When Florida A & M University holds graduation ceremonies Saturday for an expected 1,300 prospective graduates, much attention will be focused on senior Nicholas E. Young.
Like many of his fellow students, the 22-year-old social work major, who plans to go to graduate school, almost didn’t make it. He was abandoned at birth only to be found covered in ant bites in a Martin County, Fla., orange grove. He was raised by family and friends in the community where he was found, says a FAMU statement about the fortunate student. Many plan to attend the Saturday graduation events to celebrate the milestone in Young’s life.
“It feels amazing to know that no matter what obstacles are placed in front of you, you can always reach your goals,” Young told FAMU officials. “I attribute my accomplishments to everyone who has helped me get to this point and believed that I could make it.”
The celebration of Young’s rescue and achievements is likely to be a welcomed respite for Florida A & M (FAMU). The internationally famous institution marks its 125th anniversary this year, a milestone in and of itself worth honoring. Yet, it is closing this academic community facing months of uncertainty on a number of fronts.
Its famous marching band, the Marching 100, remains on suspension, a status stemming from last fall’s death by hazing of band drum major Robert Champion. The future of the band and other school music groups is uncertain.
The administrative leave status of longtime band director and school of music chair Julian White remains unresolved. White, who was relieved of his post over his handling of the band’s hazing problems, is contesting the school’s decision.
Scores of campus sanctioned organizations, from Greek letter clubs to the campus newspaper, are still subject to a campus-wide suspension imposed this winter as part of the university’s efforts to send a strong message that hazing of all kinds must stop.
