Greetings Windy City Rattlers!

Welcome to a New Year and new leadership in the Chicago Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association. 2007 promises to be an exciting year of change not only for FAMU but for the Chicago Alumni chapter as well.

FAMUAN’s are known for their pride and “confidence” when representing our beloved alma mater. Perhaps we’ve lost a little of that “swagger” as we’ve watched our university struggle through some painful circumstances. Perhaps, in the context of our busy lives, we’ve lost our remembrance of FAMU which provided great education, lifelong friendships, and fantastic memories. Well, Windy City Rattlers, its time to “get our swagger back”!

FAMU has a rich and active history to be proud of. FAMU was once again recognized as the #1 college for African Americans by Black Enterprise magazine. Just this year, the Marching 100 appeared in the Superbowl as the “funked out” band behind Prince. Now that FAMU has appointed Dr. James Ammons as the new university president, I am confident that our university will return to its tradition of excellence with caring.

Chicago FAMUAN’s are also doing great things in the city as Entrepreneurs (Samone Rhodes and Broderick McKinney – launched new businesses in 2006); Public Officials (David Askew for 2^nd Ward alderman; Dr Robert Donaldson – Mayor of HazelCrest, IL), Corporate Leaders (Karen Caldwell – Senior VP –LaSalle Bank recognized as our Distinguished Alumni of 2006) and Published Authors (Shundrawn Thomas – published “Ridiculous Faith” in 2006) to name a few.

The Chicago Alumni Chapter had several accomplishments in 2006: Held our Annual Arts & Education Gala in June, awarded over $4000 in scholarships to Chicago area students, hosted the first Midwest Regional conference and participated in several college recruitment fairs.

Windy City Rattlers, our primary goal for the alumni association this year is to:

Establish Chicago as a vibrant chapter within the NAA by:

 ● Membership
     - Increasing the number of paid financial membership by 100%,
     - Improving the visibility of the alumni association through online networks such as FaceBook and MySpace,
     - Hosting regular membership events such as FAMU Fridays, Rattlernic, and seminars on Financial Planning, Community Leadership, and Real Estate Investing.

●  Fundraising
- Increasing our level of scholarships awarded to high school seniors and currently enrolled students above prior years ($4000 in 2006)
- Host regular, frequent fundraising events such as Theatre Night, sporting event concessions, and Scholarship Luncheon featuring FAMU’s new president, Dr. Ammons.

Rattlers, lets make this a year to remember.  You can be a part of the alumni’s success by doing the following:

1.  Become a Financial Member – Applications are attached. A university is recognized based on the number of registered alumni it demonstrates. Help us put FAMU and the Chicago Chapter on the map! Pay dues online now at www.windycityrattlers.com
2.  Attend at least one fundraising event – On last count, we identified over 400 Rattlers in Chicago. If each person contributed $10 toward the Chapter, we would exceed our fundraising goal for 2007 and send more talented students to FAMU!
3.  Be active! We have several committee positions open. Your involvement will ensure that we meet the goals stated above.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your chapter leadership. We look forward to meeting and working with you this year!

All the best,

Monica P. Campbell, Class of 1995
President

Janice Gonzalez, Class of 2004
Vice President

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Chicago Chapter is to serve as a non-profit support organization to Florida A&M University.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Chicago Chapter is to support FAMU through recruiting talented high school students, providing financial resources, and generating goodwill for the university through programs and activities that benefit the Chicago community.

"When the dark clouds gather on the horizon, when the thunder and lightning fill the sky, when fate is but a glimpse in the eye of a fallen RATTLER, and hopes are lost friends. When the sinew of the chest grows weary from the hard charging linebackers, and the muscles of the legs grow tired from those hard charging running backs, you must remember that...the RATTLERS will STRIKE and STRIKE and STRIKE AGAIN!!!""When