Capstone Leadership Academy Brings Talented High School Students from Across the State to Campus

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A group of top students from Alabama high schools recently had the opportunity to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy held at The University of Alabama.

Some 100 students were addressed by guest speakers and participated in group discussions that focused around the academy’s theme of values, vision and voice.

The speakers included former UA football player John Croyle, the founder of Big Oak Ranch; attorney Cleo Thomas, UA’s first black SGA president; former UA professor Cathy Randall, the former governor of Alabama’s Girls State and past president of Girls Nation; and attorney Dale Wallace, the 1975-76 SGA president and current UA instructor.

Students in attendance were first nominated by administrators from each of the participating high schools. The nominees were asked to submit their resumes, transcripts and an essay for evaluation by Capstone Council, which then selected the student attendees.

Capstone Council is a volunteer organization comprised of former campus leaders from the 1970s. They include former Capstone Men and Women and SGA officers, all of whom organized the event under the leadership of the late Jean O’Connor-Snyder, the Capstone Men and Women sponsor throughout the 1970s. The event was sponsored by the UA Office of the President as well as the Capstone Council.

The council has established an endowed scholarship in O’Connor-Snyder’s memory, which will be received by an attendee of this year’s Leadership Academy.

Students who attended the Capstone Leadership Academy held in April include: