Major commitments from Bernard and Shirley Kinsey and entrepreneur Tommy Duncan highlight the power of alumni philanthropy, student scholarships and Rattler pride.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FAMU Homecoming 2026 became a celebration of alumni philanthropy as Florida A&M University announced $3.1 million in charitable commitments to expand scholarships, strengthen university programs and preserve the legacy of the Marching “100.”
The commitments from alumni and longtime supporters demonstrate how Rattler pride continues to translate into meaningful investments in the university’s future.
Among the major announcements was a $2 million commitment from Bernard and Shirley Pooler Kinsey to support the university’s internationally recognized Marching “100.”
FAMU alumnus and entrepreneur Thomas “Tommy” Duncan also announced a $1 million commitment to the university and an additional $100,000 for student scholarships.
Together, the announcements reflected the continuing influence of alumni and community philanthropy in supporting historically Black colleges and universities.
FAMU Homecoming 2026: $2 Million Gift Strengthens the Marching “100”
The Kinseys’ $2 million charitable commitment is designed to provide immediate and long-term support for students participating in the Marching “100.”
Under the agreement, $1.5 million will establish an endowed fund supporting scholarships and band operations. The remaining $500,000 will provide more immediate resources for scholarships and program priorities.
Funding will help address expenses such as uniforms, instruments, equipment, travel, transportation and educational opportunities.
The couple also established the Kinsey Marching “100” Matching Challenge, a 36-month initiative that began Oct. 24.
The challenge is intended to encourage an additional $2 million in eligible cash donations and documented charitable pledges from alumni, friends and supporters. Qualifying contributions will receive dollar-for-dollar matching recognition, up to the campaign’s $2 million limit.
There is no minimum donation required to participate.
The challenge is separate from the original $2 million commitment and could help generate additional philanthropic participation over the next three years.
Alumnus Tommy Duncan Announces Additional Support
Another significant announcement came from Thomas “Tommy” Duncan, a 2003 FAMU graduate and founder and CEO of Ponos Care.
Duncan, who served as the homecoming convocation’s keynote speaker, announced a $1 million commitment to the university and an additional $100,000 designated for student scholarships.
His contribution represented another example of alumni returning to invest in the institution that helped shape their educational and professional journeys.
During the convocation, FAMU President Marva B. Johnson presented Duncan with the President’s Award in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions.
The announcements added a philanthropic dimension to a celebration traditionally centered on university pride, alumni reunions and campus traditions.
President Johnson Highlights the Power of the FAMU Community
President Johnson emphasized the importance of alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters working together to sustain the university’s legacy.
The Kinsey gift, in particular, reflects the importance of investing in programs that represent the institution nationally while helping students pursue their academic goals.
University leaders also recognized alumni and donors whose contributions support academic programs, scholarships and other institutional priorities.
FAMU reported $7.2 million in giving during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, providing additional context for the university’s philanthropic activity.
That fiscal-year total is separate from the commitments announced during October homecoming.
Giving Back Beyond Homecoming
FAMU’s announcements demonstrate how homecoming can become an opportunity for institutional investment that extends far beyond a weekend of celebrations.
For the Marching “100,” the Kinsey commitment supports students whose performances have helped establish the band’s national reputation.
For scholarship recipients, the contributions announced by Duncan and other supporters can help address financial barriers associated with earning a college degree.
The new matching challenge also invites alumni to participate at different giving levels, reinforcing the idea that supporting HBCUs is a shared responsibility.
As the HBCU community observes National Gratitude Month in November, FAMU’s homecoming commitments illustrate how alumni generosity can preserve traditions, expand opportunities and support future generations.
The celebration may have ended in October, but the giving initiatives launched during homecoming are positioned to create an impact for years to come.
The philanthropic announcements surrounding FAMU Homecoming 2026 demonstrate how alumni giving can extend beyond campus celebrations, creating lasting opportunities for students and preserving the traditions that define historically Black colleges and universities.
