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 highest-attended crowd to date for the 2026 Medical Alumni Reunion Weekend, held June 12–13. Marking a historic first, the annual event was hosted on campus in Mobile, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff and friends to celebrate the Whiddon College of Medicine’s shared legacy.
The multi-day event offered a robust schedule of activities, spanning from hard-hat tours of the new Whiddon College of Medicine building and faculty-led continuing medical education (CME) talks, to nostalgic walks through the very halls where our alumni first began their medical journeys. The celebration concluded with a special evening alongside USA leadership at the Hargrove Club inside Hancock Whitney Stadium.
A Golden 50th Anniversary
A major highlight of the weekend was the celebration of the founding medical class
of 1976's milestone 50th anniversary. To honor the occasion, 13 of the original 20
class members gathered for a private social held at a local classmate's home to reminisce
on the early days of the college.
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.