UA Alumni Group to Honor First African-American Student

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s African-American Alumni Network (AAAN) will honor UA’s first African-American student, Autherine Lucy Foster, at a special ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 28. The event, titled “Tribute to the Trailblazer,” is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Center ballroom on the UA campus. The public is invited.

Foster enrolled at UA 50 years ago as the University’s first African-American student. Although her enrollment at UA in 1956 was short-lived, she returned to the University more than 30 years later and earned her master’s degree. Saturday’s program celebrates her inspiring story and her lifetime of achievement.

“The University of Alabama is pleased to pay tribute to Ms. Foster’s enduring legacy of personal courage and commitment, and the ability of one person to change the world. She continues to inspire people of all ages, and we’re honored to call her a member of the UA family,” said UA President Robert E. Witt.

“The African-American Alumni Network is honored to have the opportunity to recognize this outstanding UA trailblazer,” said Rhondrea Copeland, AAAN president. “This event is intended both to share with Ms. Foster personally how much we appreciate her contributions, and to provide an opportunity for African-American alumni to let her know that we are personally committed to carrying on her legacy.”

Foster, then Autherine Lucy, enrolled at UA for the spring semester of 1956. While her arrival on campus was initially quiet, within days, an angry demonstration had been organized and hundreds of people threateningly followed her movements. As the dangerous situation escalated, University administrators helped her safely leave the campus.

She did not return to the University until the 1980s, when a faculty member invited her to speak to a class.

She enrolled again at the University in 1988 to earn a master’s degree in education, and received her diploma at the spring commencement exercises in 1992. On the day of her graduation, her portrait was unveiled in the University’s student union, Ferguson Center, by then-President Roger Sayers who said, “Autherine Lucy Foster’s courage and initiative won the right for people of all races to attend The University of Alabama.”

The AAAN is an organized group of African-American alumni committed to supporting the mission of the University by encouraging active membership in the UA National Alumni Association, and providing scholarship support, mentoring and social activities for African-American alumni and students as well as the entire UA community.

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