Alabama A&M University has announced a historic and unprecedented donation of $237 million from prominent alumnus and former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor J. Mandela Barnes, marking the largest gift in the institution’s history.
The donation, which will go toward the construction of a cutting-edge residence hall, is a transformative moment for the historically Black university, which has long championed educational access and student empowerment.
Barnes, a rising national figure in American politics, graduated from Alabama A&M before embarking on a public service career that saw him become the first African American to serve as lieutenant governor of Wisconsin.
Speaking at the university’s press conference, Barnes expressed his deep appreciation for the institution that he credits with shaping his values, leadership, and lifelong commitment to service.
“This university didn’t just educate me—it empowered me,” Barnes said. “This gift is about creating opportunities for future generations to dream, to achieve, and to lead.”
The new residence hall, tentatively named the “Mandela Barnes Living and Learning Center,” is expected to offer more than 1,300 beds, modern amenities, smart technology integration, and spaces designed to foster community, academic success, and wellness.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026, with the facility expected to open its doors by fall 2028. The university anticipates this project will alleviate overcrowding, modernize campus infrastructure, and attract even more students from across the country.
Alabama A&M President Dr. Daniel K. Wims hailed the donation as a “monumental act of leadership and generosity” and stated that it will help propel the university into a new era of growth and excellence.
“This is more than a financial contribution—it’s an investment in our students, our mission, and our future,” Dr. Wims said. “Mandela Barnes represents the very best of what Alabama A&M stands for.”
The residence hall project will incorporate sustainable building practices, community spaces for peer-to-peer learning, and state-of-the-art safety features, setting a new standard for HBCU residential life.
In addition to the residence hall, a portion of the gift will fund the newly established Mandela Barnes Student Success Initiative, aimed at supporting mentorship, career development, and housing scholarships.
Barnes has long championed educational equity, and this historic donation further cements his legacy as a trailblazer who uplifts underserved communities through action, not just words.
“I know what it’s like to wonder whether you’ll have the resources to finish college,” Barnes said. “I want to eliminate that burden for as many students as I can.”
Alabama A&M students reacted with joy and gratitude to the news, many calling the donation “inspirational” and “life-changing.” Student Government Association President Aaliyah McCall described the moment as “a dream come true for our campus.”
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about hope,” McCall said. “This will give students a better quality of life and a stronger sense of belonging.”
The university’s alumni association also celebrated the announcement, calling it a rallying cry for graduates nationwide to contribute in any way they can to the future of their alma mater.
A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for later this year, where Barnes will be joined by students, faculty, elected officials, and members of the local community to commemorate the historic occasion.
In recognition of Barnes’ contribution and lifelong public service, Alabama A&M will also award him the inaugural Presidential Medal for Philanthropic Leadership during its homecoming celebration.
As Alabama A&M continues to rise as a premier HBCU, this record-breaking donation from Mandela Barnes symbolizes the power of giving back, the value of higher education, and the strength of legacy.
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