter, greetings embodied the theme.

“Although we’ve been through tumultuous times,” said Bryant. “This is a time of togetherness and rebuilding of strength.”

FAMU’s Marching “100” enthused the crowd with “FAMU Spirit,” “Rattler Orange & Green,” and “S.O.S.” while FAMU’s world-renowned gospel choir serenaded the audience with “More Abundantly” and “I Will Bless the Lord.” Cheerleaders kept the crowd roaring while the 2007-2008 Royal Court was introduced and past Miss FAMUs of the 30s and 40s were recognized. Even former FAMU presidents Fred Gainous and Fredrick Humphries were in attendance.

FAMU President James H. Ammons described the keynote speaker, William Packer, film producer and FAMU graduate, as “an outstanding and gifted Rattler.”

“Never has there been a more important time, and never have we had to be more responsible for being African-American,” Packer said. “We’re about to inherit the world. No one prepares our young people for the world like HBCU’s and no HBCU prepares our young people like Florida A&M University.”

Packer ended his speech by explaining the importance of giving back to the institution he cherishes, and by giving Ammons a check for $10,000. As it turned out, this was the first in a series of eight checks to be presented to President Ammons.

Col. Ronald Joe, interim vice president for university relations, reintroduced Ammons for an announcement regarding a new fundraising effort.

In the midst of the Marching “100” playing the Tom Joyner Morning Show’s theme song and a swarm of orange and green balloons falling the gym ceiling onto a plethora of prestigious guests, Ammons said, “I am proud to announce the official launch of the fundraising campaign for Florida A&M University,” he said. “We have been selected to as the Tom Joyner School of the Month for January 2008, which is the 10th anniversary of the School of the Month effort. Today, we kickoff this campaign with efforts donations made by FAMU alumni and supporters.”

To date, the following has been received for the Tom Joyner School of the Month Campaign.

- Student Government Association: $500
- Executive Office Furniture: $5,000
- Diamondback Pharmacy Council: $30,000
- Florida Region of the National Alumni Association: $62, 908
- Washington D.C. Chapter of the National Alumni Association: $64,500
- National Alumni Association: $158,000
- FAMU Industry Cluster: Alcoa, $65,000; Boeing, $75,000; Duke Energy, $10,000; Eli Lily,
$23,000; and Lockheed Martin, $20,000 (totaling $193, 026.95)
- FAMU Foundation and National Alumni Association fundraising receptions: $168, 980.15

Ammons thanked each of the contributors and encouraged the audience of Rattlers past and present to continue the effort to raise dollars for the campaign. Ammons ended the convocation with the famous FAMU mantra, the Rattler Charge.

RW News: FAMU College of Law Opens its Doors with a Tailgate Party

Before Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University take to the football field this year during the Walt Disney® World Florida Classic in Orlando, the FAMU College of Law will open its doors to the community for a pre-game showcasing of the law school and a family-friendly tailgating event.

The first FAMU College of Law Open House and Tailgate Party will kickoff at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2007 on the College of Law campus located at 201 Beggs Avenue in downtown Orlando. The event will begin with an open house presented by the law school’s admissions office, where potential law students and current college students with an interest in attending law school will receive an overview of the admission’s process and financial aid information. The open house will also include a law student panel with FAMU law students discussing their experiences and soliciting questions from event attendees. Tours of the law school will be available following the panel.

The tailgate portion of the event will begin promptly at 11 a.m. at the student lounge on the south end of the campus. The tailgate will be catered by Sonny’s Barbeque, and will feature music mixed by Orlando’s Power 95.3 radio personalities on-site for a remote broadcast. Open house and tailgating attendees can enter a drawing to win several prizes including the grand prize of two complimentary tickets to the Florida Classic football game. The FAMU College of Law, the Student Bar Association and the Gwendolyn Cherry Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity will sponsor the tailgate party. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the law school campus.

There is no cost to attend either event. The law school is conveniently located two-blocks from the Central Boulevard and Church Street parking garages. Both garages are used for Citrus Bowl Stadium Shuttle parking. To pre-register for the open house or get more information about the event, contact the FAMU College of Law’s Admissions Office at (407) 254-3286.

RW News: FAMU President James H. Ammons will Host the President’s Forum

Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons will host the President’s Forum on Tuesday, November 27, for faculty, staff and students in Lee Hall. The scheduled forums are the following:

Faculty forum- 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Staff forum- 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Management forum- 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Students forum- 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For more information, call (850) 599-3413.

FAMU Welcomes Gordon Parks’ Crossroads Exhibit

Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication will host the Gordon Parks “Crossroads” exhibit beginning Tuesday, November 27 through January 15, 2008 in the FAMU Black Archives. FAMU will be the second of six colleges and universities to host the exhibit.

“It’s very exciting to know that people are going to have the chance to witness such an accomplished photographers work up close as opposed to in books,” said Delisha Peterson, an adjunct graphic communications professor at FAMU.

Individuals will be able to view 45 of Parks’ works, all selected from different areas of his multifaceted career. A career that saw Parks’ served as a composer, a musician, a poet, a photographer a journalist and a director to name a few.

“Crossroads” serves as an opportunity to celebrate the life and a career of a man who undoubtedly was one of the most influential photojournalists of the 20th century.

Parks is mostly remembered for the time he spent as photojournalist for Time magazine and being the co-founder of Essence magazine as well as his activism and desire to help others.

FAMU's School of Nursing in Compliance with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.

Florida A&M University’s School of Nursing received notification from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) that the School of Nursing was in compliance with all accreditation standards and criteria regarding a recent complaint made by a student.

This fall, a student submitted a complaint against the FAMU School of Nursing regarding its nursing programs. Among the allegations were the department’s academic policy, discriminatory practices and comprehensive exam.

According to Dr. Sharon J. Tanner, executive director of NLNAC, NLNAC must review each complaint it receives in accordance with its policies as required by the U.S. Department of Education Regulations related to student concerns.

“The materials submitted were carefully reviewed,” said Tanner. “Based on the complainants’ concerns, it appears that you [FAMU’s School of Nursing] are in compliance with NLNAC Standards and Criteria.”

“I was confident that the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission would find our program in compliance with all accreditation standards and criteria,” said Mary Graham, dean of FAMU’s School of Nursing. “I will continue to give 100 percent in my role as dean. The faculty and I believe in excellence and the success of our students.”

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs.

RW News: Adding to the Beauty…

I'm sure we can all agree that the campus of Florida A&M University is already a beautiful site. Now students, faculty, staff and administration are enjoying a different type of beauty--the kind that moves.

The StarMetro Venom Express I and II student shuttles now feature a new design with the FAMU logo and Rattler. Charles Collins, graphic designer for university relations, is responsible for creating the design.

Ranada Arnold, a 19-year-old pharmacy student from Jacksonville, said that the new design has helped to make the bus more welcoming.

“We have been working with FAMU Chief of Police Calvin Ross and his staff on the bus design for over a year,” said Ronald Garrison, executive director of StarMetro. “We are all excited to get these buses in service.”

FAMU Chief Ross said the new design is intended to bring a strong sense of Rattler pride to those in view of the shuttles, both on and off campus.

“There were many designs that were considered,” Ross said. “The final design was the most popular design that was approved for the StarMetro bus.”

By RattlerWIRE contributing student, Toneka Pinkney

RW News: Activist Kemba Smith and Journalist Reginald Stuart Speak at FAMU’s Journalism Colloquium

The Florida A&M University School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) has announced that Kemba Smith will be the featured speaker at its Journalism Colloquium Thursday, November 8, at 11a.m., in Lee Hall Auditorium. The general public is invited to attend.

Smith will tell her story of being an impressionable student at Hampton University, Hampton, Va., falling into the wrong crowd and becoming involved with a young man who turned out to be a drug dealer.

She found herself in the middle of her boyfriend’s $4 million crack cocaine ring and a life of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

Her unwitting participation in the crack cocaine world led to being sentenced to 24.5 years and serving 6.5 years in federal prison. Smith regained her freedom in December 2000 when former President Bill Clinton pardoned her.

Joining Smith at the colloquium will be Reginald Stuart, a veteran journalist whose article about Smith appeared in Emerge magazine. Stuart’s article sparked a groundswell of attention and support that helped lead to her presidential pardon.

“We are pleased to have Smith and Stuart on our campus,” said Jim Hawkins, dean of the SJGC. “Her story is an inspirational one that our students will appreciate. This case also reflects the importance of the media in helping to right an egregious wrong.”

RW News: Don “D.C.” Curry to host AARP Alumni Gala

On behalf of the Florida Classic Consortium, Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons and Bethune-Cookman President Trudie Kibbe Reed announced that comedian/actor Don “D.C.” Curry will serve as the host and master of ceremonies for the AARP Alumni Gala during the Walt Disney® World Florida Classic presented by State Farm weekend.

Widely known as the star of numerous stand-up comedy tours, Curry has played huge theaters at home and abroad and headlined special engagements at the nation’s hottest comedy clubs. From co-starring in major studio motion pictures or taking the duties of leading man in an independent feature film to touring the country as the lead in a hit stage play or serving as the front man of his own R&B and Blues band, Curry stands apart as a multi-talented performer.

Featured in several major motion pictures such as Next Friday and Friday After Next, Curry was one of the first comedians to be named BET Comic of the Year, a distinction which gave him an opportunity to host a full season of the hit-series ComicView.

Curry will be joined with legendary R&B group Midnight Star as the talent for the gala. Curry will host the Alumni Gala program and perform a 30 to 45 minute act during dinner, while Midnight Star will provide the entertainment at the conclusion of the program.

The AARP Alumni Gala is scheduled for Friday, November 16, 2007, at 6 p.m. at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at Florida Citrus Sports by calling (407) 423-2476 ext. 165 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. For table purchases or for more information on the AARP Alumni Gala or the Walt Disney World® Florida Classic presented by State Farm, log on to www.floridaclassic.org.

RW News: FAMU Media Sales Institute has been Renewed for an Additional Year

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF), the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB), and Personal Selling Principles (PSP), announced that they will renew the Media Sales Institute at Florida A&M University (FAMU) for an additional year. NABEF and NABOB will provide funding for the initiative.

The NABEF/NABOB Media Sales Institute at FAMU is an intense ten-day training program for college seniors who are interested in careers in media sales. The program was a joint vision of the late Professor Ernie Fears, Sr. at Howard University and Jeffrey P. Myers, principal of Personal Selling Principles. The master lecture held at Florida A&M is named after Ernie Fears, Sr.

“We are pleased to continue the Media Sales Institute at Florida A&M University,” said NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr. “This highly successful ten-day program offers students of diverse backgrounds excellent training for entry-level careers in media sales. To date, 85 percent of these graduates have been hired into media sales jobs.”

“We continue to be excited about hosting the Media Sales Institute in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University,” said Jim Hawkins, dean, School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “Already more than 40 graduates of the program have found positions in this rewarding field. The success of these graduates validates the effectiveness of the program and its importance to the media industry.”

RW News: FAMU Faculty to Serve on Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

Gale A. Workman, professor in the Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, has been appointed to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, (ACEJMC).

Workman will represent the Association of Women in Communications (AWC) on the Council. AWC is one of 19 member-organizations that constitute the Council. The Council is responsible for the evaluation of professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities.

Currently, there are 110 professionally accredited programs in the United States. FAMU’s Division of Journalism is professionally accredited.

“I never imagined 20 years ago, when I wrote my doctoral dissertation on the history of the Accrediting Council, that I would become a member of this powerful organization,” Workman said. “My predecessor, Jo-Ann Huff Albers, is a tough act to follow. She has been AWC’s representative on the Council for 27 years.”

Jo-Ann Huff Albers will retire from the Council in May. She was director of journalism and broadcasting at Western Kentucky University and remains an active member of AWC.

Workman is a former AWC national board member and the faculty adviser to the Tallahassee Student Chapter of AWC. She has been named AWC Outstanding Faculty Adviser five times.

Workman will be the second faculty member to serve on the ACEJMC. Bob Ruggles, the former dean, also served on the council.

RW News: FAMU Alum Will Packer Says No Other HBCU Prepares Students Like FAMU

With Florida A&M University’s 120th anniversary and homecoming well underway, the university celebrated the Homecoming Convocation at the Jake Gaither Gym.

This year’s homecoming theme, “The Rattler Renaissance; A Rebirth of Rattler Pride and Spirit,” encompasses the renewal of the institution in every aspect. Alvin Bryant, president of the FAMU National Alumni Chapter, greetings embodied the theme.

“Although we’ve been through tumultuous times,” said Bryant. “This is a time of togetherness and rebuilding of strength.”

FAMU’s Marching “100” enthused the crowd with “FAMU Spirit,” “Rattler Orange & Green,” and “S.O.S.” while FAMU’s world-renowned gospel choir serenaded the audience with “More Abundantly” and “I Will Bless the Lord.” Cheerleaders kept the crowd roaring while the 2007-2008 Royal Court was introduced and past Miss FAMUs of the 30s and 40s were recognized. Even former FAMU presidents Fred Gainous and Fredrick Humphries were in attendance.

FAMU President James H. Ammons described the keynote speaker, William Packer, film producer and FAMU graduate, as “an outstanding and gifted Rattler.”

“Never has there been a more important time, and never have we had to be more responsible for being African-American,” Packer said. “We’re about to inherit the world. No one prepares our young people for the world like HBCU’s and no HBCU prepares our young people like Florida A&M University.”

Packer ended his speech by explaining the importance of giving back to the institution he cherishes, and by giving Ammons a check for $10,000. As it turned out, this was the first in a series of eight checks to be presented to President Ammons.

Col. Ronald Joe, interim vice president for university relations, reintroduced Ammons for an announcement regarding a new fundraising effort.

In the midst of the Marching “100” playing the Tom Joyner Morning Show’s theme song and a swarm of orange and green balloons falling the gym ceiling onto a plethora of prestigious guests, Ammons said, “I am proud to announce the official launch of the fundraising campaign for Florida A&M University,” he said. “We have been selected to as the Tom Joyner School of the Month for January 2008, which is the 10th anniversary of the School of the Month effort. Today, we kickoff this campaign with efforts donations made by FAMU alumni and supporters.”

A total of $682,919 was donated by FAMU’s Student Government Association, the National Diamondback Pharmacy Council, the Florida and North East regions of the National Alumni Association, the FAMU Industry Cluster and other supporters.

Ammons thanked each of the contributors and encouraged the audience of Rattlers past and present to continue the effort to raise dollars for the campaign. Ammons ended the convocation with the famous FAMU mantra, the Rattler Charge.

American Bar Association Concludes Site Visit at FAMU College of Law

A seven-member team of legal and education experts concluded their visit at Florida A&M University, College’s of Law on Wednesday, October 31, as part of an accreditation site evaluation by the American Bar Association (ABA).

During the four-day visit, the ABA Site Evaluation team met with students, faculty, staff and administrators from the law school, as well as law school alumni and community supporters. In addition, the team met with University officials, including the president, provost, legal counsel and chief financial officer. The team reviewed the law school’s programs and its progress toward compliance with each of the ABA’s Standards for Approval of Law Schools.

The Site Evaluation team was complimentary of the progress made by the law school.

“We are committed to ensuring that the FAMU College of Law becomes fully accredited,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “We must ensure that the College of Law continues its mission of producing excellent legal professionals for the state of Florida and the nation.”

The ABA evaluation was the full site visit while the College of Law is in its provisional status and before it will make its application for full accreditation. The ABA granted the FAMU College of Law provisional approval in August 2004.

According to the ABA, a law school that is provisionally approved is entitled to all the rights of a fully approved law school. Similarly, graduates are entitled to the same recognition afforded graduates of fully approved schools.

The team will compile a report to be submitted to the Accreditation Committee and Council that will outline other issues for the school to take under consideration as it pursues full accreditation status. The report will be shared with the University and the law school in 2008.

RW News: FAMU Social Work Department and Tallahassee Urban League Host Town Hall Meeting on Gangs

Florida A&M University’s Master of Social Work Department and the Tallahassee Urban League will host a town hall meeting to inform the community about gangs in the Tallahassee Community scheduled for Thursday, November 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jack L. McLean, Jr. Community Center located on 700 Paul Russell Road.

Guests include Judge Janet Ferris, State of Florida Circuit Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit; FAMU Assistant Chief of Police Lockley; Elijah Stackhouse, gang specialist for Tallahassee Community College; Officer Gary Jordan, gang specialist for Leon County’s Sheriff Department; and Officer Derrick Friend, gang specialist for the City of Tallahassee Police Department

According to the National Youth Gang, approximately 1 in 4 law enforcement agencies with a gang problem operated a gang unit in 2004, including 51 percent of larger cities. In 2004, 31 percent of law enforcement agencies with a gang problem that did not operate a gang unit reported that one or more officers were assigned to handle gang problems exclusively.

“Recent data indicates there has been an alarming increase in gang activity in Florida in general, and in particularly Tallahassee,” said Merlin R. Langley, associate professor in the FAMU Department of Social Work. “The Department of Social Work in partnership with the Urban League is hosting a town hall meeting to increase citizens awareness of gang violence in North Florida.”

This event is free and refreshments will be provided. The general public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Merlin R. Langley at (850) 599-3456.

RW News: FAMU Alum and Civil Rights Trailblazer Jesse J. McCrary Jr. Succumbs

Florida A&M University alumnus and civil rights trailblazer Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. died of lung cancer Monday, October 29.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, at 9 a.m. at New Birth Baptist Church, 2300 NW 135th Street, Miami.

A 1960 graduate of FAMU, McCrary received a degree in political science. When he studied law at the FAMU College of Law, many doors were still closed to black attorneys. McCrary, who helped organize the Tallahassee sit-ins as an undergraduate at FAMU, went on to open many of those doors. Among his accomplishments were becoming the first African American Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida and the first African American member of the Florida cabinet since Reconstruction.

In addition to his wife, Jesse McCrary is survived by daughters Bonnye Fields of Atlanta, and Jessica McCrary and Pamela Walton of Miami, and sisters Celestine Woodson and Susan McCrary of Houston, and Alyce Major of St. Petersburg.

RW News: FAMU’s Research Center Awarded $260,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

A research center in the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture, (CESTA), at Florida A&M University has been awarded a $260,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative (USDA NRI) Grant Program.

The grant is for the FAMU Center for Water and Air Quality.

“This was perfect timing for the announcement to come as we are focusing on the engagement in scientific study by faculty and students in this college,” said Dr. Sunil Pancholy, associate dean for the Division of Research Programs (CESTA). “Currently, we are facing critical issues related to water and air quality that need to be addressed. The grant from NRI is significant and will provide FAMU with the resources and opportunity to help find solutions for these challenges.”

The grant award is among several accolades in science at FAMU, an 1890 land-grant institution. Recently, CESTA unveiled “Majesty,” the first muscadine grape variety; an innovative weevil identification tool; and a new pesticide bacteria strain.

For more information, contact Hsieh at (850) 599-3065 or via email at yuch.hsieh@famu.edu or Sunil Pancholy, associate dean for the Division of Research, FAMU-CESTA at (850) 599-3594 or email: s.pancholy@famu.edu.