Sundresses & Sneakers Social Celebrates Program Legacy, Community Investment and Championship Momentum

Alabama A&M University officially launched The 1947 Project on May 31 with the Sundresses & Sneakers Social at the AAMU Event Center, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, community members and supporters of Bulldog women's basketball for an afternoon focused on celebration, engagement and investment in the program's future.

Approximately 100 guests attended the inaugural event, which served as the public introduction of The 1947 Project, a new annual membership and giving initiative created to provide sustainable support for Alabama A&M women's basketball while offering meaningful engagement opportunities for supporters of the program. The initiative honors 1947, the year women's basketball began at Alabama A&M University.

Guests arrived in sundresses, sneakers and seersucker suits for an experience-driven social designed to celebrate the success and momentum of the women's basketball program under the leadership of head coach Dawn Thornton. Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed team introductions, facility and locker room tours, interactive photo opportunities, live music, hospitality experiences and opportunities to connect with student-athletes and fellow supporters. Members of the women's basketball team served as hosts, welcoming guests and sharing in the celebration.

The event also introduced supporters to the vision and goals of The 1947 Project, which seeks to create a reliable source of annual support for the program. Funds raised through the initiative will help strengthen recruitment efforts, enhance the student-athlete experience, support locker room improvements and equipment needs, and provide resources that contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of Alabama A&M women's basketball.

A unique aspect of the launch was the commitment by Alabama A&M's Marketing, Communications and Advancement division to sponsor the event experience, allowing all proceeds generated through registrations, memberships and donations to directly benefit the women's basketball program.

“The 1947 Project is about creating sustainable support around women's basketball and showing our student-athletes that our community believes in them,” said Morgan Saintjones, director of development and strategic alliances. “Coach Dawn arrived on The Hill and quickly led our program to a historic season, and we believe that momentum deserves investment.”

Organizers said the event exceeded expectations by generating strong community engagement, new membership commitments, donor interest and partnership opportunities. The launch also reflected the passion of alumni and supporters who helped initiate the effort and who remain committed to building long-term investment in the program.

The Sundresses & Sneakers Social marked only the beginning of The 1947 Project. Alumni, friends and supporters are encouraged to join the effort to invest in the future of Bulldog women's basketball through annual membership and philanthropic support. As momentum continues to build around Alabama A&M women's basketball, the initiative aims to create lasting support for future generations of Bulldog student-athletes.

Support Alabama A&M Women’s Basketball: Make a gift through The 1947 Project.