FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 Makes $204,728.75 Donation to Florida A&M University

In 1997, Florida A&M University was the inaugural College of the Year named by Time Magazine and Princeton Review. This distinction earned the University a lot of the attention that it deserved for being an elite institution of higher education. The administration then led by President Frederick Humphries was equipped with high honors to tout as it recruited top students from all over the world. The fruits of the recruitment and honors that the school garnered in 1997, came to full fruition in the Fall of 1999.

One of the most talented classes descended upon the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida.

The class had a record number of national merit scholars.

The students came from Anchorage, Detroit, Los Angeles, Oakland, Cleveland, Miami, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Chicago, DC, New York, Kansas City, Columbus, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Pensacola, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and every other metropolis in the United States of America.

Students were equipped with intellect and talent. But what was most unique about the Class of 1999 at FAMU, is that they were full of ambition and were kind in their pursuit of excellence.

There was tons of talent and potential and it needed the right environment to be massaged, stretched and developed. On the campus of FAMU in the Fall of 99, that process began to take shape.

Many of the leaders began to take leadership roles on campus. The world was exposed to the business students while they were interning at the world’s top corporations. Many joined sororities and fraternities. Most developed life long friends. Some even found their soul mate on campus.

Upon graduation, this talented class got a chance to start putting their stamp on the world. In the 16 years since most of the class started to graduate, this class has lived up to the billing and then some.

While we can talk about the professional accomplishments and all the titles that members of the incoming class of 1999 at FAMU have, the most impressive part is the Class of 99 is a kind bunch and they think of others while pursuing their goals. There’s something to be said about someone who is selfless in their selfish pursuit of excellence. The entire Class of 99 is a selfless, kind, cool, good looking and ambitious.

Where’s the proof?

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At homecoming, the Freshman Class of 1999 established a legacy fund that will establish a scholarship to help enable more financial freedom for future FAMU scholars. This was the largest donation by a class in FAMU’s history.

The leadership of Walt Brown and Nikki Foster coupled with the selflessness of the Class of 99 made it possible to present a check for $190,599.99 to Florida A&M University. In the weeks since homecoming, that amount has surpassed $204,000.

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This is what it’s all about. Picking a great university. Enjoying college. Making lifelong friends. Providing value in the world. Attaining happiness and giving back to the college that gave 2,000 young college students a safe space to grow.

Most would refer to the FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 as the best college class ever.

We would agree.

The FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 has set the standard for class giving.

The FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 nurtured some of the most accomplished professionals, artists and entertainers.

The FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 birthed HBCU GRAD.

I was first exposed to HBCUs from 91-95 when my sister Nicole Finley attended and graduated from Hampton University.

I was later exposed to the Atlanta University Center from 96-98 while my cousin Les King attended and graduated from Morehouse College.

My last exposure before my personal matriculation was visiting my cousin while he attended North Carolina Central University School of Law.

But it was the FAMU Freshman Class of 1999 that allowed me to go on my own HBCU journey. It was the best decision I made and if I’m ever reincarnated I would make the same exact college and class choice.

Todd Finley

Founder, HBCU GRAD

FAMU Freshman Class of 1999