publicaffairs – Florida Memorial University https://www.fmu.edu The official website of FMU. Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:09:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.fmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-fmu_site_icon-32x32.jpg publicaffairs – Florida Memorial University https://www.fmu.edu 32 32 2025-2026 Parking Decals Now Available https://www.fmu.edu/2025-2026-parking-decals-now-available/ Mon, 07 Jul 2025 12:00:54 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=20425 Hello Lions!

2025-2026 transponder and decal renewals are now available for Students, Faculty, and staff.

Please follow the steps below to obtain your decal/transponder:

  1. Please fill out the application here
  2. Make your payment in the Bursar’s Office (Students – $15, Faculty / Staff – $20)
  3. Bring your receipt to Campus Safety to receive your transponder
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The Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale Makes Carnegie Hall Debut https://www.fmu.edu/the-florida-memorial-university-ambassador-chorale-makes-carnegie-hall-debut/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:45:31 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=20149 The Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale is back in South Florida after making their historic debut in New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Under the direction of Dr. Argarita Johnson-Palavicini, the Chorale performed with the Choirs of America In Harmony, but it was their solo rendition of the traditional African American spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” in the beautiful Midtown Manhattan concert hall that brought down the house.

“We received an emotional standing ovation,” said Dr. Johnson-Palavicini. “The audience wanted us to sing more songs. We will definitely be going back again soon!”

Founded in 1975 by the late Professor Roosevelt Williams, the Ambassador Chorale has garnered notoriety over the past 50 years performing throughout the United States, The Bahamas, and Europe.

FMU Interim President, William McCormick, also traveled to New York to display his unwavering support of FMU’s 30-member student ensemble, which they greatly appreciated.

Dr. Johnson-Palavicini stated the next big trip for the FMU Ambassador Chorale will hopefully land them in Spain in 2026, along with a select group of alums.

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2025 Healthy Heart Nation HBCU Scholarship Application https://www.fmu.edu/20130-2/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:24:23 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=20130 Lions,
We are proud to announce the 2025 Healthy Heart Nation HBCU Scholarship, designed to support and empower undergraduate students currently enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are passionate about making meaningful change in their communities.
Scholarship Overview

Please contact FMU’s Office of Financial Aid to learn more about this scholarship and other scholarship opportunities.

To learn more about Healthy Heart Nation and our ongoing initiatives, please visit https://myhhn.org.
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The FMU Ambassador will Perform in New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025 https://www.fmu.edu/the-fmu-ambassador-will-perform-in-new-york-citys-carnegie-hall-on-saturday-june-21-2025/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:48:11 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=20007 For the first time in the 50-year history of the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale the ensemble will debut the incredible vocal talents of its students in one of the most prestigious facilities in the world, New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Founded in 1975 by the late Professor Roosevelt Williams, the Ambassador Chorale is currently directed by Dr. Argarita Johnson-Palavicini, a position she has held for nearly seven years. The renowned Ambassador Chorale represents South Florida’s only historically Black university and performs a wide range of musical genres, including student compositions.
The Ambassador Chorale has traveled and performed throughout the United States, The Bahamas, and Europe. It was a performance with the New World Symphony at the New World Center in heart of Miami Beach last summer that led to the Carnegie Hall invitation.
Following a year of determined fundraising and the loving support of FMU donors, including Councilwoman Katrina Baskins of Miami Gardens, the Ambassador Chorale secured the needed funds for the trip and will be traveling to New York on Wednesday, June 18, for Saturday’s performance with the Choirs of America In Harmony Concert at 8:00 PM.
FMU’s 30-member ensemble, under the direction of Dr. J., will also grace the stage with a solo performance of the traditional African American spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” in the beautiful Midtown Manhattan concert hall.
The FMU Ambassador Chorale has received numerous accolades over the decades and soon will say they have achieved the ultimate musical honor when they sing at Carnegie Hall.
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Congratulations to Judge Christopher Benjamin and 1998 Graduate of FMU! https://www.fmu.edu/congratulations-to-judge-christopher-benjamin-and-1998-graduate-of-fmu/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:46:08 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=20004 Graduates of Florida Memorial University are making amazing accomplishments!
On May 23, 2025, the Investiture Ceremony for Judge Christopher Benjamin was held at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse.
Judge Benjamin is an attorney, arbitrator, mediator, special magistrate, hearing officer, and politician who served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 107 from November 2020 until November 2024, until he was elected to serve as a County Court Judge for Miami-Dade County’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
Born and raised in Hollywood, Florida, Judge Benjamin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Florida Memorial University in 1998. Judge Benjamin is not only a FMU alum, but he’s a longtime supporter of the university and is committed to raising the academic bar on excellence when it comes to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In 2023, he fought hard to secure funding from the Florida Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and presented the university with the funds for two key projects here at FMU: (1)The STEM Expansion Project Fostering Excellence in Cancer Studies, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, and (2) the Florida Memorial University Math and Writing Centers for tutoring for students.
Let us continue to celebrate the greatness of our FMU Alumni!
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Florida Memorial University Extends Media Partnership with Urban Edge Network https://www.fmu.edu/florida-memorial-university-extends-media-partnership-with-urban-edge-network/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:37:09 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=19987 On Wednesday, Florida Memorial University and Urban Edge Network announced the extension of their long-standing media partnership until 2028.
UEN will continue to serve as FMU’s exclusive streaming partner, leveraging its extensive connected TV (CTV) distribution network, which reaches approximately 115 million U.S. households. Located in Miami, the nation’s sixth-largest designated market area (DMA), FMU now has enhanced opportunities to engage diverse audiences, particularly within the African American and Hispanic communities.
“This partnership is not just about streaming sports—it’s about telling our story,” said William McCormick, Interim President of FMU. “Through UEN, we amplify the excellence of our students, the energy of our campus, and the legacy of our institution to a national audience. This renewed agreement is a powerful tool in our mission to transform lives and uplift communities.”
“We’re proud to extend our relationship with Florida Memorial University, a partner that continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum and vision,” said Hardy L. Pelt, Founding Member and Chief Revenue Officer of Urban Edge Network. “Operating in the heart of Miami allows us to deliver meaningful, targeted content that resonates with African-American and Hispanic audiences, elevating FMU’s voice and celebrating its impact in the community and beyond.”
The agreement also coincides with UEN’s broader relationship with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Last week, the NAIA announced an extention of their partnership with Urban Edge Network, making the outlet an Endorsed Broadcasting Partner of the NAIA, paving the way for broader coverage of NAIA-sanctioned competitions across digital platforms.
Under the terms of the expanded partnership, UEN now has the rights to stream and repackage up to 12 NAIA-sanctioned events annually. This bold move ensures that NAIA student-athletes receive increased exposure to a national audience through free, on-demand streaming offerings. Beginning in the fall of 2026, UEN will also launch a “Game of the Week” initiative, spotlighting key matchups across its platforms. The partnership is set to run through July 2029.
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Dr. Jong-Ebot Visits South Africa on an FMU Global Project https://www.fmu.edu/dr-jong-ebot-visits-south-africa-on-an-fmu-global-project/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:35:26 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=19960 Dr. William Jong-Ebot, Associate Professor, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Chair of the Campus Internationalization Committee, recently visited Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The May trip was part of the FMU Global: Africa and the African Diaspora Project designed to encourage and connect FMU students to study abroad in destinations that offer opportunities for wider cross-cultural competence.
Dr. Jong-Ebot’s visit to NMU was facilitated by Mr. Qhama Bona, Acting Senior Director, Office of International Education, and the School of Business, who has been communicating with FMU since fall 2023.
Dr. Jong-Ebot met with department heads, deans, and faculty to discuss areas of collaboration between the two institutions, including short-term courses to be taught virtually (COIL), exchange of students, and faculty collaborations.
Nelson Mandela University, formerly Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, is a public university and is one of the country’s top public universities and is the only higher education institution in the world to carry the name of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
In addition, to South Africa, FMU is working with universities in Brazil and Colombia on this project that is funded by a grant from the U.S. State Department. Dr. Jong-Ebot visited the University of Sao Paulo last November and is currently developing relations with universities in Colombia.
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WPBT Ch.2 (PBS) Aviation Series Featuring FMU Air Traffic Control Student Dominic Barrett https://www.fmu.edu/wpbt-ch-2-pbs-aviation-series-featuring-fmu-air-traffic-control-student-dominic-barrett/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:29:44 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=19948 We are excited to share the second segment of the WPBT Ch.2 (PBS) series about careers in aviation featuring two FMU students interviewed in March. The second interview features Air Traffic Control Student Dominic Barrett and was posted on YouTube today, May 27, 2025.
Dominic shares his inspiring aviation journey, what it’s like inside a real control tower, and why the demand for air traffic controllers and pilots has never been higher. Learn about the FAA requirements, misconceptions and challenges that come with this important career.
 A shorter version is also on Ch. 2’s Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels.
 
These videos will be featured on PBS and will be used to educate middle and high school students locally and nationally about aviation, which is a wonderful way to highlight the aviation opportunities here at Florida Memorial University!
The 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Air Traffic Control | Sky High IQ
 
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Florida Public Service Commission: Hearing for FPL Customers in Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, May 28, at 6:00 PM https://www.fmu.edu/florida-public-service-commission-hearing-for-fpl-customers-in-lou-rawls-center-for-the-performing-arts-on-wednesday-may-28-at-600-pm/ Fri, 23 May 2025 15:57:06 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=19105 The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold service hearings for customers of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) on May 28-30, 2025, at locations across South Florida.
In February 2025, FPL filed a petition with the PSC for a rate increase. FPL provides electric service to six million retail customers throughout Florida.
Service hearings allow customers to provide public comments on FPL’s request and its quality of service.
Customer input will be considered when the Commission decides the utility’s request. FPL customers who want to testify before the Commission may register at the venue.
The service hearings are scheduled for the following times and locations:
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Lee County Civic Center:
Davidson House 11831 Bayshore Rd.
North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Florida Memorial University
(Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts)
15800 NW 42nd Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
Thursday, May 29, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Anne Kolb Nature Center
(Hollywood North Beach Park)
751 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33019
Thursday, May 29, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Solid Waste Authority
7501 N Jog Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Friday, May 30, 2025
1:00 p.m.
Daytona Beach Shores Community Center
3000 Bellemead Drive
Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
Customers unable to participate can watch the live meeting on the PSC’s website (click “Watch Live and Archived PSC Events”).
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Summer Bookstore Hours https://www.fmu.edu/summer-bookstore-hours/ Wed, 14 May 2025 19:46:10 +0000 https://www.fmu.edu/?p=18468 CAMPUS STORE HOURS
SUMMER 2025

MONDAY                         10 AM – 4 PM

TUESDAY                        10 AM – 4 PM

WEDNESDAY                 10 AM – 4 PM

THURSDAY                     10 AM – 3 PM

FRIDAY                            10 AM – 3 PM

SATURDAY                     CLOSED

SUNDAY                          CLOSED

2144mgr@follett.com

STORE NUMBER: 305-623-4290

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