Barnes Asks Fellow Alumni to Contribute and Help Retain Students Facing Financial Hardship

Charlie M. Barnes is a proud alumnus of Alabama A&M University who gives back and returns to campus often. He was last on The Hill for the Golden Celebration of the 1974 Class during Spring 2024 Commencement. In keeping with AAMU tradition, Barnes and classmates returned once again to walk across the stage in commemoration of the milestone anniversary.

Barnes and the Class of 1974 have taken their commemoration and support of AAMU a step further with the establishment of the Class of 1974 – Project 74 Endowment.

“We initiated Project 74 to raise money for a scholarship endowment that assists Alabama A&M students who would be forced to leave the University early due to financial reasons,” said Barnes.

The initiative encourages donations of $74 a month or $1,074 annually from each member of the Class of 1974. He says the goal is to grow the endowment indefinitely for long-term support to the University and the students through maximum and recurring class participation.

“I realize that giving back provides vital resources to transform the lives of A&M students, both present and future,” says Barnes. “This can help provide opportunities they may not have otherwise.”

Barnes, a native of Five Points, Alabama, in Chambers County, now lives in Huntsville, Alabama and earned his degree in economics at AAMU in 1974. The retired federal employee who spent 30 years as a budget analyst, program analyst, business manager and senior program analyst for the Department of Army retired in 2023. 

“My older sister was encouraged by a high school teacher to attend AAMU. I admired how my sister thrived, and I knew then, it was the school for me.”

That's the backstory to what is now a family tradition.

“My parents did not attend college, however, a family of AAMU graduates resulted from their encouragement for higher education,” says Barnes. “My wife, daughter, six siblings, four
sisters-in-law, five nieces, and several other relatives and close family friends are proud AAMU alumni.”

Brown says Project 74 is just another way he can do his part for a university that has played such a vital role in his life. He says Alabama A&M equipped him with a significant understanding of economic and financial concepts that influenced his success as a business and financial manager during his professional career.

“I am a life member of the AAMU Alumni Association; a recurring supporter of the Black-Tie Scholarship Gala; a member of the Bulldog Club; a recurring football and basketball season ticket holder; and a consistent supporter of the Maroon & White Marching Band,” adds Barnes. “I am truly proud of my alma mater and have been a consistent financial supporter for many years, and will continue to do just that.”

Barnes says he will return to campus for Homecoming and most enjoys reliving his college days and the time he spent on The Hill through conversations with classmates and friends.

To give to the Project 74 Endowment, visit AAMU (qgiv.com) and select “Class of 1974 – Project 74 Endowment” in the dropdown menu. There is an option to give monthly.

You can also write a check payable to AAMU Foundation. Please write “Class of 1974 – Project 74 Endowment” on the memo line and mail to the Advancement Office, 309 Patton Building, Normal, AL., 35762

(Photos courtesy Chris Dowdell)