FAMU Announces Tallahassee Native and Alumnus T.J. Rose as Fall Commencement Speaker
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus and FAMU Foundation board member T.J. Rose will be the keynote speaker for the fall 2021 commencement ceremony 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10.
Rose, a partner at Abry Partners, an information and business services private equity firm which manages more than $13 billion of capital, will address about 600 graduates from the University’s 14 colleges and schools.
“Commencement ceremonies are grand family occasions at FAMU, and this fall’s program is no different,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are privileged to have one of our own, T.J. Rose, addressing graduates and their families. T.J. Rose’s accomplishments and contributions serve as examples of the infinite possibilities for those who walk our campus. T.J. exemplifies the fact that ‘you can get there from FAMU.’ He’s an inspiration to us all.”
During the ceremony at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, 1800 Wahnish Way, prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump of Tallahassee is scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate. Crump, who graduated from Florida State University College of Law, has worked on some of the most high-profile civil rights cases in recent years.
“Ben Crump’s work reminds us daily that the struggle for equal rights and justice in America continues,” Robinson said. “His passion to defend the downtrodden has taken him from humble beginnings to the top of the legal profession. Honoring him is a small token of appreciation for his tireless advocacy for justice.”
Tallahassee born and bred
A Tallahassee native, Rose graduated with honors in civil engineering from FAMU before earning his M.B.A from Harvard Business School.
“It’s an honor to give back to the University a mere one-hundredth of what I’ve received,” he said.
Rose joined Abry Partners in 2011 and has built extensive proficiency in the health care sector. He has nearly 20 years of experience in private equity, having previously held positions at Goldman Sachs Principal Investment Area and the Audax Group, a $9 billion private equity firm.
Earlier in his career, Rose was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Company in Atlanta and Johannesburg, South Africa. Rose is involved in every aspect of the deal process, including identifying attractive sectors, sourcing targets, deal execution, setting company strategy, company oversight, and investment exiting.
He currently sits on the board of several companies within the Abry Partners portfolio, including Aduro, Benefit Recovery Group, DialysisIQ, Dr. Dental, and HealthEZ.
In addition to these company boards, Rose also serves on various community boards, including vice chairman of The Boston Foundation, a $1.3 billion community foundation giving away $150+million per year in charitable grants; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Board of Trustees, a $6 billion multi-city hospital system; and FAMU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Friday’s in-person ceremony will allow graduates to invite more relatives to cheer them on. Each graduate can have tickets for up to eight guests. Tickets are available at https://am.ticketmaster.com/famu/graduation.
The clear bag policy will be enforced, and volunteers will distribute masks to those who need them. Attendees are encouraged to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols by wearing masks and maintaining suitable distancing when seated in the venue. Students may also contact the Box Office at 850-599-3141 for further assistance accessing their tickets.