Welcoming Our Alumni Home: Medical Alumni Reunion 2026
Posted on June 30, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
James West, M.D., with daughter, and Lynn Yonge, M.D., with wife Cori
The USA Medical Alumni Association welcomed its largest reunion crowd to date for the 2026 Medical Alumni Reunion Weekend, held June 12–13. For the first time, the annual event was hosted on campus in Mobile, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff and friends to honor the shared legacy of the Whiddon College of Medicine.
The multi-day reunion featured a full schedule of events, including hard-hat tours of the new Whiddon College of Medicine building, faculty-led continuing medical education (CME) sessions, and opportunities for alumni to revisit the spaces where their medical education began. The weekend concluded with a reception attended by USA leadership at the Hargrove Club inside Hancock Whitney Stadium.
50th Anniversary Milestone
A highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the founding Class of 1976’s 50th anniversary. Thirteen of the original 20 graduates returned to Mobile for a private gathering at a classmate’s home, where they reflected on the earliest days of the College of Medicine and their shared experiences as members of its inaugural class.
Medical Alumni and Leadership Awards
Russell Goode, M.D., and Antwan Hogue, M.D.
The weekend also featured the presentation of the 2026 Medical Alumni and Leadership Awards, which recognize individuals for their outstanding dedication to healthcare, leadership, and service. This year’s honorees included:
- 2026 Distinguished Medical Alumni Awards: Edward A. Panacek, M.D., MPH, ’81; and Ann B. Weinacker, M.D., ’86
- 2026 Medical Alumni Humanitarian Awards: Antwan J. Hogue, M.D., ’12; and Yasmeen A. Qureshi, M.D., ’01
- 2026 Distinguished Service Awards: R. Allen Perkins, M.D., MPH; and R. Franklin Trimm, M.D., FAAP
- 2026 de Juan, Chambers, Oppenheimer Healthcare Award: Benjamin P. Schrubbe, M.D., ’88
Looking Ahead: Reunion 2027
Plans are already underway for next year's festivities. Reunion 2027 is scheduled to begin June 11, 2027, and will feature the grand opening of the new Whiddon College of Medicine building as part of the weekend's kickoff events.
The USA Medical Alumni Association supports events like the annual alumni reunion. To become a member, visit connect.southalabama.edu/page/maamemberships.
View more photos from the 2026 reunion on Flickr.