The Family of the Year Award was established in 1983 to recognize and honor the parents of four or more children who graduated from Fayetteville State University, and who continue to bring credit to their family and to the University, through their achievements and active involvement in their respective communities. The Family of the Year is honored in April during Founders Day Convocation with an attractive university plaque and brief biography of the parents and alumni siblings in the program.

• Nomination Form [PDF]

“Family of the Year” for 2005

The FSU “Family of the Year” for 2005 is the Robert and late Addie Brown Melvin Family. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin were devoted parents who always stressed the importance of education and religion to their six children. In 1966, with the youngest child still in elementary school and the oldest just completing her studies at Fayetteville State University, Mrs. Melvin died before seeing her dream for her children reach fruition. However, her husband continued to embrace the vision, working many years multiple jobs to give then an opportunity to further their education which they did.

Robert and late Addie Brown Melvin Family

Four of their six children graduated from Fayetteville State University and have contributed richly to their respective communities. They are Edna Melvin Carter ’64, Gaylor Melvin Simmons ’69, Blondean Melvin Christian-King ’75; and Clifton Melvin ’85.