WILL PACKER PERFORMING ARTS AMPHITHEATER UNVEILED BY [ Andrew J. SKERRITT ]
Will Packer at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
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lorida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus movie mogul Will Packer unveiled the new Performing Arts Amphitheater named in his honor during Homecoming festivities on Friday, October 29, 2021. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and prominent alumni including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, longtime collaborator, film director Rob Hardy, and actress Rashan Ali. Packer was surrounded by his wife, Heather Packer, children, his mother, sister and other relatives. “This is a big moment for me. This is huge. It’s everything,” said Packer, who thanked his mother for “believing in me.” He also praised his classmates, especially Hardy with helping him to achieve success beyond his wildest imagination.
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“It ain’t about the size of the university that determines heart. It’s about the heart that beats within the University,” Packer told the appreciative crowd. “Now is the time for Rattlers and HBCU students and grads at large to reach back and give back to those who need our support. Our time is now. There is no time to waste because it’s FAMU. The groundwork has been laid and there’s never been a better time in history to represent excellence.” The Will Packer Performing Arts Amphitheater is part of the recently named John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Plaza. The foundation donated $1.5 million to FAMU as part of its ongoing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and equitable public spaces.Knight’s grant will enable students, the FAMU community and Tallahassee residents to experience visu-
