More than 600 FAMU students turned there tassels yesterday to become FAMU graduates during a virtual ceremony that featured nine-term Georgia Congressman and FAMU grad, David Scott as the commencement orator.
Scott received an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work to provide $80 million in scholarship funding for 1890 land-grant colleges and universities, like FAMU. In its first year of existence, 70 FAMU students majoring in agriculture have received scholarships.
“Congressman Scott has been a servant leader in the truest sense. He has been a strong voice for jobs, health care, education, our veterans, our children, and transportation since beginning public service. And he never forgot his roots,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
“God put me on this journey and gave me that vision. It took me three years to get it done,” said Scott, who was recently elected as chair of the House Agriculture Committee, the first African-American to rise to that rank.
He said none of his accomplishments would have been possible without FAMU and the scholarships that paid his way.
“It’s important for you to know what Florida A&M means to me,” he said. “My life story wouldn’t be the story it is if it wasn’t for Florida A&M University.”
When Scott graduated high school and wanted to attend college but didn’t have the money, his community stepped up.
“The people of Daytona Beach Florida got together and raised $300 and said, ‘Here, David go to the college of your choice.’ I got on my knees and I thank God for Florida A&M University,” Scott said. “I’m telling you this is because none of it would’ve happened had I not gotten that $300 from the good people of Daytona Beach, Florida.”
Once arriving at FAMU, Scott recalled meeting the legendary former Dean of Students Rev. Moses General Miles, “who gave me another scholarship because I was one of those African American students who scored highest on the Florida 12th grade placement tests to graduate from high school,” said Scott. The finance major was also active in theatre. His internships led to other opportunities. After graduation in 1967, he attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, where he earned an MBA.
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