The FAMU Connection, the institution’s student performing group, entertained the crowd with a 20-minute musical performance featuring remixes of popular R&B hits and notable FAMU accomplishments. (FAMU/ CJ Whitaker)Submitted by FAMU
ORLANDO, FL., — A robust delegation of administrators joined Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Timothy L. Beard, recruiters, and student ambassadors in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Orlando, Florida, to engage with high school and transfer students during the highly anticipated Florida Blue Florida Classic weekend. The trip marked the culmination of the 2024 Presidential Recruitment Tour. Recruiters representing FAMU’s 14 schools and colleges introduced prospective students to the benefits of a FAMU degree as the community prepared to enjoy the pageantry of the Florida Classic game and events.
“Many students come to FAMU to participate in our excellent STEM programs or to join the renowned Marching 100 or one of our championship athletics programs. Others have heard about the success of 100-plus academic programs, such as accounting, computer engineering, and cyber-security,” said President Beard. “No matter what first interested you in Florida A&M University, I’m here to let you know that FAMU is ready, willing, and able to train you so you can make your career goals a reality.”
More than 2,000 prospective students from high schools and junior colleges across Central Florida interacted with FAMU’s 14 schools and colleges to learn more about its 100+ program offerings. Next, The FAMU Connection, the institution’s student performing group, entertained the crowd with a 20-minute musical performance featuring remixes of popular R&B hits and notable FAMU accomplishments. St. Petersburg College President Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., expressed her enthusiasm for hosting FAMU for the student recruitment effort on her campus.
“It is an honor to partner with FAMU’s president to help us get students from one end to the other end of their academic journey,” said Williams.
The Florida Classic Night of Distinction recognized one of FAMU’s favorite alumni couples and philanthropists, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, as this year’s award honorees. Together, they have curated the renowned Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, which celebrates the achievements and struggles of African Americans from 1595 to the present.
On Friday, Vice President and Athletics Director Angela Suggs and Bethune-Cookman University Athletics Director Reggie Theus joined forces to preview the 99-year-long rivalry and festivities during a live in-studio interview at WESH Channel 2.
“When it comes to the Florida Classic, count the record out. We always get up for this rivalry. For 60 minutes, we are competitors in all our sports, but for the remainder of the time, we are partners, and we are a family,” said Suggs.
The FAMU Office of Communications also unveiled the latest FAMU recruitment video during the Florida Blue Florida Classic luncheon.
“This year, we shifted our focus from traditional sports-themed content to emphasize the strength of our academic programs and FAMU’s impressive rankings,” said Alonda Thomas, Ph.D., vice president of marketing and communications. “By incorporating dramatic music and cinematic visuals inspired by blockbuster film trailers, we aimed to highlight the richness of academic life and the diverse campus experiences FAMU offers. The result is an engaging two-minute feature to captivate prospective students and parents, showcasing why FAMU stands among the nation’s top public institutions.”
As the momentum continued to rise in anticipation of Saturday’s football game, 56,453 fans gathered at Camping World Stadium in Orlando for what would become a historic nail-biter between the two beloved institutions. The Florida A&M University Rattlers emerged victorious over rival Bethune-Cookman, securing a 41-38 win. The victory improved FAMU’s record to 6-5 (4-3) on the season and marked another successful chapter in the historic rivalry.
