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Torchbearer Events Surpass $600,000 in Total Fundraising

Rocker, Knight and Gerald Sutton hold $61,750 Torchbearer check
March 24, 2025

New York Torchbearer Event Celebrates AAMU, Raises Funds for 150th Campaign   

The Alabama A&M 150th Anniversary campaign continues to gain momentum as the University sets a new standard for support during its Sesquicentennial year. Part of the ongoing campaign to raise $15 million through individual donations includes a series of Torchbearer events which bring together alumni and friends to raise a minimum of $25,000 per event. Recently, New York City supporters joined the march toward record-setting fundraising for campus improvements, scholarships, and more.

“We took on the challenge to not only contribute, but also to put together something that's meaningful,” said New York Alumni Chapter President Robert Gerald. 

Hosts for the New York event, held in historic Harlem, NY, included Hope Knight, Tchernavia Rocker, Eric Sutton, and Robert Gerald. The New York Torchbearer gathering - the latest of 40+ scheduled events – raised over $60,000 in online and in-person donations. Supporters are invited to continue to support the New York Torchbearers HERE.

Two AAMU alumni speak to each other at New York Torchbearer event

“We set out to identify leaders around the country to host private fundraising events to raise $1 million of the overall individual gifts goal,” said AAMU Vice President Jamal Ali. “These Torchbearer events are the true test of the level of support we can generate for our University in this pivotal celebration year. By the end of March, we will be over halfway toward that $1 million goal.”  

“In all the spaces I get to be in, it is one of my deepest honors to say that I am an alumna of Alabama A&M University,” said Tchernavia Rocker. “It gives us great pleasure to continue to build a legacy that ensures that future generations have the opportunity we had to have their time on The Hill.”

Upcoming Torchbearer events include celebrations in Arizona, Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Atlanta. Learn more about supporting existing Torchbearers HERE

To host a Torchbearer event, contact advancement@aamu.edu.

Follow the Torchbearer Tour HERE.

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