Commencement

SPRING 2025 COMMENCEMENT

 

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Location and Commencement Details:

Our Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies will take place on May 2-3 
in the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium 
(1800 Althea Gibson Way, Tallahassee FL, 32310).

We encourage attendees to get there early as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our Spring 2025 commencement speakers are as follows:

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Commencement Speakers:

Friday May 2 (6 p.m.) - Adrienne S. Brown, Group Vice President and Head of Corporate Business Development, Eli Lilly and Company 

Colleges/Schools: College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of the Environment 

Saturday May 3 (9 a.m.) - Bernard Kinsey, Alumnus, Businessman, Philanthropist, and Prominent Art Collector 

Colleges/Schools: College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, Military Commissioning, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 

Saturday May 3 (2 p.m.) - Fawn Weaver, CEO and Founder of Uncle Nearest, INC.

Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Technology, College of Law, School of Business and Industry, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, School of Nursing

 

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 Rehearsal:

Thursday, May 1 at 4 p.m.

(Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium)

 

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Line of March:

Begins approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of ceremony.

 

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Graduation Day Etiquette & Conduct

To preserve the honor of the commencement ceremony:

• Disruptive Behavior Prohibited: No strolling, hopping, twirling, dancing, or chanting while crossing the stage. 
• Penalties for Violations: Offenders may face transcript/diploma holds, formal hearings, and organization probation (minimum 6 months). 
• Honor the Moment: Let’s uphold the dignity and pride that this celebration represents for the entire Rattler community. 

 

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Graduation Photos, Song Fest, & Campus Conduct

• Photo Guidelines: Capture memories responsibly. Do not climb or sit on monuments (e.g., Rattler Statue) or use substances like smoke bombs, champagne, confetti, or paint. 
• Greek Life Ceremonies: Must be held only at your designated plot or under Bragg Stadium (Gate 17, Section K). Must conclude within 45 minutes post-ceremony. 
• Respect Campus Spaces: Avoid gatherings near restricted areas (Gaither Gym, Lawson, Center for Access and Student Success, etc.)
• Traffic & Safety: Do not block or park near the Greek Wall on West Palmer Avenue. FAMU PD will enforce safety protocols and ticket violators.

 

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Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items

To ensure safety and quick entry: 

Allowed Bags:  12x6x12 clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bags  1-gallon clear re-sealable bags  Small clutches (4.5x6.5)  Medical/childcare items (with inspection)

Prohibited Items:  Backpacks, purses, messenger bags  Strollers, coolers, seat backs  Confetti, glitter, alcohol, banners, horns, umbrellas  Weapons or tobacco products

 

Please Note: Unlawful items are subject to confiscation and legal action. No storage is available - leave prohibited items in your vehicle

 

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Commencement Shuttle Services

There will be two Venom Shuttles that will run beginning two (2) hours before graduation and two (2) hours after graduation.

On Friday, May 2, the shuttle will run from 4 - 9 p.m.
(Commencement begins at 6 p.m.)
On Saturday, May 3, the shuttle will run from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(Commencement begins at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Pickup Location(s)

Welcome Center
SBI Lot East and West

Run Time:

Every 20 minutes

Shuttle Information:

Seats 25 people

Shuttle Stop Locations:

School of Business and Industry (SBI) | Robert and Trudie Perkins Way
Welcome Center | 1420 Althea Gibson Way (formerly known as Wahnish Way)

 

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Venue Entry & Security Procedures

• Each attendee will be hand-scanned or walk through a detector.
• Non-compliant bags will result in denied entry—no exceptions.
• Separate "Bag" and "No Bag" lanes available at each entrance.

 

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Let's Celebrate Responsibly

This is your time to shine, but it’s also a moment that reflects the legacy of FAMU. Let’s ensure that this milestone is celebrated with class, care, and consideration for the community that supported your journey. 

For the most up-to-date details, visit: www.famu.edu/commencement or www.famu.edu/students/commencement/ 

 

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For Questions, Contact:

Dean of Students: Bomani Spell – Bomani.spell@famu.edu 
Fraternity & Sorority Life: Edward Kincheon – Edward.kincheon@famu.edu 

 

 

 

 

Commencement Chairs

Bomani H. Spell bomani.spell@famu.edu 850-599-3183

Valencia E. Matthews, Ph.D. valencia.matthews@famu.edu 850-599-3430

Sabrina  P. Thompson sabrina.thompson@famu.edu 850-412-5755

 

Other Resources

Helpful links and information for graduates, including career services, alumni networks, and additional support for transitioning into post-graduation life.

 

Academic Advisors	Apply for Graduation	Check iRattler
National Alumni Association	Career & Professional Development Center	Office of The Registrar