By Andrew Skerritt
The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) raised $339,883.24 for student scholarships and other programs during its annual breakfast fundraiser Saturday, June 3.
“We are so thankful and appreciative of all our alumni, most importantly to those who thought it not robbery to give to support our students today and year-round. Our students could not do it without you. For that, we are eternally grateful,” said Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation, Inc.
Among the major donors was alumna Cheryl A. Harris, who, along with her husband, Brian Booker, announced a $100,000 donation for student scholarships. Harris encouraged other alumni to give to the success of current and future students. Harris, senior vice president, Sourcing & Procurement Solutions for Allstate Insurance Company, spoke of “altruism” and the importance of giving back.
“Have you given back to Mother FAMU adequately – or a better ask is, ‘have you given back to FAMU at the same rate that FAMU gave to you?’” Harris asked the gathering. “What I am speaking about is altruism and the importance of giving back to Florida A&M. Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. According to research, when we give selflessly to others, our well-being is also improved. And the time for personal altruism and giving back is NOW.”
Other significant contributors included Turner Construction Company, which donated $80,000 to engineering and architecture students. Last year, the company gave $72,000 to the University for scholarships, internships, and partnerships.
FAMU NAA President Curtis E. Johnson, Jr. said the inaugural NAA fundraising breakfast was a tremendous success and called Saturday a great day for students. He also announced the NAA’s $50,000 donation to FAMU Athletics.
“With all hands-on deck and an inspiring and challenging message from alumnus Cheryl Harris Booker, who kicked off the fundraising with a $100,000 gift from her and her husband Brian Booker, set the stage to what culminated to a total fundraising of $339,883-day for Florida A&M University by the FAMU NAA,” said Johnson, who thanked the executive board, chapter presidents, immediate Past President Greg Clark and “alums from across the entire Rattler Nation FAMUly for their contributions, gifts, and talents for a successful fundraising day.”
