Baby Rattlers Attend Induction

A new year has arrived and among us is a fresh batch of baby Rattlers.

To welcome them to the highest of seven hills the way that only a true FAMUly can, Director of Student Activities Marvin Green and Student Body President Breyon Love created the “I Am FAMU” campaign. The campaign kicked off on Sunday with an induction ceremony, where upperclassmen pinned the incoming class of 2015.

The Pinning of the incoming freshmen class is an initiation ceremony geared towards building morale amongst FAMU students, improving retention rates and encouraging students to graduate in four years or less. When asked why he thought a ceremony like this was necessary for FAMU, Love explains that his administration wanted to create a tradition that would define FAMU’s old and distinctive culture. The pinning ceremony was modeled after other universities, including Duke, Morehouse and Spelman, whose induction rituals have successfully boosted school connectivity and morale.

“We wanted to create an idea of teaching students about social, cultural, civic and academic awareness as well as teach the importance of student retention.” Love further explains.

While student retention and awareness is extremely important, the “I Am FAMU” campaign holds a deeper meaning according to Green. With this upcoming school year being his first as the Director of Student Activities, Green wanted to change the entire FAMU student mentality. He says that “I Am FAMU” is a bridge to connect students with their University; he stressed the fact that every student is a part or an extension of FAMU.

Through the help of administration and a vision of a millennial FAMU, Green drafted an oath for students to recite in hopes of equipping them with a sense of pride in their university. Green says his ultimate goal for students is to “provide social, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities outside of the classroom.” Thus, students will have interests within the classroom along with extracurricular activities that will keep students at FAMU throughout their college years, which will ultimately lead to an increase in graduates. “Greatness walks through the halls of FAMU,” Green quotes in his speech, and he hopes that each incoming student realizes their greatness too.

With Gaither gym being packed on both sides, there was no shortage of opinions from students about how they thought the ceremony went. Several freshmen thought the ceremony was beneficial and encouraging. First-year business administration student, Carrington Coleman, says that the ceremony made FAMU feel like, “a home away from home.” He added that, “FAMU is not just a school; it is a loving and caring educational environment.”

Some upperclassmen in attendance also saw the advantages in having a tradition like this: “It [ceremony] was a great start to the beginning to of their freshman year,” says second-year social science education student Marquise McMiller. “I hope they gain a sense of the traditions and become supportive of FAMU because FAMU will support them.”

Although there were an abundance of praises for the success of the actual ceremony, the effectiveness of the ceremony is still a dark, looming mystery.

Former Mr. FAMU and graphic design student, Joseph Agboola, gave his thoughts on the ceremony by saying, “I can see where it’s going. It could have been more organized, but I give the first one a two thumbs up.” Agboola would have liked to see the students more dressed up for the event and when asked does he think the ceremony instilled a sense of pride in the students, the London native simply replies, “The future will only tell us.” To all of those who worked hard to create this induction ritual, hopefully the future of FAMU reads success.