University of Alabama Honors Outstanding Talent at Ceremony

News Summary

The University of Alabama celebrated its annual Tapping on the Mound ceremony, showcasing exceptional students and faculty amidst a vibrant community. Despite a venue change due to weather, the spirit remained high as awards were presented, including the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award to Jerran Hill and the Living Legend Award to Kerry Goode. The event also marked the induction of new members into prestigious honor societies and recognized distinguished alumni, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence and community spirit.

University of Alabama Celebrates Exceptional Talent at Annual Tapping on the Mound Ceremony

In the vibrant city of Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama recently celebrated its annual Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a cherished tradition that has been part of campus life since the early 1900s. On April 4, as the culmination of Honors Week, this year’s event showcased an impressive lineup of outstanding students and faculty, making it a special occasion for the entire UA community.

Normally held on the iconic mound at the west side of the Quad, the ceremony had to be relocated to the English Building this year due to some unpredictable weather. Despite the change in venue, spirits remained high, and attendees were still able to tune in via livestream to catch all of the action and celebrations from the comfort of their homes.

Spotlight on Excellence

Rosalind Moore-Miller, the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, emphasized how important it is to honor the best and brightest at UA during this ceremony. The event recognized remarkable achievements in multiple areas including outstanding students, outstanding alumni, Black scholars, and individuals who have become living legends in their respective fields.

Recognizing Faculty and Community Heroes

This year, the Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award was presented to Jerran Hill, Executive Director of UA’s Blackburn Institute. His dedication to student development and leadership has made a significant impact on the university community. Meanwhile, Kerry Goode, a beloved former Alabama football player, received the Living Legend Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to ALS research after facing the challenges of the disease himself.

Among the many other commendations handed out were the Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award, given to Joyce S. Whetstone, and the Frances S. Summersell Award, which honored Stan and Star Bloom for their incredible contributions to both the Tuscaloosa community and the university.

Induction into Honor Societies

The Tapping on the Mound ceremony also marked the induction of new members into several prestigious university honor groups. Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) welcomed students of junior standing or above who excel in leadership and are within the top 35% of their class. Mortar Board membership was bestowed upon college seniors recognized for their leadership, scholarship, and service. The Blue Key National Honor Society acknowledged those seniors who exemplify high scholastic ideals, while the Anderson Society celebrated students who have made noteworthy contributions to the university or the Tuscaloosa community.

Honoring Distinguished Alumni

This year’s ceremony also recognized some truly remarkable alumni. Former UA coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban, received the Frances S. Summersell Award, with their daughter-in-law, Katie King, accepting the accolade on their behalf. In addition, the event honored former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with the prestigious Living Legend Award.

Family Support and Community Spirit

The atmosphere was filled with pride as family members of the honorees attended to celebrate their loved ones’ accomplishments. Derek Cunningham spoke about his daughter Morgan Cunningham, who was initiated into multiple honor societies during the event, highlighting the personal impact of such recognition.

As the ceremony came to a close, the Tapping on the Mound event not only celebrated individual achievements but also embraced the collective excellence of UA’s vibrant academic community. It truly reflected the spirit of the University of Alabama and its continued dedication to fostering leaders and changemakers who will shape the future.

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Additional Resources

• Tuscaloosa News: Simply the Best
• Tuscaloosa News: Tapping on the Mound Ceremony
• Al.com: University of Alabama Recognition
• Wikipedia: University of Alabama
• Google Search: University of Alabama Honors