The University Will Recognize 3,447 Scholars During April 2 Ceremony
AAMU to Honor Record Number of Students at 2026 Academic Honors Convocation
Alabama A&M University will celebrate academic excellence and student achievement during its 2026 Academic Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 2, at 11 a.m. in the AAMU Event Center. The annual ceremony, held the first Thursday in April, will recognize undergraduate students for academic honors earned during the spring and fall 2025 semesters.
This year’s convocation marks a historic milestone for the University, with 3,447 students recognized across seven award categories, the largest number of honorees to date. The ceremony will open with the traditional processional featuring University administration and faculty, followed by recognition of students whose academic performance has distinguished them among their peers.
Awards to be presented include the Gold, Silver and Bronze Presidential Medallions, Freshman Presidential Awards, Dean’s List, Freshman Dean’s List and Honor Roll distinctions. A full listing of awards and criteria is available at https://www.aamu.edu/academics/honors-program/honors-convocation.html.
The University’s highest undergraduate honor, the Outstanding Scholar Award, will be presented to five exceptional students selected to represent their respective colleges and the Department of Athletics. Honorees include McKinley Dunford of the College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences; Emilio Angel Gallon of the College of Business and Public Affairs; Taylor Hunter of the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences; and Terry Zion Dukes of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. Laila Gaynor, a member of the women’s track and field team, will be recognized as the Outstanding Scholar Athlete.
Additional recognition will be given to Honors Program scholars and members of the University’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team, which advanced to the national championship in California. The AAMU Alumni Association Senior Award also will be presented to a graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average and University credit hours.
Presidential and Dean’s List honorees must check in between 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. to participate in the recognition process. Professional attire is required for all honorees. The University’s clear bag policy will be enforced for this event.
The convocation is open to the public, and family members, friends and guests are encouraged to attend and celebrate the achievements of Alabama A&M’s scholars.
From Left: Terry Dukes, McKinley Dunford, Taylor Hunter, Laila Gaynor, Emilio Angel Gallon