UWA to recognize outstanding alumni on Sept. 15

National Alumni Association to present alumni achievement and service awards

The University of West Alabama’s National Alumni Association and UWA Athletics will honor a slate of outstanding alumni at a ceremony on campus Saturday, Sept. 15. The NAA will present its prestigious alumni achievement and service awards, and the Athletic Hall of Fame will induct four new members.

UWA’s alumni achievement and service awards recognize achievement in several categories and for each of the University’s colleges and divisions.

Alumni Affairs Director Danielle Buckalew said that the annual awards were established to shine a spotlight on the achievements and service of the University’s alumni base and community.

“UWA and the National Alumni Association are proud of the accomplishments and loyalty of our graduates and supporters,” Buckalew said. “We believe their achievements and support should be publicly recognized, and we do that by presenting our top awards each year to deserving individuals, organizations and businesses.”

“Each year, we reach out to the community and to our alumni base to learn more about the people who are making significant achievements in their areas of work or study, and allow alumni and friends who are already active in their local chapters to encourage and boost their friends and co-workers,” Buckalew explained.

Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented by each of the University’s colleges and divisions to alumni who have excelled professionally and personally. These awards recognize graduates of each college or division who have distinguished themselves in such a way to reflect honor on the University.

Emerging Leader Awards recognize alumni who graduated from each college or division within the last decade and show promise for success and leadership.

College of Education

Distinguished Alumni – Sean Stevens (2014)

Emerging Leader – Robert Bruister (2015)

College of Business & Technology

Distinguished Alumni – Dr. Linda Carr (1963)

Emerging Leader – Zhixin Cao (2014)

College of Liberal Arts

Distinguished Alumni – Elizabeth Gremmels (1992, 1994, 1999)

Emerging Leader – Josh Senkbeil (2014)

College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Distinguished Alumni – Doug Deaton (2003)

Emerging Leader – Keith McNeil (2007)

Division of Nursing

Distinguished Alumni – Amanda House (2002)

Emerging Leader – Madison Davidson (2015)

Division of Online Programs

Distinguished Alumni: Darlene A. Tucker (2010)

The University also recognizes with its service awards outstanding and loyal individuals, organizations, and business that make valuable contributions of service and commitment to the University, the NAA, and the west Alabama community.

Service awards are presented in the categories of Alumni Loyalty, Faculty/Staff Loyalty, and the West Alabama Community Service Award.

Faculty/Staff Loyalty Award

Dustin Prine (2005)

Alumni Loyalty Award

Peggy S. Colvin (1976)

Outstanding UWA Department Award

UWA Campus Police

West Alabama Community Service Award

Naheola Credit Union

Recipients of the awards receive a plaque, a brick on UWA’s Walk of Honor, and one year paid membership in the National Alumni Association.

Childcare is available at UWA Campus School beginning at 1:45 p.m. The cost is $15 per child from 1:45 until 5 p.m. Childcare beginning at 1:45 and continuing through the end of the football game is $40 and includes pizza and entertainment. Contact Kim Smith at ksmith@uwa.edu to make arrangements.

For more information regarding UWA’s alumni and service awards, contact the Alumni Affairs office at 205-652-3852 or alumni@uwa.edu.