The University of South Alabama's National Alumni Association will honor Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and other distinguished alumni and service award winners at its annual awards gala Feb. 15. The event will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:45 p.m.

The event recognizes the achievements and contributions of alumni and advocates for USA. Proceeds from the event will support the association's scholarship program.

This year's recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards are E. Thomas Corcoran, class of 1970, president and CEO, Fort Dodge Animal Health; Dr. James L. Harris, 1979, associate director of patient care/nursing services, TN Valley Healthcare System; Robin A. Hurst, 1968, senior vice president of power delivery, Alabama Power Company; R. Bruce McCrory, 1972, secretary-treasurer/owner, Kiker Corporation; and Dr. Steven H. Stokes, M.D., 1980, radiation oncologist, Southeast Cancer Center and USA Board of Trustees Chairman.

The Distinguished Service Award recipients are Celia Mann Baehr, Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley.

"In the fourth year of this recognition program, once again we have an outstanding and extremely worthy group of recipients," said Carol Kittrell, executive director of the USA National Alumni Association. "We are excited to recognize them for their achievements and significant service to our alma mater. This is the biggest gala held on our campus and we anticipate a sellout event."

Tables and tickets are available for purchase. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Carol Kittrell in the Office of Alumni Relations at (251) 460-7084.