Today, Alabama A&M University celebrated its 149th Commencement Ceremony. The University awarded 365 degrees as 119 graduate students and 246 undergraduates completed academic chapters on The Hill. 

Huntsville City Council Member Michelle Watkins, who recently achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first Back women elected to the Huntsville City Council, delivered the commencement address. The two-time alumna and Management & Program Analyst for the U.S. Army Garrison at Redstone Arsenal had the crowd cheering seconds into her address.

“This moment is filled with immense pride and joy and I am thrilled to share this special occasion with you,” said Watkins. “Today we celebrate your many accomplishments, but first, I want to acknowledge a few VIPS. If you have a son, daughter, granddaughter, grandson, nephew, niece, husband or wife graduating today, would you please stand?”

After a minute of cheers and applause, Watkins reflected on her unexpected path to leadership, sharing lessons learned since her own graduation.

“Spending eight years on the Huntsville City School Board and being elected to the Huntsville City Council never occurred to me, but life has a way of guiding us into unexpected directions,” Watkins admitted. “When I announced I was running for office, someone said, ‘You can’t beat an incumbent!’ You know what I told that person? ‘If Barack Hussein Obama moved next door to me tomorrow and said ‘Michelle, I’m running,’ I would shake his hand and say, ‘May the best man or woman win.’ One of the greatest lessons I learned here at Alabama A&M University was confidence, the belief in my abilities, the knowledge to back it up and the determination to never give up.”

Watkins emphasized the University’s motto, “Service is Sovereignty,” urging graduates to lead with integrity. “True leadership demands tough choices,” Watkins explained. “You will have to make decisions that are not popular, but leadership is about making those choices with honesty and prioritizing the greater good.”

Watkins also challenged graduates to be good Normalites. “The best way to be a good Normalite is to be a good person,” she said. “When you go the grocery store, be a good Normalite. When you go to your mailbox and see your neighbor speak, be a good Normalite, and while you’re at that mailbox, mail that check to Alabama A&M University. There is nothing average about being a Normalite. We are extraordinary. Class of 2024, as you depart this illustrious University, one that I love dearly, I ask you to leave with a determined spirit, a resilient mind and a desire for humility. Always remember, to whom much is given, much is required.”

President Daniel K. Wims then shared highlights of the Fall Class of 2024:

• 75 first-generation college graduates
• Two ROTC Cadets were commissioned
• 58% female and 42% male
• 50% of graduates secured employment
• 20% will continue their education
• 12% report a salary of $70,000 or more
• The highest salary offer is $152,000
• 147 students graduated with honors
• Highest GPA: Arissa Tenise Nolley - 4.0 GPA in civil engineering
• Oldest graduate: 60-year-old liberal studies major Allen Ray Brooks
• 10 students are second-generation AAMU graduates
• Two students are third-generation AAMU graduates.

The University also awarded an Honorary Master of Arts degree to Mr. Arthur Seaton, II for his exceptional contributions to the City of Huntsville.

For many graduates, the day was a mix of joy and appreciation for all they have acheived on The Hill.

“Meeting new people and building everlasting friendships is the best part of being in college,” said business marketing major Crystal Matthews from Demopolis, Alabama. “There's nothing like meeting someone freshman year and continuing that bond after graduation.”

Jordan Johnston, a family and consumer science major from Chicago, will return to Alabama A&M next semster to earn her MBA. “Being here was a great experience for me. I've learned so much and truly appreciate the faculty and the campus culture.”

Brooklyn, New York native and communications media major Jaylen Bright adds, “I learned patience and becoming more open. You can’t be scared, you can’t be an introvert. You’ve got to express yourself. You’ve got to talk to people because you never know who you may meet that can help you as a student and professionally.”

“I chose Alabama A&M University at the advice of my mom,” says Jeremiah Johnson. “I went to a predominantly white private high school and she said I should go to an HBCU. She was right! Johnson is returning next semester for his master's degree in urban and regional planning. “I've seen how much the campus has grown and where it's headed. I'm proud to now call Alabama A&M University my alma mater.”