TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The heartbeat of Florida A&M University pulsed through the halls of power on Wednesday as Rattlers flooded the Florida Capitol in a sea of orange and green. With banners waving, students smiling, and alums standing proud, FAMU Day at the Capitol proved that when Rattlers strike, the entire state feels the impact.

“An investment in FAMU is more valuable today than ever before,” said Interim President Timothy Beard during his remarks. Citing FAMU’s $557 million economic impact and record-breaking achievements in academics and research, Beard energized the crowd, reminding everyone that "When you support FAMU, it represents another student realizing their potential.” He then recited the Rattler Chant that left no doubt: FAMU will strike, strike, and strike again.

As students and faculty manned their booths showing what FAMU has to offer, Dean Mary Simmons, Ph.D. of the School of Allied Health Sciences, highlighted why FAMU’s programs matter.

“We train our students to become first in class against their peers. Health matters, and we want lawmakers to know our students are the future caretakers of their communities,” she said.

Simmons shared that she hoped the day would spark even more investments into scholarships and experiential learning opportunities.

Former Congressman Al Lawson, a FAMU legend, brought his wisdom and personal history to the event.

“You want FAMU to show the legislature that we appreciate the dollars that help the university move forward,” Lawson said. He stressed the importance of advocacy, adding: “Students need to say, ‘We are players in this game.’”
Lawson’s story, walking to the Capitol decades ago in a single suit he paid $25 for at the time, shows just how far grit and determination can take you.

No one embodied that future promise better than Student Government Association President Loryn May, who said, “I'm just hoping to share with legislators the need for our budget requests. This funding is not just for buildings, it’s for our success when we graduate.”

May reflected on her experience at the Capitol representing the number one public HBCU in the nation: “It’s a great honor. I enjoy every second of advocating for my fellow Rattlers,” she said.

Throughout the day, the Capitol buzzed with energy; from legislative meetings to department showcases, FAMU made its presence known. Lawmakers shook hands with future nurses, engineers, attorneys, and innovators, feeling firsthand the passion behind the university’s mission.

Beard, looking over the proud sea of orange and green, summarized the moment:

“Despite the circumstances around us, our best days are still ahead of us,” he said.

If Wednesday proved anything, it’s that Florida A&M University isn’t just shaping its future; it’s helping to shape Florida’s future, one brilliant mind at a time.

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