Florida A&M University rolled out the orange carpet for the second annual College of Love and Charity Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence across campus. Students, faculty, staff and student organizations gathered to honor the passion, leadership and service that continue to shape both the FAMU community and Tallahassee.
Held for the second consecutive year inside FAMU’s historic Lee Hall, the event felt nothing short of a red-carpet celebration. Attendees arrived dressed to impress in elegant gowns and sharp suits, bringing glamour and Rattler pride to the evening. Behind the celebration was the College Activity Board, the organization responsible for bringing the vision of the awards ceremony to life.
Assistant Director of CAB, Edward Kincheon Jr., shared how the process of organizing the event evolved this year.
“This year it’s been a completely student-run process. I’ve been hands-off watching the committee take the steering wheel and drive it forward,” Kincheon said.
Mr. K, as he’s widely known on campus, wears many hats at the university. In addition to advising CAB, he oversees Fraternity and Sorority Life and several other student engagement initiatives. He also reflected on another meaningful project that left a lasting impact on campus.
“This project is near and dear to my heart, it was two years in the making, “The Reveal the Hill” Project, it was so good to see it come to life.”
From the orange carpet entrance to the personalized awards presented throughout the night, every detail of the event reflected Rattler pride and elegance.
The ceremony opened with a performance by FAMU Concert Choir, whose arrangement of “Elijah Rock” filled Lee Hall with energy and soul. Hosts Joshua Douglas and Kaitlyn Gaines followed with warm introductions, guiding the audience through the evening while keeping the ceremony lively and engaging.
Musical moments continued throughout the night with performances from the FAMU Gospel Choir and soloists Elijah Lott, who delivered a moving rendition of “Ordinary People” by John Legend.
While the performances moved the crowd, the spotlight of the evening remained on the nominees and award winners. Categories recognized excellence across campus life, including Best Photographer, which was awarded to Khalil-Lullah W. Ballentine, as well as honors for Striking Fashion, Program of the Year, Fraternity / Sorority of the Year, Outstanding Performing Organization and many more.
Hannah Kirby, who was nominated for “Best Sorority Member,” ultimately took home the award. Kirby shared how the recognition of the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated helped shape her journey.
“I love my organization; they’ve helped me become the woman I am today. It means so much to be nominated. We do the work because we care, it matters, and we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Kirby said.
By the end of the night, the COLAC Awards had done more than hand out trophies. It created a moment of reflection and appreciation for the many Rattlers who dedicate their time, talent, and leadership to the university community. As applause filled Lee Hall and smiles lit up the room, the evening served as a reminder that at Florida A&M, excellence is not only recognized but also celebrated in true orange carpet fashion.
