Alumna Baldwin on Supporting the University's Future

As Alabama A&M University celebrates its 150th Anniversary, faculty and staff across campus are joining alumni and friends in supporting the historic campaign – an effort to raise a record-setting $150 million - $15 million through individual gifts - by December 2025. Among the proud contributors is Erika Baldwin, executive administrative assistant to University President Daniel K. Wims and Game Day Operations Coordinator, whose gift reflects her deep Bulldog pride and belief in AAMU’s future.

Baldwin is working on becoming a triple graduate of Alabama A&M. She holds bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s in biology with a concentration in microbiology, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on educational administration. Her educational journey and professional life are deeply intertwined with the University’s mission.

“To me, the AAMU 150th campaign is about making sure our University is here for 150 more years,” she said. “It’s about making sure our future Bulldogs have resources. It’s about protecting our legacy.”

Her recent contribution to the 150th Anniversary Campaign qualifies her as a Torch Donor ($1,500+ gift). Torch donors receive the official commemorative 150th pin and access to exclusive commemorative memorabilia and experiences. All alumni and supporters of Alabama A&M can become torch level donors by making a total contribution of at least $1,500 to any AAMU initiative at www.aamu.edu/give. 

For Baldwin, the campaign is personal. Her family’s connection to Alabama A&M runs deep. “I have uncles who graduated from the University, and in 2016, my sister and I received our master’s degrees together,” she shared. “She has two degrees in engineering from Alabama A&M.”

The University is also engaging Torchbearer Donors ($25,000+ fundraisers) through the Torchbearer campaign - an initiative that encourages giving through small gatherings of alumni and supporters raising a minimum of $25,000 per event. To date, five Torchbearer receptions have been held across the country, already surpassing the initiative's initial goal of $1 million raised. An additional 45 Torchbearer events will take place before December 31.

Baldwin believes the campaign will help not only students, but also contribute to the ongoing campus improvements, which she says, reflect more than just aesthetics. “They are a physical symbol of institutional growth,” she said. “Our students deserve the best – state-of-the-art facilities, upgraded housing, modernized classrooms, and athletic spaces. I’m excited to see it all come together.”

She also sees student enrollment and retention as vital components of institutional longevity. “That’s what ensures our legacy continues,” she said. And for Baldwin, the heartbeat of AAMU is unmistakable. “What I enjoy most about working here is definitely the students.”

Her message to fellow faculty, staff, and alumni is simple but powerful.

“Even if you cannot give $1,500, consider donating something," she said. "I donated because this campaign is about the future of our students. It was my way of saying, ‘I’m all in. I believe in this place and I want to help.’” 

Join the AAMU 150th Celebration today at www.aamu.edu/150.