Longtime Staffer and Proud Bulldog Family Matriarch Invests in AAMU's Future
Gambles Honors Legacy and Future with 150th Anniversary Campaign Gift
For more than two decades, Freddie Gambles has been a steady presence on Alabama A&M University’s historic campus. Now, as Senior Executive Assistant to President Daniel K. Wims, she is also one of the proud supporters of the University’s 150th Anniversary Campaign – a transformative effort to raise a record-setting $150 million – $15 million through individual gifts – by December 2025.
Gambles’ contribution to the campaign reflects her deep appreciation for the institution and her belief in its mission. “I’ve been here 26 years and have seen the University transform firsthand,” she said. “I love where we’re going – building for student academic advancement as well as ensuring student comfort, mental health, and physical wellness.”
Her journey with Alabama A&M began in the Office of International Programs, where she served as an administrative secretary. She later transferred to the Office of Academic Affairs, rising through the ranks to become an executive assistant. In 2022, she joined the Office of the President in her current role. A graduate of Oakwood University with a degree in business administration, Gambles brings both experience and heart to her work every day.
When asked why she chose to donate to the historic campaign, Gambles didn’t hesitate. “I wanted to give back to an institution that has given so much to so many, including myself,” she said. “Our students are truly deserving of the assistance that donations can make possible.”
Gambles views the 150th Anniversary Campaign as a meaningful tribute to Alabama A&M’s enduring strength and mission. “I am in awe of the institution and its Founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill,” she said. “In an age of ‘out with the old, in with the new,’ our beloved University still stands strong. I feel like a proud family member of a legacy that will last throughout the ages.”
That legacy is also a personal one. “My aunt graduated from Alabama A&M University and so did my daughter,” she said. “I also have two grandchildren that are attending AAMU.”
As someone who has watched the campus evolve over a generation, Gambles is enthusiastic about the University’s forward momentum. “I am excited! Student enrollment and retention have become central to building Alabama A&M University into the powerhouse institution envisioned by our Founder and all AAMU supporters.”
And for Gambles, the greatest reward comes at the end of each semester. “I enjoy seeing our students walk across the stage. The joy on their faces, and the overwhelming support from family, friends, faculty, and staff – that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Join the AAMU 150th Celebration today at www.aamu.edu/150.