during their respective anniversary years. The goal is to raise $50,000 per class for the university. “Reunion classes are expected to present a minimum $25,000 check during the week, and this year's affinity classes brought in more than $400,000 combined,” said Tatum-Fedrick. “They don’t take four and five years to raise money; they start raising money at the end of the year. ” One class marking a milestone anniversary is taking five years to raise money, but it has set a giving goal of $1 million. "Donations don't come just because they graduated," said Tatum- Fedrick. "They look to see how we're going to steward their investment. Homecoming is for current admin to show the great work we’re doing. In order to be a true alum — 10 toes down — I need you. Come get your fix on barbecue, and know that we’re gonna’ love on you, promote you, and we’re gonna’ ask for your money.”
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Parade, an annual gathering that features more than 100 organizations, marching bands, dance troupes, civic groups, and elected officials, spreading Rattler spirit across the streets of Tallahassee.
MORE THAN A PARTY: HOMECOMING'S RETURN ON INVESTMENT Hidden in plain sight between the concerts, parties and step shows sits a bigger priority. Homecoming is, by a wide margin, FAMU's single largest fundraising event of the year. The various events, including the smaller gatherings, allow university leaders an in-person touchpoint to connect in a deeper way with graduates and FAMU supporters. “Homecoming allows us to touch a dynamic group we don’t always get to reach quarterly or annually,” said Tatum- Fedrick of alumni that return to FAMU sparingly or may not respond to mailed solicitation letters. “We do a great job engaging our alumni during homecoming who connect to their freshman year. They come back to celebrate, but initially it’s about raising money for students.” FAMU has commissioned more than 10 alumni classes to raise money over a year's time to present to the institution
This year's theme is, "There's No Place Like the Hill." It is built around the climatic scene in fiction novel and Academy Award-winning movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” where Dorothy clicks her ruby slippers three times and says, “There's No Place Like Home.” Marketing for the event includes sleek graphics featuring sparkling orange slippers on an orange brick road that lead to Emerald City – the two colors of the 139-year-old institution. “When you talk about inviting individuals back, there’s no place like home,” said Tatum-Fedrick. “That makes us special, FAMU feels like home. It is a place where, when you come back here, your soul is at ease. You can be a part of homecoming from afar, but it’s nothing like coming in and getting your cup full. Returning home helps you transcend as the person you came in at 19 or as non-traditional student in your 20s or 30s. Come back to visit your college and school. See your dean. See how you can mentor the next generation. See how your company can be a partner and invest.” Alumni unable to go to homecoming can attend select events virtually.
" When you talk about inviting individuals back, there’s no place like home. That makes us special, FAMU feels like home. It is a place where, when you come back here, your soul is at ease. " - DR. BRANDI TATUM-FEDRICK
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