Engineer Purifoy-Fears Continues to Support Alabama A&M

Alabama A&M University alumna Claudinette Purifoy-Fears is supporting the next generation of Bulldogs by donating her personal vehicle to support student training and original programming at WJAB.

Purifoy-Fears, a Birmingham native and second-generation Bulldog, donated her 2003 GMC Envoy through the University’s Vehicle Donation Program, converting a used vehicle into direct support for hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in broadcasting, media production and public communications.

“Donating my vehicle was simply a way to pay it forward,” said Purifoy-Fears. “My support helps students receive the same, or even better, opportunities than I had. Alabama A&M helped shape who I am today, and giving back is one way I live out the University’s motto of ‘Service is Sovereignty.’”

Her donation benefits WJAB Radio and Television, Alabama A&M’s public broadcast stations, which serve as training grounds for students while providing educational and cultural programming to audiences across North Alabama.

A 1986 graduate of Alabama A&M University, Purifoy-Fears earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering before completing a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2000. She retired in 2022 after more than 36 years of federal service as an engineer and project manager and currently works as an environmental engineer with Torch Technologies.

She has remained actively engaged with the University through the Huntsville-Madison County Alumni Chapter, where she serves on the membership committee and previously served as vice president. She also supports student scholarships and contributes to the University’s Torchbearer Campaign.

Purifoy-Fears’ gift reflects a broader opportunity for alumni and supporters to give back through Alabama A&M’s partnership with Arc Thrift Stores Inc., a Colorado-based nonprofit that operates the nationally recognized Vehicles for Charity program. Launched during the University’s 150th Anniversary celebration, the initiative allows donors nationwide to contribute vehicles of nearly any type or condition. Free pickup, towing and title transfer are provided at no cost to the donor.

To donate, simply call 1-866-628-2277 (CARS) or visit vehiclesforcharity.org/donate-here and select “WJAB Radio/TV” from the drop-down menu. 

For Purifoy-Fears, the decision to donate was simple and deeply personal. She credits Alabama A&M with shaping not only her professional success, but her confidence, character and sense of purpose.

“AAMU wasn’t just about classes and earning a degree for me,” Purifoy-Fears said. “It was about growth, friendships, confidence and finding my direction. Giving back is my way of honoring what the University poured into me and making sure today’s students have the same, or even better, opportunities to grow and succeed.”