By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced the speakers for its three spring 2024 commencement ceremonies at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center on May 3 and May 4.
During the ceremonies, more than 1,200 students from the University’s 14 colleges and school are expected to receive their degrees.
“We are fortunate to have three accomplished and inspirational speakers to address our 2024 spring graduates,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “Alumni LaToya Myles, Ph.D., and Trumpeter extraordinaire Scotty Barnhart, and business executive Gregory Gerami each bring a fountain of knowledge and prestige to each occasion. I can’t wait to hear the wisdom they will share.”
At 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, Myles, deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Air Resources Laboratory (NOAA ARL), will address graduates from the College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, the School of Allied Sciences and the School of the Environment.
Myles was Robinson’s first doctoral graduate when he led the Environmental Sciences Institute. In her current role, she manages a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and administrative professionals in Tennessee, Maryland, Nevada, and Idaho who advance atmospheric science and technology by providing the highest quality weather and climate products and services to protect human health and our environment.
Before that, Myles was director of ARL’s Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was the first woman and the first African American to serve in a division director role at ARL.
At 9 a.m. Saturday, Count Basie Orchestra Director Barnhart will address graduates from the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology. A military commissioning ceremony will also be held during that ceremony.
A graduate of the FAMU music education program, Barnhart has been a member of the Count Basie Orchestra for more than 30 years and its leader since 2013. The three-time Grammy winner is also a tenured professor of jazz at Florida State University.
The third commencement ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, when Gerami, founder/CEO of Batterson Farms Corporation, will address graduates from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Science and Technology, School of Business and Industry, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication and School of Nursing.
Gerami is a champion of sustainable agriculture and biodegradable hemp products in Texas and elsewhere. He overcame early adversity to become a prominent figure in the industrial hemp industry and a pioneer in producing and selling high-quality hemp seeds.
The Lawson Center doors will open two hours ahead of each ceremony. The ceremony is open to the public. Tickets are not required. The clear bag policy will be enforced. All ceremonies will be streamed live on the University’s YouTube and Facebook platforms.