On Saturday, a pioneering farming organization, The Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust, and their CEO, Gregory Gerami, made a monumental contribution to Florida A&M’s resources.
The organization gifted a staggering $237.75 million award to FAMU’s Foundation, more than double the university’s total endowment of $121 million. This donation is also the largest single donation ever made to an HBCU.
The generous donation was handed to FAMU President Larry Robinson in the form of a large check during Saturday’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony at the Al Lawson Center, where Gerami — founder of the farming company Batterson Farms Corporation — was the keynote speaker.
“This gift is breathtaking in its generosity and its scope. It changes the narrative about what is possible for FAMU. I cannot thank Gregory Gerami and the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust enough. Their names are now etched into the annals of Florida A&M University in perpetuity,” FAMU president Larry Robinson said in a university news release.
“This donation will have a far-reaching impact on our academic and athletics programs. It will greatly enhance our ability to provide scholarships for students and also give us
a boost in recruiting top students, and recruiting and retaining top faculty.”
“FAMU has become like a family to our Trust, our company and to me. Our morals and our mission are in line with FAMU and FAMU’s mission,” Gerami said during an announcement at one of Florida A&M’s three commencement ceremonies Saturday. “It’s also about making sure that we set FAMU on the path to being the top HBCU in this country.”
Gerami established Batterson Farms Corporation, a renowned company in Texas that specializes in producing eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural products made from hemp. The generous donation made by Gerami will benefit two university programs: the Center for Disability Access and Resources and the athletic program.
Athletics programs also will substantially benefit from Gerami’s gift. Vice President and Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes calls it a “game-changer.”
“This donation substantially elevates the way FAMU athletes show up in the competition landscape. This reflects his commitment to the overall development of our staff and student athletes. It will position us, not only to compete but to dominate every time we step on the field and on the court,” Sykes said. “This gift is absolutely a game changer for FAMU Athletics. It will transform the way we are able to recruit; it will transform the way we are develop and support our athletes.
The FAMU Foundation has an investment value of $160 million.
