September 25, 2025

Community

By Ashley Flete

Wreath Laying Celebration Ceremony Wednesday, October 1

Celebration Ceremony Wednesday, October 1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) will commemorate 138 years of legacy, leadership and excellence during its annual Founders Day Observance at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Eternal Flame on the university Quadrangle.

The ceremony will honor the visionaries who founded FAMU in 1887 and highlight the University’s continued impact as one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members are invited to join in a spirited celebration that will include music, reflections and a keynote address from a distinguished FAMU alumnus.

The observance will feature the FAMU Army/Navy Color Guard. Opening remarks will be delivered by the Student Government Association vice president, followed by a wreath presentation from Mister and Miss FAMU to the University president. Students from the Essential Theatre program will lead a Recommitment Reading, and President Marva Johnson will deliver closing remarks.

FAMU was founded on Oct. 3, 1887, as the State Normal College for Colored Students. Since then, it has grown into a powerhouse for higher education, research and innovation, producing trailblazers in business, law, public service, healthcare, engineering and the arts.

The Founders Day ceremony is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413 or click here for the FAMU events calendar. 


Media Contact:

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist 
ashley1.flete@famu.edu 

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