Florida A&M University (FAMU) marked a major milestone this month, celebrating 138 years of shaping Black excellence, leadership, and education. The 2025 Founders Day celebration brought students, alumni, and faculty together to honor the university’s rich history and bright future as one of the nation’s most respected historically Black colleges and universities.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Purpose
The Founders Day events on October 3 began with a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame, symbolizing the light of knowledge that continues to guide generations of Rattlers. During the ceremony, FAMU President Marva Johnson reflected on the university’s humble beginnings and powerful journey.
“What was created 138 years ago planted a seed of hope that has blossomed into a legacy of opportunity,” Johnson said. “It started humbly, with just 15 students and two professors. Yet even with this modest beginning, there was a bold vision — to cultivate knowledge, dignity, and purpose.”
Her words captured the spirit of FAMU’s founding mission — one rooted in perseverance, education, and community impact. Today, that same spirit continues to define the university’s pursuit of excellence.
Alumni and Students Honor FAMU’s Enduring Impact
Throughout the celebration, the university community came together to pay tribute to those who paved the way. The FAMU Alumni Association president encouraged graduates to continue giving back and expanding FAMU’s national influence. Members of the university’s world-famous marching band delivered a heartfelt tribute medley that energized the crowd.
Students also played a special role during the festivities. FAMU’s Royal Court, the Student Government Association, and marching band members led processions across campus, ending at the Eternal Flame. They placed wreaths and laid memorials at statues honoring founders and past leaders who helped build the institution’s legacy.
Mister FAMU, Miles Howard, expressed deep gratitude for being part of this historic moment. “It’s surreal. Glory to God. I’m thankful just to be able to be part of this legacy here at FAMU,” he said. Miss FAMU, Edwina Fleuridor, shared that she feels “blessed” to call the university her home.
National Recognition Highlights FAMU’s Ongoing Excellence
Founders Day carried added pride this year as FAMU continues to gain national recognition for its academic achievements and influence. On September 23, U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida A&M among the Top 200 public colleges in its 2026 Best Colleges list, out of more than 1,700 universities.
The university also retained its status as the highest-ranked public historically Black college or university in the nation and placed fifth among all HBCUs, both public and private. These accomplishments reinforce FAMU’s reputation as a powerhouse in education, research, and cultural leadership.
President Johnson emphasized that this recognition reflects the enduring power of the university’s mission. “From those first steps, FAMU has grown into a powerhouse of education, research, culture, and service,” she said. “That same vision that carried us forward then must continue to propel us today.”
A Bright Future Rooted in Pride and Progress
As the celebrations concluded, one thing was clear — FAMU’s legacy is stronger than ever. With a growing national profile, passionate leadership, and a devoted community of students and alumni, the university continues to lead with purpose and pride.
Each generation of Rattlers carries forward the same vision that began in 1887 — to educate, uplift, and empower. And as the Eternal Flame burns on, FAMU stands as a lasting symbol of what Black excellence, determination, and faith can achieve.
