Alabama A&M University will commemorate its historic 150th Anniversary milestone during 2025 Founder’s Week Celebrations to take place April 25 through May 2. The week-long observance will pay tribute to the University’s distinguished founder, Dr. William Hooper Councill, while highlighting the enduring spirit and transformative impact of AAMU on generations of students and communities.

The Sesquicentennial celebration - themed Rich Heritage, Bold Future - will commence with elegance and purpose on Friday, April 25, at the 25th Annual Black-Tie Scholarship Gala featuring Charlie Wilson, held at the Alabama A&M University Event Center. As the University’s premier fundraising event, the Gala provides critical scholarship support to deserving students with financial need. In honor of the 150th Anniversary, the Gala will launch an extended weekend of signature events designed to engage, inspire, and honor AAMU's profound legacy. Concert-only tickets to see Charlie Wilson are still available here. 

Among the weekend’s highlights is a Gospel Celebration featuring the legendary Clark Sisters, set for Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at the Event Center. Limited TICKETS remain available for this event.

Founder’s Week Events 

Friday, April 25	25th Annual Black-Tie Scholarship Gala ft. Charlie Wilson Concert-Only Tickets	7:00 p.m. Event Center
Saturday, April 26	Pre-Alumni Association 150th Anniversary 3K Run  Registration and Info	7:00 a.m. Event Center
Sunday, April 27	150th Anniversary Gospel Celebration ft. The Clark Sisters  Tickets	4:00 p.m.  Event Center
Monday, April 28	Oratorical Contest & Bulldog Beat Performance	5:30 p.m. Bradford Auditorium
Tuesday, April 29	Alabama A&M University Band Concert	7:00 p.m. The Fellowship of Faith Church
Wednesday, April 30	Every Sunny Wednesday	Noon The Quad
Thursday, May 1	Founder’s Day Panel	1:30 p.m.  Clyde Foster Auditorium
Friday, May 2	Founder’s Day Convocation & Wreath Laying Ceremony	10:30 a.m. Bradford Auditorium

A centerpiece of the 150th celebration will be the Founder’s Day Convocation on Friday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m. in Bradford Auditorium. The keynote speaker, Dr. Mark S. Berry, exemplifies the power and promise of an AAMU education. A two-time alumnus of Alabama A&M, Berry now serves as Senior Vice President of Research, Environment, and Sustainability for Southern Company, where he leads advancements in clean energy and environmental responsibility. His journey from Normal’s Hill to corporate leadership speaks to the University's enduring mission to empower change-makers.

Alumni, friends, and partners are invited to celebrate this historic moment by supporting Alabama A&M University’s 150th Anniversary Campaign. Contributions will help fund campus improvements, expand scholarship opportunities, and ensure AAMU continues to thrive for the next generation of leaders. Your support helps sustain Alabama A&M’s legacy of excellence, education, and empowerment – for the next 150 years and beyond.