April 19, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama will honor nearly 300 graduates during spring commencement exercises Saturday, May 5, 2007. The ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. in Pruitt Gymnasium on the UWA campus, with the Presidential Reception open to all graduates and their guests beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Bell Conference Center.  

In addition to the conferring of degrees in the Colleges of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Division of Nursing and the School of Graduate Studies, the University will induct 1961 graduate Buddy Nix and 1960 graduate Jo Anne Sample Huddleston into the Society of the Golden Key, the highest honor bestowed upon a UWA graduate. Nix serves as Assistant General Manger and Director of Player Personnel for the San Diego Chargers. Huddleston is System Guidance Coordinator for Vestavia Hills City Schools, where she maintains the role of guidance director and counselor for Vestavia Hills High School.  

In addition, four longtime professors will be honored for their service to the University. Madelyn Mack receives the distinction of Emeritus Professor of Education, Dr. Merle Peper earns recognition as Emeritus Professor of Management, Dr. Gary Stone will be honored as Emeritus Professor of Technology and Dr. Joe Wilkins will be named Emeritus Professor of History.

President Richard Holland will also announce the William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, given annually at commencement to recognize excellence in classroom instruction at UWA. In addition, Provost David Taylor will announce the Ralph M. Lyon Award, given to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average.

Guests must have tickets, which are available from graduates, to attend the ceremony in Pruitt Gym. Overflow seating to watch the commencement exercises will be available in Bibb Graves Auditorium and the Bell Conference Center. For more information, call 205-652-3752.