FAMU on the move!

BY WILLIAM M. GRAVELEY

ST. PETERSBURG – Exciting things are happening at Florida A & M University. They recently hired a new president, Dr. Elmira Mangum, who is the first women to hold the title. The Marching 100 is back on the scene. They are a bit smaller, but still the 100.

Nellena Adekoya, who just graduated, was accepted into six different medical schools; alumna actress Anika Noni Rose has been nominated for a Tony Award and FAMU grad John Thompson is now Chairman of the Microsoft Corporation.

To keep the excitement going, the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Florida A & M University Alumni Association, after a brief spell of inactivity, is back in full swing under the leadership of new chapter President O.T. Delancy.

Delancy is an entrepreneur in the construction business with Pinnacle/CSG. He has high hopes for the chapter to be a strong force in the community. He wants to plan activities to build momentum in the St. Petersburg FAMU alumni and future Famuans.

“We want to be visible in the community, to provide help with our children and give scholarships and support to deserving students,” Delancy said.

Vice President Rick Still felt that it was time for a change of leadership. He served as president of the chapter for several years, but thought it was time to bring new blood to the head of the table. “I want to see our chapter do well, and I’m excited with how things are coming together,” he said.

The chapter held its last meeting April 17 with nine members in attendance. They hope to build to at least 50 active members.  The next regular meeting will take place at Sylvia’s Restaurant, 642 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, June 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The chapter is hosting “Happy Hour with the Rattlers” at the Canopy Rooftop Lounge at Birchwood Hotel, 340 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg May 15 at 6:30 p.m.

There is a bus trip scheduled to the Miami game Sept. 6 with bus transportation being provided by Road Ready Tours. Busses will be rolling to as many games as there is interest. Prices and times of departure will be announced at a later date.

Also, the chapter will sponsor a campus tour of FAMU later this year for future Rattlers.

To pay your $45 National and Florida Region dues, visit http://famunaa.org/v2/membership/ and add to cart “FAMU NAA National Membership Dues” – $35.00 and “FAMU NAA Florida Region Membership Dues” – $10

For any further information, please email O.T. Delancy at otsampson@gmail.com or call him at 813-781-1417.