Alabama A&M University proudly celebrated a historic milestone Friday morning, graduating the final class of its 150th Anniversary year during Fall 2025 Commencement exercises at the AAMU Event Center. The University conferred 455 degrees, marking a powerful close to a year honoring a century and a half of excellence, resilience, and service.

Distinguished alumnus Robert Holmes Jr., a 1970 graduate of Alabama A&M University and chairman of the University’s 150th Anniversary Campaign, delivered the commencement address. Holmes reflected on the institution’s deep-rooted legacy, connecting the Class of 2025 to the University’s founding by Reverend Dr. William Hooper Councill, a man born into slavery who overcame adversity to establish higher education opportunities for Black students in the Jim Crow South.

“Today, we stand on the Hill at a historical moment – one that belongs not only to you, but also to the legacy of 150 years of Alabama A&M University,” Holmes said. “This institution was founded on faith, perseverance, and the courage to rise beyond circumstance. That legacy now rests with you.”

Holmes shared his own journey growing up in the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, and crediting his parents’ sacrifices for placing him on the path to Alabama A&M.

“My mother told me, ‘You’re going to college, son, because we want you to be better than what we are,’” Holmes recalled. “That’s how I found myself on this Hill—and it changed my life forever.”

A retired senior vice president of ethics and corporate concerns at Alabama Power and former chairman of the Alabama Power Foundation, Holmes detailed a decades-long career that began as a senior design engineer and progressed through executive leadership roles overseeing multimillion-dollar capital projects and organizational strategy. Despite professional experiences that took him to Harvard Business School, the University of Georgia, and global stages, Holmes emphasized that Alabama A&M shaped his confidence, integrity and sense of purpose.

“No matter where I went—Harvard, Georgia or Brussels—I was always a Bulldog,” Holmes said. “Nobody could intimidate me, because I came from a place that taught me who I was.”

Holmes reminded the class of their unique place in University history.

“Graduates of December 2025, you hold a special place. You are the last class to graduate during Alabama A&M’s first 150 years,” he said. “Now is your time. It’s your responsibility to start the next 150 years.”

During the ceremony, University President Daniel K. Wims highlighted the academic and professional achievements of the Fall 2025 graduating class. Of the 455 degrees awarded, 185 were graduate degrees and 270 were undergraduate degrees. Among undergraduate recipients, 56% are female and 44% are Black men.

Wims also shared strong post-graduation outcomes: 41% of graduates have already secured employment, 21% will continue their education, and 1% were commissioned into the armed forces. Additionally, 18% reported salary offers of $70,000 or higher, with the highest offer reaching $120,000.

Academic excellence was also on full display, with 170 undergraduates graduating with honors. The highest GPA in the class — a perfect 4.0 — was earned by Typhan Bobby Bedgood, a biology major. Notably, 104 undergraduate graduates are first-generation college students, representing 39% of the class, a milestone Wims emphasized as a testament to the University’s transformative impact.

The class also included 11 second-generation graduates, four third-generation graduates, a fourth-generation graduate, Destiny Ann Rogers, and twin sisters. The oldest graduate is Kimberly Moore, 56, who earned a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences.

Holmes concluded his address with a heartfelt charge to the graduates, urging them to lead with purpose, character, and faith.

“When you leave this campus, walk in purpose—purpose bigger than yourself,” Holmes said. “Serve with compassion. Remember that ‘Service is Sovereignty.’ Lead with character, trust in God, and always be a fountain. You are ready—ready to build, ready to innovate, ready to lead, ready to shine. Congratulations, Bulldogs. Go out and make history.”