Mayor and City Council Present Proclamation and Resolution Recognizing Historic Milestone

The Huntsville City Council chambers were filled with maroon and white Thursday evening as Alabama A&M University administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni “packed the chambers” in celebration of the University’s 150th Anniversary. City leaders, led by Mayor Tommy Battle and Councilwoman Michelle Watkins, presented both a proclamation and a resolution honoring the University’s enduring legacy and impact.

“We have both a proclamation and a resolution tonight, which is indeed very rare,” said Mayor Battle. “The reason that we have 150 people from Bulldog Nation here tonight is because we are celebrating 150 years of Alabama A&M University providing education for our community. Education is the key to opportunity. Opportunity is the key to doing well in life, to having jobs, and to raising families. Dr. Wims, we want to say, congratulations on being here 150 years.”

Mayor Battle then read the proclamation, which highlighted Alabama A&M University’s distinction as Alabama’s largest historically Black University and a national leader in producing minority graduates in STEM fields. It commended the institution for its role as an anchor of education, innovation, and economic growth in Huntsville and beyond, declaring: “The City of Huntsville proudly recognizes and celebrates the 150th Anniversary of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and commends its remarkable achievements and lasting impact.”

Councilwoman Watkins, an alumna and the first Black woman elected to the Huntsville City Council, reflected on the University’s academic excellence and national reputation. “Who would have thought at the tender age of 27, a former slave would start a University that is now internationally known? We have one of the best engineering programs in the state, and it is known throughout the nation,” she said. “Our teacher education program is internationally recognized, our social work program is second to none, and we have record enrollment. If you are ready to get an education that is worthy of any school, come to Alabama A&M University – you’ll be loved.”

Following the presentation, Mayor Battle invited President Daniel K. Wims to offer remarks. Dr. Wims expressed gratitude to city leaders, alumni, and the Alabama A&M University community for their steadfast support. “In deepest humulity, as I stand here with the Councillites and Normalites, those of you who are graudates understand what I'm saying, this is a seminal moment for our institution and for our constituents,” Wims said. “I am deeply humbled that the mayor and council recognize us in this way. It is not about any one individual, but about all of us – our leadership, our alumni, and our students – who continue to advance the vision of our founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill. 150 years later, we hope he would be proud that we are still calling his name and honoring his legacy.”

Alabama A&M University continues its 150th Anniversary celebration with an ambitious campaign to raise $150 million, including $15 million in individual gifts, by December 2025.

To learn more or to support the campaign, visit www.aamu.edu/150.