About FMU 1879 Society – Preserving a Legacy, Empowering the Future
Florida Memorial University (FMU), established in 1879, is South Florida’s only historically Black college or university. To ensure that FMU’s legacy of educating and empowering diverse leaders thrives for generations, alumni and supporters created the FMU 1879 Society.
The Society brings together donors and advocates who believe that higher education transforms communities. By funding scholarships, aviation‑safety programs, and community outreach initiatives, members of the FMU 1879 Society help students realise their dreams and contribute to the next generation of leaders.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
To sustain the mission of Florida Memorial University by mobilising donors and resources that provide scholarships, world‑class aviation‑safety training and community programs rooted in the C.L.A.S.S. values—Character, Leadership, Accountability, Service and Scholarship.
Vision
A future where every FMU student has the support and training they need to excel academically, professionally and personally, becoming leaders who honour the university’s legacy and uplift their communities.
FMU 1879 Society was Formed in 2022
Our Impact
Since its founding, the FMU 1879 Society has awarded more than 100k in funding to the school. Our donors also provide emergency funds for students facing unexpected hardships. As we grow, so do the number of scholarships we award to students.
Leadership and Team
Vince Jackson
President
A proud Florida Memorial University alumnus, Vince brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, technology, and finance. As President of the 1879 Society, he applies his expertise in managing large, complex organizations to advance opportunities for FMU students and strengthen the university’s legacy.
Joseph Cooper
Chairman
A FMU alumnus and accomplished entrepreneur, Joseph Cooper has spent more than two decades shaping South Florida’s landscape through his leadership in the devlopment and construction industry. His firm has delivered numerous high-profile projects across the region, guided by his unwavering commitment to quality, his faith, and his belief that true success begins with giving back.