Nick and Terry Saban Named Honorary UA Alumni

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Football Head Coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban, have been name honorary alumni of The University of Alabama.

The honor, given on behalf of the UA National Alumni Association, was presented at the start of Friday’s NICK@NOON Luncheon at the Bryant Conference Center.

The executive board of the National Alumni Association voted unanimously to honor Nick and Terry for “exemplifying the Capstone spirit by going above and beyond by contributing to and benefiting the University and community.”

“This is an unbelievable honor for me because I have so much respect for the University and alumni who have worked so hard to make the tradition of The University of Alabama one of the most special places in America,” said Saban. “… I can only hope that I have represented you and done what you expect us to do and earned all the things that you have wanted us to do as a coach here, as a leader in the community in a first class way that represents this institution.”

January 2017 marked Nick and Terry’s 10^th year at the University. During that time, they have donated $7 million to non-profit organizations that support children, teachers, family and student causes, contributed over $350,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, built two playgrounds in Tuscaloosa, been major supporters of the local YMCA and renovated Brewer’s Porch Children’s Center.

“This is a testimony of what can be accomplished when a couple sets its sights on making a difference in its community,” said Alex Smith, past president for the UA’s National Alumni Association.

Alumni Association President Chad Coker also presented a $10,000 donation from the association to Nick’s Kids, a non-profit and official charity of Nick’s family, dedicated to raising awareness and resources for deserving organizations throughout the state of Alabama and the Southeast.

Terry said, “It’s been an incredible almost 11 years at the University. Our children are adopted, and when they were little we would tell them how special it was that we chose them to be part of our family. And now, you’ve adopted us. We’re part of your family.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this University is living its finest hour, and the Sabans have had a lot to do with that,” said Calvin Brown, director of alumni affairs for The University of Alabama. “We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

Under Nick’s leadership, UA has won four national championships over the last seven years. Nick is a seven-time National Coach of the Year who has achieved resounding success as a head coach and has earned a reputation as an outstanding tactician, leader, organizer and motivator.

“I don’t think anything we’ve been able to accomplish here we could have accomplished without the team, togetherness and unity, which is something that can be an example to America,” said Nick. “… I’m just hopeful that our contribution has been something that has made you proud of what we’ve been able to do in representing your university.”