Financial opportunity for students was the vision of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) 27th annual Faculty and Staff Campaign Breakfast Aug. 12.
The breakfast, which took place in the Grand Ballroom on campus, traditionally signals the start of a new academic year for FAMU’s faculty and staff who annually support the important endeavor. Finances raised through the campaign are used to help fund scholarships and provide financial assistance options for deserving FAMU students. Faculty and staff members contributed $209,000 during the 2015-2016 academic year.
During the program, University President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., thanked faculty and staff members for the contributions they have already made in previous years toward the campaign.
“As you know, you are on the frontlines every day and it’s your hard work and your loyalty to the University that makes a difference for our students and makes FAMU one of the top land grant universities in the country,” Mangum said.
While addressing the group, Provost Marcella David, J.D. thanked employees for their efforts and issued a challenge for the University Community to work together in order to meet and exceed $300,000 this year through the campaign.
“Your dedication and sacrifice speak volumes about just how much you care,” David said. “The faculty and staff giving drive plays a critical role here at Florida A&M University and has enriched the lives of students on this campus significantly over the years,” she added.
Mangum said the campaign provides an avenue that demonstrates just how much University employees believe in FAMU.
“This shows that you actually provide your personal resources to maintain and sustain the University. It provides evidence to our students and stakeholders that you understand the vision and are committed to see it through,” Mangum said.
At the conclusion of the event, George Cotton, vice president of University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation thanked everyone for contributing to an effort that allowed the University to raise an historical $6.5 million.
“We had a sensational year here at FAMU because of you, it’s because you cared,” Cotton said.
He went on to share his experiences as a young man growing up in Arkansas with a desire to obtain a college education.
“When I decided I wanted to go to college I had absolutely no money. I had hope, a dream and parents who believed in giving me an opportunity to do better,” Cotton said. “There are children all over this country who are just like me, just like you. Many of you in this room wouldn’t be here if someone else hadn’t cared enough to provide an opportunity for you. So I’m challenging you to do the same thing for them that others did for us,” he concluded.