By Atiyah Bunton, Office of Communications Intern

Curtis Lawrence III, the youngest FAMU freshmen in 2021, is now graduating.

Young, Gifted, and a Rattler: Curtis Lawrence III Graduates After Making FAMU History

When Curtis Lawrence III first stepped onto the campus of Florida A&M University in 2021, he was only 16 years old and making history as the youngest person in his class to attend FAMU. He was just a teen with big dreams and a plan, navigating the world. Now, four years later, he is preparing to graduate at 20 with a degree in biology and a minor in liberal arts.

Lawrence, who hails from Washington, D.C., is no stranger to standing out. Before arriving at the "highest of seven hills," he had already made headlines nationwide for graduating high school at 16 with over $1.6 million in scholarships. His academic excellence opened the doors to more than 14 universities—including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale.

But despite the national recognition and elite options, Florida A&M captured his heart.

“What really made me want to come to FAMU was that, during my visit, I really felt comfortable and at home,” he said. “It was really important for me with being so young, going somewhere where I felt like I would fit in.”

That sense of belonging was something Lawrence deeply valued, especially as a young student stepping into college life years ahead of most of his peers. Still, the adjustment was not easy.

Curtis Lawrence and a FAMU alumCurtis Lawrence III received offers from a multitude of higher-education institutions but FAMU stole his heart. (Photo special to FAMU)


“When I first got to FAMU, I was only 16, so I was kind of shy and timid—I was a little scared to talk to people,” he admitted. “But the culture here is so welcoming that it was easy to make new connections and get to know people. When you hear people saying FAMUly, it really is just like one big family.”

As he grew into himself, both academically and personally, Lawrence embraced the whole HBCU experience. He says some of his favorite moments were being part of campus traditions—from attending Greek life probates and experiencing homecoming to donning business suits and engaging in professional events.

Those memories, he said, stand out not just because of their excitement but because of what they represented.

“Wearing suits, going to events with my friends, just being around a fountain of Black excellence—that’s something I really appreciate, and I’ll always take with me.”

Now, as he prepares for his next academic chapter at Villanova University, Lawrence is focused on his future in research. With an ultimate goal of becoming a professor and continuing to pour into the next generation of thinkers the same way FAMU poured into him.

He credits his time on “the Hill” for instilling qualities that will follow him well beyond graduation day.

“FAMU really brought out the best in me. I’m leaving here as a much different person,” he said. “It pushed me past my comfort zone, and I gained so many new experiences. I’m glad I chose to come here; it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Group shot of Curtis Lawrence and other spring graduatesCurtis Lawrence III (middle) began his time at FAMU as a "timid" teenager but is leaving cool, calm and collected. (Photo special to FAMU)

Media Contact:

Rachel James-Terry
Senior Directer of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu

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