Message from the Mac

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Posted on January 13, 2026 by Alumni

Alumni

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Dear Jag Alumni,

What a joy it was to celebrate our community during Homecoming 2025! It is such a pleasure to welcome alumni from near and far to celebrate this special weekend. Your Jaguar spirit was on full display, and your presence served as a powerful reminder to our current students of the incredible legacy and strong foundation you have built.

One of my favorite annual Homecoming events is always the Golden Jaguars Luncheon, which this year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1975. Also included in the festivities were Golden Jaguars from the classes of 1967-1974. Seeing so many reconnect and reminisce was truly inspiring. This important milestone celebration wasn’t just a look back; it was a powerful reminder of the profound impact this generation has had on our beloved University.

The University of South Alabama thrives today because of the bold vision our founders set in motion decades ago. They envisioned a vibrant center for innovation, discovery and community — a place where students would be prepared to lead and shape the future of our region and the world.

However, a vision only becomes reality through dedication and determination, and that’s where the legacy of those early alumni is evident. Classes began at the University of South Alabama just 13 months after the Alabama Legislature approved its founding, and our growth since then has been truly remarkable. We will always be grateful to South’s founders, along with early faculty and students who had the vision to take a chance on our fledgling university.

The excellence we celebrate today — the groundbreaking research, the success of our students, the expansion of our facilities — all grew from the commitment of our first graduating class and has been carried forward by alumni through almost six decades. The foundation built by our more than 100,000 alumni continues to support us and propel us forward, ensuring the University remains an engine of progress and opportunity for generations to come.

As we continue to move forward as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, we thank you. Your legacy of perseverance and purpose continues to inspire every generation of Jaguars. You didn’t just attend this University; you helped make it, and for that, we owe you our deepest gratitude. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Karen Webster Edwards ’80
Executive Director
USA National Alumni Association

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