AAMU Graduates Don Maroon Regalia to Honor University's 150th Anniversary

In a powerful tribute to its Sesquicentennial Anniversary, Alabama A&M University marked a historic milestone during its Spring 2025 Commencement by outfitting graduates in maroon caps and gowns for the first time in the institution’s 150-year history. The custom regalia, emblazoned with the official 150th Anniversary logo, transformed the Event Center into a sea of Bulldog pride as graduates gathered to celebrate a momentous achievement.

The University hosted two ceremonies on Friday, May 9, conferring 527 degrees. 147 were awarded to graduate students during the morning ceremony, while 380 undergraduate students crossed the stage in the afternoon.

Adding a golden touch to the celebration, 64 members of the Centennial Golden Class of 1975 proudly marched during the undergraduate commencement ceremony. In honor of their 50th anniversary as alumni, each received a commemorative Golden Certificate, underscoring the lifelong connection between Alabama A&M and its graduates.

Margie Malone Tuckson, Chief Financial Officer of Tuckson Health Connections in Atlanta and a steadfast advocate for healthcare equity, delivered the keynote address at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Tuckson’s career spans corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors, with notable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic when her efforts helped extend critical health messaging to over one million people. She delivered an inspiring address grounded in personal history, perseverance, and purpose.

Tuckson spoke of her own journey, which began at Alabama A&M University before transferring in her junior year. She shared the story of her sister, Vivian Malone Jones, who also attended Alabama A&M before making history as the first Black student to graduate from the University of Alabama on May 30, 1965 – an act of courage that came despite the state governor’s infamous vow that no Black student would ever attend.

“My sister was determined,” said Tuckson. “She faced the barricades of segregation with faith on her side. She believed, and she saw a brighter day. Today, I stand here honoring her legacy. She opened the door for tens of thousands of students.”

Her remarks took on added urgency as she challenged graduates to preserve the truth of their shared heritage.

“Today, we are facing major efforts to erase our history,” she said. “Only we can protect it. Only we can tell our story. You had a choice in where to attend college, and you chose Alabama A&M. When you’re settled in your careers, come back – with your time, talent, and resources – to make this the best HBCU for the next 150 years. I love you, A&M. I’m back, and I’m home.”

In recognition of her impactful contributions to business, education, and social equity, the University awarded Tuckson an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.

The University also honored the memory of Mia Marquez Stern by posthumously awarding her a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. Stern, on track to graduate cum laude, was remembered for her academic excellence and vibrant presence on campus.

President Daniel K. Wims and SGA President and Trustee Mya Gibbs highlighted the achievements of the Class of 2025. Among the undergraduates, 112 are first-generation college graduates. Women comprise 63% of the class. 45% have secured employment, while 24% will pursue advanced degrees. Seven ROTC cadets were commissioned, and 9% of the class report starting salaries of $70,000 or more, with the highest offer at $120,000.

In all, 231 students graduated with honors. Adrian Jamar Rhoden earned a perfect 4.0 GPA as a biology major. The Class of 2025 also includes 17 second-generation Alabama A&M University graduates and nine third-generation graduates, as well as a set of twins and siblings. The oldest graduate, Alicia Yuvonne Hines, earned her Bachelor of Science in Management at age 56.

During the 10:00 a.m. Graduate Commencement Ceremony, the University conferred 147 graduate degrees, including a doctorate in applied physics awarded to Dr. Angela Davis. Michael Ford, a 1988 graduate and Senior Vice President of Real Estate & Security at AT&T, returned to his alma mater to deliver the keynote. Ford oversees a global real estate and security portfolio and has held influential leadership positions at Microsoft, where he helped guide infrastructure and security strategy over nearly two decades. He challenged graduates to embrace three guiding principles – promise, purpose, and impact.

“My parents, my high school football coach, and Dr. Dee Dee Smith, a mathematics instructor right here at Alabama A&M, saw promise in me and encouraged me,” said Ford. “I wasn’t doing well and nervously asked her, ‘Am I going to pass your class?’ She said, ‘Baby, I’m not going to kill your dream. I see something in you, but you need to buckle down and get focused.’ I did and graduated with honors. Words matter, encouragement matters. The fact that you’re sitting here is proof that your promise is real.”

Ford called his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps a defining moment of purpose and encouraged graduates to align their lives with what matters most. “Purpose isn’t a job title. It’s a series of decisions. It’s choosing every day to align what you do with what matters most to you – your values, your vision, and yes, your voice,” he said. “You make an impact by doing what’s right when no one else is watching, by showing up with integrity, courage, and compassion day in and day out. Don’t let fear make decisions that faith should handle. Faith, family, education, and hard work – that’s the formula to a good life.”

In a heartfelt moment, the University posthumously awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree to Dr. Roderick Dwayne Watts, former president pro tempore of the Alabama A&M Board of Trustees, who passed in January. His wife and son accepted the honor on his behalf. The title of Professor Emerita was also conferred upon Dr. Florence Okafor, longtime professor of microbiology.

The Class of 2025 stands as a living testament to the University’s Sesquicentennial theme, “Rich Heritage, Bold Future,” – a theme reflected in the voices of graduates who are ready to carry that legacy forward.

“I’m thrilled to be an alumnus of this illustrious University,” said Martia Shaw from Nashville, Tennessee, who earned her marketing degree.

Opeyeoluwa Olanipekun, from Ibadan, Nigeria, earned his electrical engineering degree and will begin his career at Apple Inc.'s headquarters in Cupertino, California. “‘Start Here, Go Anywhere,’  it’s not just a motto, it’s real.”

“I’m proud to be part of the AAMU legacy,” said Hadassah Meralus of Miami, Florida, a first-generation graduate who earned her criminal justice degree. “I’m excited to carry the Bulldog spirit into everything I do.”