TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Dec. 9) – It's the biggest event of the year. Yes, even bigger than homecoming. Commencement ceremonies bring out the best in FAMU Athletics and tonight was no different. Over 700 students had their degrees conferred upon them tonight, with 19 of those being FAMU student-athletes.
Those being celebrated tonight range from Jaymee Smith, who completed her degree in four years to Maverick McKinney; a football player from the mid-1980s who joined the workforce and returned to complete his degree, culminating in tonight's commencement. No matter the time table, the pride remained the same. The culmination of baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees are celebrated in grand fashion at Florida A&M University.
“It just doesn't get any bigger than graduation. As a part of the university's leadership, I am privileged to sit on stage during commencement and realize that this university outputs a tremendous amount of professional degrees to African-Americans,” athletic director Milton Overton said. “I've been at some well-respected places, but they can't compare to what I see on graduation day here at FAMU,” Overton said.
With the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium filled to capacity, family and friends came from far and near to wish the graduates well and to witness the historic moment. Jemal Gibson delivered a commencement address which personified the FAMU experience.
“When I came down here from Chicago, I didn't have a plan. I had some friends who were coming down to go to school so I came too. You hear people say it all the time, but I came here with $40 in my pocket. Actually, $20 because I gave one of the guys $20 for bringing me down,” Gibson said. He held the audience captive as he detailed his family's struggles with drug addiction, leading to untimely deaths.
He also told of how he was accepted to FAMU, though unprepared in advance of showing up. But for Richard Flamer, Ph.D., who broke normal protocol to help Gibson, he was given the opportunity to matriculate into what he felt was the only chance he had to excel in life.
Gibson is now one of the most successful pharmaceutical reps in the southeastern United States. He pledged $100,000 to FAMU during commencement and had previously notified the university that he has a $100,000 benefit in his life insurance policy.
FAMU's Symphonic Band, directed by Shelby Chipman, Ph.D, performed opening numbers to the program, as well as the alma mater to conclude the program. As is tradition, graduating members of the music department were allowed to guest conduct portions of the selections following commencement.
Also mixed in the graduates were two former football players who attained Masters degrees. Former linebacker Bobby Jackson earned his MBA, while former wide receiver Admasen Felix earned a masters degree in sport management.
A listing of FAMU student-athletes who participated in today's ceremony :
Romario Chisolm Football B.S. Agri-Business
Ryan Kopenski Baseball B.S. Agri-Business
Keynote Cash Football B.S. Criminal Justice
Alexis Dean W Tennis B.S. Criminal Justice
Timothy “TJ” Jones Football B.S. Criminal Justice
Montavius Williams Football B.S. Criminal Justice
Jaymee Smith W Track B.S. Fine Arts
Marcus Farlin Football B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
Maverick McKinney Football B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
Alonzo Palmer-Hicks Football B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
Carson Royal Football B.S. Psychology
Ronald Harris II Football B.S. Psychology
Ashley Giacomucci W Track B.S. Pre-Physical Therapy
Admasen Felix Football M.S. Sport Management
Kevin Parker Golf B.S. Health Care Management
Tyson Holloway Football B.S. Criminal Justice
Bobby Jackson Football M.S. Business Administration (MBA)
Chelsea Costin Cheer B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
Delysia Davis W Track B.S. Pre-Physical Therapy
