Message from the Mac
Posted on June 6, 2025 by Alumni
GREETINGS, JAG NATION!
As spring turns to summer and another academic year comes to a close, we find ourselves
reflecting with gratitude on all that our vibrant University of South Alabama community
has accomplished — thanks in no small part to you, our loyal and dedicated alumni.
This season, more than 2,000 new Jaguar alumni are stepping into a world of infinite possibilities, inspired by the example set by you and the more than 100,000 alumni who make up our growing global network. Your leadership, generosity and continued engagement help shape the path forward for future generations.
Over the past six months, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting alumni receptions in cities across the country — including in Pensacola, Florida, Biloxi/Gulfport in Mississippi, Houston, and Huntsville and Birmingham in Alabama. These gatherings have offered meaningful opportunities to reconnect, share experiences and celebrate our shared bond, no matter how many miles may separate us. We’re excited to continue these receptions in the months ahead and hope to see you at one soon.
In this edition of South Magazine, we are proud to honor this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Service Award recipients, whose achievements reflect the values and excellence at the heart of our institution. Their stories are both impressive and deeply inspiring. You can watch their videos, which detail their accomplishments and impact, using the QR code on page 36.
The energy on campus is palpable in everything we do — from groundbreaking research and new academic initiatives to partnerships that expand our global impact. This momentum is not only pushing the University of South Alabama forward, but it’s also opening doors for the next generation, and it’s made possible by the ongoing support and involvement of alumni like you.
Thank you for being an essential part of our progress and purpose. Whether through membership, mentorship, giving or simply staying in touch, your involvement continues to make a difference.
Go Jags!
Karen Webster Edwards ’80
Executive Director
USA National Alumni
Association
National Alumni Association Officers
Ronnie Stallworth ’03
President
Neil Christopher ’07
Vice President
Paige Vitulli ’86, M.Ed. ’00, Ph.D. ’06
Secretary-Treasurer
Kim Lawkis ’11, MPA ’13
Immediate Past President
National Alumni Association Board of Directors
Mark Acreman ’97
Shadia Anderson ’96
Ross Bonura ’95
Donovan Brooks ’97
Kayla Byrne ’18
Cary Cash ’99
Jeff Conrad M.D. ’98
Laura Gabel ’94
John Galanos ’80
Kimberly Hargrove ’89
Ingrid Lawson ’94
Terrence Lewis ’06
Mary Beth Massey ’13, M.Ed. ’15
Joe Molyneux ’71
Kristin Odom ’09, M.S. ’14, Ed.D. ’19
Bryan Op’t Holt ’01
Renee Semiz ’98
Mark Spivey ’02, M.S. ’05
Mike Sumrall ’70
Peter Susman MBA ’20
Courtney Wegel ’18
Micah Wheeler ’05
Gia Wiggins Ph.D. ’19