Bryant understood what FAMU meant to community

Special to the Outlook

The Florida A&M University family continues to mourn the death of Major General (Ret.) Alvin Bryant, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association. Bryant passed away on Feb. 4.

“In my eight years as a university president, I have not worked with a more dedicated and supportive national president,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “He served as president during one of the most turbulent periods in FAMU’s history and will be remembered for mobilizing alumni to help restore FAMU’s legacy and reputation.”

Ammons went on to say that Dr. Bryant aligned himself with the strategic mission and goals of the university and was passionate about helping the university to meet its goals. “He was a great fundraiser during his tenure and helped the university to set a new national giving record for the Tom Joyner Scholarship Fund,” said Ammons. “We were proud of his achievements and his work in the medical field as a surgeon. He loved his alma mater and during his life after college he showed tremendous support by sending hundreds of students from the Hampton area here. Our hearts and prayers go out to members of his family. The FAMU community will miss him. This is a great loss for the university.”

Bryant grew up in Goulds, Florida and enrolled in FAMU after being awarded a Lewis State Scholarship. Also a member of FAMU’s ROTC Program, Dr. Bryant graduated in 1959 with a degree in biology. He earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1970 and practiced his craft as a surgeon for 30 years.

He later became Chief of Staff and Acting Administrator of the Newport News General Hospital. He also served as Chief of Trauma Services at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Va. He is a retired major general from the U.S. Army Reserve and former president of the Virginia Cancer Society. He served as a member of the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority and as president of the Kiwanis Club of Hampton.

Dr. Bryant became president of the NAA in 2004. He worked under the leadership of a president, an interim president and a chief operating officer before becoming involved in building support for the selection of Ammons as the 10th president of FAMU.

“We have lost a great Rattler,” said Chairman of the FAMU Board of Trustees C. William Jennings. “Dr. Bryant had the uncanny ability to focus on what was  important and valued order, tact and diplomacy. He made it clear about why he gave back to his alma mater.” He continued, “He said FAMU was responsible for his success. He understood what this university meant in the hearts and minds of those who traveled the road from meager existence to prosperity. He understood why it needed to continue to exist and he dedicated his administration to making sure that FAMU was on the road to recovery. He was a great alumnus.”

During Dr. Bryant’s tenure, FAMU was selected as the Tom Joyner Foundation School of the Month in 2008. The university set a fundraising goal of $1.5 million and sought the help of alumni in reaching that goal. Alumni contributed more than half of the $1.2 million raised, helping FAMU to set a new national campaign record.

“General Alvin Bryant will be remembered for his tenacious approach to the business of Florida A&M University,” said FAMU Executive Director of the Office of Alumni Affairs Carmen Cummings. “He was often moved to tears when he reflected upon his collegiate experience. He always gave credit to FAMU for his rise to prominence in the military and in his impressive medical career. He gave his time, his talents, and his treasures to reinforce the academic mission of FAMU. Bryant’s legacy has left an indelible imprint in the hearts and minds of the FAMU family.”