Florida A&M University (FAMU) held its Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony on December 12 at the Alfred Lawson Center, where 696 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements. The event marked the first commencement presided over by President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., who is FAMU’s 13th president.
Student Government Association President and Student Trustee Zayla Bryant welcomed attendees and spoke about the significance of the day. “Today, we gather not only to celebrate academic achievement, but to honor the spirit, resilience and brilliance that defines FAMU,” Bryant said. She described the ceremony as a “celebration of excellence,” emphasizing community and personal growth among graduates.
The graduating class included 566 bachelor’s degree recipients, 94 master’s degree recipients, 21 doctoral candidates, and 15 juris doctoral candidates. The average GPA was 3.16; thirty-six students graduated with perfect GPAs, while many others received Latin honors. Graduates represented 21 states and various generations.
President Johnson highlighted FAMU’s status as a leading institution in higher education. “You are graduating at an extraordinary time in FAMU’s history,” she said. “Rattlers can do anything. That’s not a slogan. That’s a fact – proven by 138 years of graduates who walked across this stage and then walked into boardrooms, operating rooms, courtrooms, newsrooms, and classrooms to change the world.” She noted that FAMU has been ranked as the top public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in America for seven consecutive years and is listed among the Top 100 national public universities.
Kristin Harper, an alumna celebrating her own 30th anniversary as a Rattler and current trustee of the university, delivered the keynote address. Her speech centered on Faith, Action, Mentorship, and You—using these themes to encourage graduates to pursue purposeful lives beyond graduation.
“From 1887 to this very day, we’ve come this far by faith,” Harper said while referencing FAMU’s founding with just fifteen students and two teachers. She reminded students that faith alone is not enough: “Faith will show you the mountain… Action enables the climb.” Harper encouraged graduates to be proactive in shaping their futures: “If there’s no space for you at the table… bring a folding chair. Or better yet, build a whole new table.”
She emphasized mentorship as essential within FAMU’s culture: “When you’re a Rattler… you should never start at first base in life.” Harper shared stories illustrating how alumni connections support each other globally.
In her closing remarks to graduates about individuality and perseverance she said: “A mentor once told me, whatever 98% of people are doing, do the opposite,” urging them to take unique paths forward.
A moment of silence was observed during the ceremony when President Johnson conferred a posthumous degree upon Mardochee Simon—a psychology major from Fort Myers whose life ended shortly before commencement—as his family accepted his diploma amid widespread support from those present.
President Johnson concluded by encouraging graduates to remain connected with their alma mater: “Stay connected to FAMU… This institution invested in you. As you rise, invest back.” She also addressed families and faculty before telling graduates: “The world is full of people who will tell you what you can’t do… Ignore them.”
The ceremony underscored both celebration of achievement and remembrance for those unable to complete their journey.
