Florida A&M University President Apologizes for Fraudulent $237 Million Donation

Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson issued a public apology on Wednesday for a $237 million donation that has now been deemed fraudulent. The generous gift, announced on May 4 by Batterson Farms Corp. CEO Gregory Gerami, was initially met with national praise. However, doubts soon arose regarding the legitimacy of such a substantial contribution to an HBCU.

Robinson disclosed that the donation has been halted following suspicions surrounding its authenticity. The university’s trustees have launched an investigation into the matter, with the aftermath prompting the resignation of Shawnta Friday-Stroud, the vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation.

It was revealed that Friday-Stroud, along with six other FAMU officials, accepted Gerami’s donation without consulting key stakeholders, leading to a breach of trust within the institution. Robinson took responsibility for the oversight in vetting the donor, admitting to ignoring warning signs along the way.

In a statement to the board, Robinson expressed regret for prematurely announcing the gift at a graduation ceremony and pledged to establish a more transparent process for handling large donations in the future. Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper voiced disappointment over being blindsided by the donation and supported the decision to cease the transaction.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the lapses in protocol that allowed the fraudulent donation to slip through the cracks, emphasizing the importance of upholding policies, processes, and financial controls within the university. As the community awaits further developments, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for institutions navigating the complexities of philanthropic contributions.