The University of Alabama will hold a dedication ceremony for Autherine Lucy Hall on Friday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m.
“Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster has always been the epitome of courage and determination, and has the rare quality of demonstrating both with grace,” said Dr. Stuart R. Bell, UA president. “We look forward to honoring her resolve and lifetime commitment of encouraging and inspiring others.”
In 1952, after graduating from Miles College, Autherine Lucy Foster applied to UA but was rejected because of her race. A federal court order later reversed that decision, and Foster attended classes as a student in UA’s College of Education for just three days in 1956. She was removed from campus due to riots and threats against her life.
Her dismissal from 1956 was officially annulled in 1988, paving the way for her return to campus. She would re-enroll at UA with her daughter, Grazia, and the two would graduate together, with Lucy Foster earning a master’s degree in elementary education.
“I never imagined my decision to enroll would affect so many in so many ways,” said Lucy Foster, “Today, I have several children who have attended the University and am, myself, a proud graduate and member of the alumni association. I am very humbled that the University has chosen to recognize me in this way.”
Her valiant role in desegregating the University is recognized with a pair of endowed scholarships and two landmarks on campus — a historic marker in front of Autherine Lucy Hall and the Autherine Lucy Clock Tower. She is listed as a UA Legend, was inducted into the UA Student Life Hall of Fame and the College of Education Hall of Fame, was bestowed an honorary doctoral degree in 2019 and has numerous campus awards and honors named for her.
Public parking will be available starting at 2 p.m. in the Stadium Drive Deck and the surface lots behind ten Hoor and Hewson halls. University Boulevard will be closed from Stadium Drive to 6th Avenue from 2:30 p.m. until the event concludes.
*Story updated Feb. 23 to reflect her induction into the UA College of Education Hall of Fame.
Watch a Recap of the Dedication Ceremony
Contact
For media only: Deidre Stalnaker, deidre.stalnaker@ua.edu or Shane Dorrill, shane.dorrill@ua.edu