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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AAMU FOUNDATION
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
JAMAL ALI
Dear Esteemed Endowment Owners,
I am thrilled to introduce the inaugural edition of the AAMU Foundation Newsletter, a biannual publication aimed at keeping you informed and engaged with our mission, activities, and the impactful work enabled by your generosity and support. As we embark on this journey together, I am excited to share valuable updates and insights that demonstrate the tangible difference your contributions make to our students, our university and to the community.
This newsletter serves as a platform to deepen our connection with you, our valued endowment owners, by providing comprehensive updates on various aspects of our endowments and operations. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll feature in upcoming issues:
1. Updates on Investment Strategy: We recognize the importance of prudent and strategic investment to ensure the sustainability and growth of our endowment funds. In each issue, we will provide insights into our investment strategy, highlighting our approach to maximizing returns while managing risks effectively.
2. Updates on Our Trust Fund and Its Value: Transparency is paramount in our operations. Therefore, we will regularly update you on the performance and value of our Trust Fund, offering full visibility into the financial health and growth trajectory of your endowment contributions.
3. The Value of Smaller Endowments: While large endowments often command attention, we firmly believe in the
significance of every contribution, regardless of its size. Through this newsletter, we aim to highlight the value and impact of smaller endowments, showcasing how even modest investments can catalyze meaningful change and transform lives.
In this issue, we explain what the historic Knight-Sims case is, and why it makes up the lionshare of our investment portfolio. We’ll show how we have managed the Trust since its inception. The AAMU Foundation is forever grateful for the unique and generous donations we received over the past few months. There are several we can mention, and in this publication, we feature John Stallworth, Margie Malone Tuckson, Ronald and Patricia McIntosh and James Powell.
Finally, we’ll remember Timothy Brown, an alum who passed away in April, but gifted the university in a unique way to help students well into the future.
In closing, I extend my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support of the AAMU Foundation. Your generosity fuels our mission and empowers us to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities. I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories, updates, and opportunities featured in our newsletter, and to continue partnering with us on this inspiring journey of philanthropy and impact.
With warm regards,
Chairman, AAMU Foundation
Board of Directors
Meet Our Team
Annual Fund Director
Kim Davis
Senior Accountant
Kerry Grant
General Accountant
Keishe’ Wainwright
Development/Scholarship
Coordinator
TBH
Graduate Assistant
Juliet Edmond-Nlerum
Daniel Wims
Carlton Spellman
Roderick Watts
Dr. SanYvette Williams-Foy
Michael Suttlar, II
Michael Miller
Richard Crunkleton
Dr. Paul Bryant
Braque Talley
JOHN STALLWORTH ENDOWMENT
Hall of Famer John Stallworth still looks like he can still lace up his cleats and score touchdowns. The four-time Super Bowl champion celebrated his 1974 Golden Class Anniversary by delivering the commencement address. He recalled how those four years are distant memories, yet they were so impactful on many of their lives, even today. After his address, he joined President Daniel K.
Wims and Jamal Ali, VP, Marketing, Communications and Advancement on stage where Mr. Stallworth gifted the university a check for $1,214,721 to establish the John Stallworth Foundation Endowed Scholarship. Over the years, John and wife Flo, also Class of 1974, have awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to needy students at Alabama A&M University.
John Stallworth can still score indeed!
THE POWER OF ONE
James Powell is not an alum of Alabama A&M University but one would not know that by his passion for giving back and helping others. Powell’s parents did work as faculty at the university and this is his connection to the university. In 2023, he wanted to establish an endowed scholarship and he wanted to inspire others by
presenting his check of $25,000 on the field during homecoming 2024. During the historic sold out event, James Powell stood tall among the group of donor organizations receiving recognition for their gifts. Powell loves Alabama A&M University and we anticipate we’ll see him on the field again in the coming years.
MARGIE MALONE TUCKSON
THE VIVIAN MALONE ENDOWED CHAIR IN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
Margie Malone Tuckson is a lady on a mission says Chairman Jamal Ali. When she and I spoke on the phone last November, she reached out to let me know she was interested in doing something substantial in honor of her sister, Vivian Malone, who was the first African American student to graduate from the University of Alabama. Both sisters attended Alabama A&M University for two years before transferring to the University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama.
In talking with Ms. Malone Tuckson, one will quickly get a sense of her passion to give back; to pave a way for others. Tuckson has served as a member of the University of South Alabama National Alumni Association board of directors and served on the finance committee. She was also active with numerous organizations including Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Penumbra Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota,
Morehouse School of Medicine, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, National Council of Negro Women, Georgia CHARLEE, United Negro College Fund, Iota Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The LINKS Incorporated, Hank and Billye Aaron Scholarship Fund, Leadership Mobile, Pre-School for the Deaf, Daniel Freeman Hospital, American Cancer Society and Tuckson Health Connections Community Outreach Programs. Tuckson was appointed to the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees by Governor Kay Ivey in 2017, and confirmed by the Alabama Legislature on January 16, 2018.She is intentional.
After discussing different options to recognize her sister at Alabama A&M, she and the university settled on what would become the university’s first, Endowed Chair. The Vivian Malone Endowed Chair in Business Excellence, in the School of Business was gifted with an initial contribution from Ms. Malone Tuckson in the amount of $250,000.00!
THE RONALD PATRICIA MCINTOSH
R&
onald McIntosh and his wife Patricia have given over a half million dollars to Alabama A&M University. Giving back is part of who they are.
Ron grew up in the Ensley Section of Birmingham Alabama. He graduated from Western-Olin High School in 1966 and from Alabama A&M University in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Biology. He worked at Xerox Corporation for seven years as a Sales Representative and Facsimile Specialist. Ron worked at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing as an Ombudsman and Security Specialist retiring in 2010.
Ron has volunteered at A&M since his Freshman year of college. He volunteered under football coach, Louis Crews and Athletic Director, George Hobson. He has served on the board of directors for the Boy Scouts of America and Hope Place. He has worked at WJAB as an On-Air Announcer under the name of Shawn Patrick. Ron served as the Public Address Announcer for A&M football from 2001 thru 2023. When Mrs. Betty Austin, the winningest Volleyball Coach at A&M, wanted to take her program to a higher level she asked Ron to serve as the Volleyball Announcer. He has done this since the late ‘70’s/early 1980’s thru 2023.
Ron and Pat attend St. John AME Church. They have served in various church organizations. Currently, Ron sings in the Male Chorus and Pat serves on the Stewardess Board. They have two children, Ronald, Jr. and Patrice Shawntee’, two grand-children and one great-grandchild.
RON AND PAT LIVE BY THE MOTTO “to whom much is given, much is expected”.
Pat grew up on the campus of Alabama A&M University. She is one of the original Campus Kids. She attended Councill Training School graduating in 1965. In 1969 she received a B.S. degree in Biology from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. She received her Masters Degree from Alabama A&M University. Pat worked for Xerox Corporation for 35 years as a Systems Analyst. She is preceded to the AAMU Athletics Hall of Fame by her father, George O. McCalep, Sr. and her brother George O. McCalep, Jr.
At the June Board of Trustees meeting, approval was granted to establish the second endowed chair in university history: The Ronald and Patricia McCalep–McIntosh Endowed Chair in Biology.
TRUST&ENDOWMENTS
The Trust for Education Excellence (TFEE) was created as a result of the Knight–Sims case of 1995. The Trust was created and incorporated on March 6, 1998, pursuant to a Judge’s Decree from the UnitedStates District Court, Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division (Knight vs. The State of Alabama) under the provisions of the 1995 Remedial Decree which required the creation of a trust fund.
Under the Decree the Trust was funded as follows:
Annually, and beginning August 1, 1995, and for a period of 15 years thereafter up to and including August 1, 2010, payments to the Board of Trustees of Alabama A&M University (the University), the sum of $1,000,000 from the Alabama Special Education Trust Fund.
An additional payment, for that same 15 year period of up to $1,000,000, to the extent the same amount has been matched by gifts, grants and contributions to the Trust during the previous fiscal year from alumni, foundations, corporations, associations, trusts, estates and any other source (collectively referred to hereafter as “matching contributions) as a match. As an example, if the Trust receives contributions of $500,000 from any of these source(s), then an additional payment from the ASETF will be provided in the subsequent fiscal year of $500,000. Consequently, the Trust could receive up to $2,000,000 a year from the ASETF
depending upon its matching contributions. Since the Trust was incorporated, all ASETF payments go directly to the Trust and not to the University. The Trust awards over $1 million in scholarships each year. The current value of the Trust is $48,651,662.
Additionally, the AAMU Foundation houses over 60 endowment accounts that include sororities and fraternities, most recently Gammu Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Endowed Scholarship, various anniversary Class Groups (Class of 1971 Endowed Scholarship) individual accounts, e.g., (Addie H. Pugh Endowed Scholarship), etc. By year end 2023, these endowments totaled over $5 Million.
The majority of Greek-letter organizations at Alabama A&M University have initiated their own endowments. The combined total of the Divine 9 organizations exceeds $1,000,000!
In 2015, Nu Epsilon Initiates of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., gifted Alabama A&M University with $100,000. In so doing, the organization became the first affinity group in the 140-year history at that time to accomplish such a feat. Almost every year after 2015, initiates of the Divine Nine organizations have established endowments. By year-end, 2023, the combined endowments from the Greek-letter organizations totaled over $1 Million!
During Homecoming 2023, Delta Gamma Chapter Initiates of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., presented a check in the amount of $139,000 to the university. Founded in 1906 at Cornell University, the organization is the first Black Greek-letter organization making up the Divine Nine. The brothers were awarded the Large Organization of the Year during the annual Black-Tie Gala on April 18, 2024.
he annual Black-Tie Gala (BTG) is our signature fundraiser for scholarships. The event is also a time we shine the spotlight on talented students, members from the corporate and business community as well as recognizing leaders from the civic and social organizations. In 2023, the event raised $625,000, an all time high. With an even more aggressive goal of $750,000, planning officials crafted a star-studded line up with none other than a hip hop icon, Doug E. Fresh as the music headliner. The event was a “who’s who” among Huntsville’s socialites. To date, $720,000 has been raised for scholarships.
2025 will be the 25th anniversary of the Black-Tie Gala and, it’s the university’s 150th Anniversary. So, please get your tickets early because you don’t want to miss it. The fundraising goal is $1,000,000.
2024 BLACK TIE SCHOLARSHIP GALA HIGHLIGHTS
NEW INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PARTNERS
UNIVERSITY PROJECTS
In 2023, the AAMU Foundation Investment Committee conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Investment Managers. After a lengthy process, the committee settled on three new partners: Synovus, Fisher Investments and Shades Creek. The investment managers have a combined total of approximately $55 Million under their management.
At the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees Meeting on June 14, 2024, the board approved major campus expansion which includes an $82 million Science building and a $58 million Student Amenities building. (Pictured top)
The new science building will almost triple the academic STEM facility footprint on the campus. The student amenities building will reshape the student experience at AAMU with state-of-the-art gathering spaces, centralized campus services, food options, and student support facilities. (Pictured bottom)
CAMPUS NEWS
In August of 2023, members of the historic 150th Anniversary Campaign Committee held a “Kickoff to the Campaign” reception at the University Event Center. The committee consisted of over 50 members each representing a unique facet of our remarkable institution–from loyal alumni to esteemed faculty, and from visionary community leaders to dedicated corporate partners. Robert Holmes (Class of 1970) was tapped to be the Chairman of the Committee and John Stallworth (Class of 1974/Hall of Famer) was selected to be the Honorary Chairman.
In his address to the committee, President Wims announced that our goal is to raise $150 Million but cautioned that this would not be a capital campaign alone. He noted that while the goal is to raise significant corporate and donor funds, other means of funding could come from research grants, state and federal appropriations, and in-kind donations.
In January, committee leadership slowed its campaign efforts to complete an RFP for a professional fundraising partner to lead our fundraising efforts. After interviewing three companies, the committee was pleased to add Campbell & Co. (C&C) as our
ANNIVERSARY
In addressing the committee at the Kickofff event, Chairman Holmes’ words still ring true.
“Whether you are an alum who fondly remembers your college days, a faculty member shaping the minds of future leaders, a community leader working to uplift our neighborhoods, or a corporate partner dedicated to supporting education, your role in this campaign is invaluable.
We are privileged to have each and every one of you on this remarkable committee, and together, we will ensure that Alabama A&M’s legacy endures for another 150 years and beyond.
The journey has just begun, and together, we will make history!
Go Bulldogs!”
fundraising partner. Since signing on as our partner, the C&C team has immersed itself in everything AAMU! They have conducted 1:1 interviews with over 50 individuals across the university as well with committee and community members outside AAMU.
A key project they’re developing is the “case statement.” This essentially is the “why”–people should care; why they should support this campaign.
Some themes that have emerged.
Campus Community
• Reimagined Bridge
• Hillcrest Renovations
• Student Amenities Building
Science and STEM
• New Science and STEM Building
People and Programs
• Student Scholarships
• Endowed Professorships and Chairs
• Curriculum Enhancement
I’m excited to bring an amazing vegan option to north Huntsville and the university community.” “
Nikia M. Lightfoot, Owner & CEO
A MERIDIAN VISION TO REALITY
mainstay of the Foundation’s real estate holdings is the Meridian Plaza complex. The Foundation recently secured a $3.1 Million Line of Credit to renovate the individual units.
Current tenants include UPS, Normal Nutrition and
Foundation Coffee. We are extremely excited to add the following new tenants in the fall: Huntsville Hospital Urgent Care, AAMU Center for Entrepreneurship which will serve AAMU students as well as be a resource for the community and Vujee Vegan restaurant.
TIMOTHY BROWN
NU EPSILON ENDOWMENT THE HERITAGE SOCIETY–PLANNED GIVING
AUTHORED BY JAMAL ALI
Bulldog nation lost a terrific man last April in Timothy Brown, (Class of 1984); a computer science major and member of the AAMU Football Hall of Fame. He was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in 1982. He had a zest and a zeal for life.
It isn’t a wonder that when initates of Nu Epsilon chapter, reached out to the brotherhood with an appeal to purchase whole life insurance policies with Nu Upsilon being the owner, brother Tim Brown was the first to purchase a policy. Having established a $25,000 policy, two other brothers followed suit brother Aaron Combs class of 1984 along with Jamal Ali. The three of us each purchase $25,000 policies in 2020.
Who would’ve thought as we purchased our policies and proudly encouraged others to do the same that in 2024, I would have the unenviable task of processing brother Timothy Brown’s policy of a death benefit of over $25,000 to the Nu Epsilon Man of Omega Endowment.
If Brother Tim Brown was with us now, he’d probably say, “I wish I had taken out a larger policy;” having realized, relative to making funds available to assist needy students, it’s “never enough”.”
To learn more about gifting our university though life insurance and estate planning, please contact the Office of Advancement.
WAYS TO GIVE
Alabama A&M University’s current enrollment is 6,633 enrolled students. – a 10% increase over the 2022-2023 academic year. More than 91% of those students receive some form of financial aid. Many capable students withdraw from school simply because of outstanding balances. Consider supporting our students and academic programs by giving using of the methods below.
GIVE TODAY BY USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS:
Scan the QR Code: the code will take you directly to the Qgiv platform. Simply, select the desired restriction and giving amount. Follow the prompts to continue processing your donation.
By Check/Money Order:
Make payable to AAMU Foundation–note restriction in the memo section.
Mail checks to:
Advancement Office
309 Patton Hall
Normal, AL 35762
All donations are 100% tax deductible. If you work for a corporation or private company, please check with your human resources department to
inquire about the matching gift process, which could multiply your gift.
How To . . .
• Establish an endowed scholarship or current use scholarship
• Transfer stocks
• Planned Giving Contact 256-372-5671 for more detailed information.
THIS NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OFFICE OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATION AND ADVANCEMENT.
