Alabama A&M University will conclude its yearlong 150th Anniversary celebration with alumnus Robert Holmes Jr. delivering the Fall 2025 Commencement address. Holmes, who serves as chairman of the University’s 150th Anniversary Campaign, will speak to graduates during the ceremony on Friday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. in the AAMU Event Center.

Holmes, a 1970 graduate of Alabama A&M with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology and mathematics, retired in 2010 as senior vice president of ethics and corporate concerns at Alabama Power and chairman of the Alabama Power Foundation. He also holds an engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, the University of Georgia and the Center for Creative Leadership.

During his decades-long career with Alabama Power, Holmes held engineering and leadership roles of increasing responsibility. He began as a senior design engineer specializing in system performance across power generation facilities, including reinforced concrete, fluid transport, fire protection and HVAC systems. As a project engineer, he oversaw major capital projects exceeding $60 million. He later advanced through positions such as technical superintendent, assistant plant manager (fossil), assistant to the chief financial officer, district manager and vice president of human resources.

Holmes’ influence extends well beyond the utility industry. He has served on numerous nonprofit and civic boards, including the Boy Scouts of America, the A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Samford University and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. His leadership has shaped ethics and character development programs across Alabama schools and universities. His contributions have been recognized with honors such as the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, the Silver Beaver Award and the Heart of Eagle Award. In 2021, he was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame.

His commitment to service is also reflected in more than 50 years of membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he has held roles including chapter basileus (president) and state representative. He chairs the See-It-Through Foundation board for the 7th District. Holmes is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he has served as sire archon (president) of Beta Kappa Boule and as a trustee of the Boule Foundation, now chairing its investment committee.

Holmes is president-elect of the Homewood Rotary Club and an active member of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, where he serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He and his wife, Camelia, are the parents of two children and grandparents of six.

As Alabama A&M celebrates its sesquicentennial year, Holmes’ selection as commencement speaker reflects the University’s commitment to honoring alumni whose lives exemplify excellence, service and leadership. His message is expected to encourage graduates embarking on new careers and inspire the next class of Alabama A&M University graduates.