Alumni Recognized for Continuing to Support Students and AAMU

As Alabama A&M University continues its 150^th Anniversary celebration, the Youth Motivation Task Force (YMTF) is celebrating 50 years. Organized by Career Development Services (CDS), YMTF has brought professionals – many of them proud AAMU alumni – to The Hill to mentor students, share their journeys, and inspire belief in the transformative power of a college degree.

Through the program, small teams of professionals visit classrooms across campus, offering real-world advice, career guidance, and personal stories of overcoming adversity. Their presence reinforces a powerful message: A degree from Alabama A&M can open doors across industries and around the world.

This year’s YMTF Outreach Program runs April 6 – 8. Sunday's Opening Session at the Knight Center marked not only a celebration of the past, but a powerful call to action for the future. The keynote speaker was Robert Holmes, a visionary leader and former Senior Vice President of Ethics and Corporate Concerns at Alabama Power, and Chairman of the Alabama Power Foundation who retired in 2010.

Holmes earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Technology and Mathematics at Alabama A&M in 1970 and an engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1976. His education also includes prestigious executive education programs including the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

With a distinguished career spanning engineering, corporate leadership, and public service, Holmes now serves as Chairman of Alabama A&M’s 150th Anniversary Campaign. During his keynote, he delivered a stirring address to YMTF participants – challenging alumni to not only return but to reinvest in the University’s future.

“There is a way for us to continue and expand and build more programs where we attract people of every color from across this country and all over the world because,” said Holmes. “We will be a beacon light, but you are the catalyst for making that happen.”

Holmes reminded attendees that Alabama A&M is the largest HBCU in the state and produces more STEM graduates than any other institution in Alabama. Yet, he noted, many of the facilities – such as the science building – remain unchanged since his student days.

“This campaign I’m part of is about building the kind of campus our students deserve," he said. "It's building a new science building, new amenities, things that make young people want to come here and stay. That’s our responsibility. We’re sitting under trees we didn’t plant. Now it’s our turn to plant trees for the next generation.”

Among the notable attendees were YMTF Advisory Board members, Industry Chair Sylvester C. Johnson, who moderated the event, Co-Chairs Michelle Gilliam Jordan and Tracie A. Ridley, along with University administrators Dr. Braque Talley, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Jamal Ali, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Advancement.

As part of the ceremony, CDS presented the 2025 Benjamin T. Davis Legacy Award to Tangela Rutledge, a dedicated alumna, CDS staff member, and tireless advocate of YMTF who recently retired. Rutledge echoed the spirit of the evening in her remarks.

“Mr. Holmes, I’ve heard you speak before, but I’ve never been more inspired,” she said. “VP Ali, here’s my check.”

CDS also honored the recipients of the 2025 YMTF Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing Dr. Willie Patterson III for 28 years of service and Maple Smiley for an impressive 30 years of dedication to the program.

The opening session ended when Industry Chair Sylvester C. Johnson, Director of Stratgic Projects at The Home Depot, heeded Holmes’ call to action with a pledge of $50,000 to the 150th Anniversary Campaign.

The three-day event also includes resume reviews, mock interviews, a student luncheon, and a fireside chat.

View the full schedule at https://www.aamu.edu/campus-life/student-support/career-development/volunteer.html