Message from the Mac

GREETINGS, JAG NATION!

The 50th anniversary celebration of the University of South Alabama National Alumni Association is in full swing. It’s been so much fun seeing so many of you at festivities the past several months, including our birthday kickoff party, the Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards gala, the Alumni Easter Egg Hunt and our Member Appreciation Block Party. Stay tuned for upcoming events as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary year.

In this edition, we reflect on the history of the National Alumni Association, from our humble beginnings in 1974 to the dynamic organization we are today, and the impact we’ve made on our beloved University, our alumni, students and friends. Alumni continue to play an important role in the growth and success of our University by becoming more integrated in its life, leadership and governance. We serve on boards and committees, assist in student recruitment, provide expertise on University initiatives, advocate on behalf of the University and contribute time and financial resources. In the past 20 years, we’ve also contributed significantly to enhancing the landscape of our beautiful campus with the addition of Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza (2010) and the MacQueen Alumni Center (2020). Both facilities were designed and funded by alumni and have become symbols of our spirit and commitment to the University of South Alabama for generations to come.

I am honored to present to you the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards. Receiving Distinguished Alumni Awards were Dr. Peter Lindquist ’06, M.S. ’11, and Dan Ollis ’80. Distinguished Service Award recipients were Alexis Atkins ’97, Chandra Brown Stewart ’99, and Travis and Susan Bedsole. The Inspirational Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Jack DiPalma, and the University of South Alabama Foundation received the Community Partner Award. This stellar group of healthcare heroes, educators, entrepreneurs, corporate trailblazers and public servants, along with 119 previous award recipients, continue to make a positive impact in our world. We are so proud of each of them.

Mark your calendars for Oct. 24-26, 2024, for Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend. One of the highlights of this special weekend is the unveiling of the names of the Association’s newest Lifetime members on the Walls of Honor at Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza. This year, we will add 198 names, bringing the total number of Lifetime members recognized to more than 4,000. Also, a highlight of the weekend is the Golden Jaguar Luncheon, featuring the members of the Class of 1974 in honor of the 50th anniversary of their graduation. We can’t wait to see you here!

2023 - 2024 National
Alumni Association
Board of Directors

National Alumni Association Officers
Kim Lawkis ’11, MPA ’13
President
Ronnie Stallworth ’03
Vice President
Neil Christopher ’07
Secretary-Treasurer
Jim Moore ’90
Immediate Past President

National Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Mark Acreman ’97
Shadia Anderson ’96
Ross Bonura ’95
Donovan Brooks ’97
Cary Cash ’99
Laura Gabel ’94
John Galanos ’80
Kimberly Hargrove ’89
Clyde Higgs ’97
Ingrid Lawson ’94
Terrence Lewis ’06
Mary Beth Massey ’13, M.Ed. ’15
Joe Molyneux ’71
Mike Odair ’04
Kristin Odom ’09, M.S. ’14, Ed.D. ’19
Bryan Op’t Holt ’01
Brian Rhoades ’95
Laura Sergeant ’91, M.Ed. ’05
Mark Spivey ’02, M.S. ’05
Peter Susman MBA ’20
Paige Vitulli ’86, M.Ed. ’00, Ph.D. ’06
Charlie Warner ’76
Micah Wheeler ’05
Gia Wiggins Ph.D. ’19