Charles Barkley commits $1 million to A&M

HUNTSVILLE – Basketball great Charles Barkley has committed to donate $1 million to Alabama A&M University.

The donation marks the largest individual gift in the university’s 141-year history.

“This is a transformational gift to the institution and a true measure of Mr. Barkley’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities,” A&M President Andrew Hugine Jr. said. “The gift will exponentially strengthen the future of Alabama A&M.”

Alabama A&M is in the final year of its first-ever capital campaign, entitled “Imagine the Future.” With Barkley’s gift, the institution has raised nearly $25 million, surpassing its initial goal of $16.25 million.

“Mr. Barkley’s gift truly bolsters our fundraising efforts. We deeply appreciate John Hudson, chair of our capital campaign and a 1996 alumnus, for leading this effort and being the catalyst to spark such a phenomenal gift,” Archie Tucker said. Tucker is interim vice president for marketing, communication and advancement.

Barkley is a NBA Hall of Famer and TNT television sports analyst. The Alabama native made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s most dominating power forwards for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.