TALLAHASSEE — For the Florida A&M University (FAMU) class of 1962, giving back to their alma mater was more than a thought. Members of the class recently presented a check for $62,250 to the university toward the establishment of scholarships for students.
The alumni group agreed to support the effort after meeting for their 50th anniversary during spring commencement weekend at FAMU.
Booker Daniels, a FAMU retiree and former student vice president of the class, said the initial goal was to have fun during their anniversary weekend and present the university with a nice gift.
“It was wonderful seeing people, many of whom had not seen each other for 50 years,” said Daniels. “Once we made our decision, everyone wanted to ensure the money was going to help the students.
Obtaining the funds needed for the donation did not occur instantly, according to project organizers. A special committee organized to spearhead the effort, sent letters, e-mails and placed phone calls to classmates for more than a year to help make the project a success.
Col. (Ret). LaVert Jones, a senior adviser for the project, said he hopes all alumni will make more efforts to support the university, even in less popular forms, such as estate planning or property donations.
“We wanted to ensure that the kids who come after us and who are financially challenged are able to receive an education and meet many of the successes that our class experienced,” Jones said.
The class members said they hope to continue working together to provide additional support on a regular basis.
Terence M. Calloway has been appointed as the new chief of FAMU’s Department of Public Safety, said William Hudson Jr., vice president for Student Affairs.
NEW CHIEF
Calloway has served as chief of police at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. since January 2012. Prior to this appointment, he served as chief of police at the Village of Woodmere in Ohio.
“I have been in law enforcement most of my adult life and the opportunity to work for the largest and one of the most reputable historically black universities in the country is a dream come true,” said Calloway. “I relish the opportunity to bring my community policing knowledge and service before self commitment to the students, faculty, staff and visitors of FAMU for many years to come.”
NEW DEANS
Interim Provost Rodner Wright has announced that Maurice D. Edington is the new dean of FAMU’s College of Science and Technology, and Victor M. Ibeanusi, founding chair of Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman College, will serve as the new dean for the FAMU School of the Environment.
“We are pleased to make these permanent appointments with highly talented scholars and researchers,” said Wright.
“Dr. Edington has conducted major research and secured millions in grants. He has gained the respect of his colleagues and will make an outstanding administrator.
“Dr. Ibeanusi has had a commitment for more than 25 years to safe water and water quality and has conducted research for the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies. We believe that he will enhance our program in environmental science.”
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