Student Leadership and Bulldog Pride Take Center Stage at Ceremony

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

Alabama A&M University celebrated the Bulldog Spirit Shop with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 20, recognizing a retail destination that has served students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans since the beginning of the fall semester.

Located on the first floor of the Welcome Center, the shop offers University apparel, accessories, gifts and memorabilia, providing the AAMU community with a dedicated destination to showcase Bulldog pride.

“This is more than just a retail outlet. It houses our identity, where students and alumni can purchase products that represent Alabama A&M,” said AAMU President Daniel K. Wims. “As we continue to move forward, we remain committed to creating an environment that supports our students and campus community.”

Wims recognized Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Carlton Spellman, the University’s finance team, Spirit Shop employees and others who helped bring the project to fruition.

“It's been a long time coming,” Wims said, encouraging the campus community to support the shop and wear Bulldog apparel “with pride and distinction.”

Operated by Follett, which has managed AAMU’s campus bookstore for more than a decade, the Bulldog Spirit Shop expands retail options while offering merchandise unavailable at the main bookstore. The project was developed through a partnership between Follett and the University’s Office of Business and Finance, with support from Auxiliary Services.

The shop also highlights student leadership and employment opportunities. Senior business administration major Jarah Waldon serves as campus store leader, overseeing a team that includes seniors Amiya Henderson, a business management major; Dakota Hughley, a computer science major; and A'Maya Jackson, a psychology major.

“I am excited to stand before you as the manager of the Bulldog Spirit Shop,” Waldon said during the ceremony. “This spot is a place where students and visitors can take home a piece of the AAMU spirit.”

Waldon emphasized the team’s commitment to providing quality merchandise and a welcoming shopping experience.

“Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment, quality products and service that reflects the excellence and the spirit of this great University,” she said.

“It’s exciting just to see all the growth around this campus,” said AAMU Trustee Dr. Scherrie Pickett, who encouraged students to support the University and remain engaged through the alumni association after graduation.

Students also played a role in establishing the shop’s identity. The name “Bulldog Spirit Shop” was selected by a committee of University administrators following a campuswide opportunity for students to submit suggestions.

The Bulldog Spirit Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional Saturday and game-day shopping opportunities. Plans are underway to introduce online shopping.

The ribbon-cutting celebration highlighted more than a retail destination. It underscored AAMU’s commitment to celebrating Bulldog traditions, creating opportunities for students and strengthening connections across the University community.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.