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The FAMU National Alumni Association Chapter celebrates a milestone with its membership engagement. The chapter recently won the award for largest percentage increase of chapter membership.
Between 2025-2026, membership increased 55% from the 2024-2025 year. Chapter President LaKetra Claiborne says when she began her term, the Tampa chapter had 120 members on its roster. By the end of the membership year, that number had grown to 219 members.
“This tremendous growth represents more than numbers,” Claiborne, a 1996 FAMU graduate, tells Power Broker. “It reflects the renewed energy, engagement, and Rattler pride within our Tampa Bay alumni community. Every member who invited a fellow Rattler to an event, renewed their membership, volunteered, shared a chapter post, or simply encouraged someone to get involved played a role in helping us reach this milestone.”
Claiborne credits the growth of the membership to the diversity of the executive board. Members range in ages from 28 to 60. That diversity brings a variety of fresh perspectives, experiences, wisdom and connections, she said.
“This multigenerational leadership has helped us create opportunities and experiences that appeal to alumni at different stages of their lives and reconnect Rattlers from across generations,” says Claiborne.
There’s been an intentional effort by the chapter to increase its visibility throughout the Tampa Bay community beyond the traditional chapter meetings. The chapter regularly hosts football watch parties and participates in major community events such as FAMU Be Out Day and the Tampa Bay Greek Picnic.
There’s also investment in future Rattler generations.
On Sept. 25, the chapter is taking at least 50 high school students to FAMU campus on their annual fall preview college tour. There students will get an opportunity to tour the historic campus, interact with student organizations and learn about academic programs.
At the scholarship ceremony in May, over $60,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.
Looking to the future, the chapter is hoping to reach a goal of 300 members for the 2026-2027 year.
“I am excited about what we can accomplish together,” says Claiborne. “We will continue building relationships, increasing our presence in the community, creating meaningful experiences for our members, and showing Tampa Bay what it means to be Rattlers for Life.”
Learn more about FAMU NAA Tampa Chapter at www.famualumnitampabay.org
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