"This year marks a special time in our University’s history, and it was a time for us to recognize and honor the women who have shaped UNA’s past and will shape its future," said Justin "Bishop" Alexander, Director of Alumni Relations. "Our all-female spate of winners represent almost each of our five Colleges and are outstanding examples of the success that many of our alumnae enjoy."

This year’s winners, who will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony Oct. 15, are:

• Lifetime Achievement: Ann Berry '78, of Bowie, Md., graduated with a degree in Secondary Education.

• Alumni of the Year: Dr. Stephanie Wagoner Teichmiller '84, of Decatur, graduated with a Biology degree.

• Friend of the University: Megan Lovelace Dye, of Florence.

• Military Service: LaConger Cochran Shelton '85, of Edwards, Calif., graduated with a Business Administration degree.

• Young Alumni: Rachel Wammack Purcell '16, of Nashville, graduated with an English degree.

• Faculty Alumni Service: Dr. Pat Sanders '82, of Muscle Shoals, graduated with a degree in Radio, Television, and Film.

• Staff Alumni Service: Sheena Burgreen '07, of Tuscumbia, graduated with a Nursing and Community Development degree.

• Public Service: Candace Strait '95, of Florence, graduated with a Social Work degree.

• Educator of the Year:

  • K-12 - Janice Curtis '83, of Florence, graduated with an Education degree. 

  • Higher Education - Dr. Stefanie Haeffele-Balch '07, of Washington, D.C., graduated with an Economics and Finance degree.

• Community Service: Dr. Felice Green '72, of Tuscumbia, graduated with her Master’s in Education Reading Specialization.

Registration for participation in Homecoming, including the annual parade, is open, and alumni and friends of the University are encouraged to visit this link for details, ticket purchases, and more about the events scheduled for Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16.