TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama will host a memorial service for Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster Thursday, March 24, at 11 a.m. in Foster Auditorium. The service is open to all who want to honor the civil rights pioneer.
Dr. Lucy Foster was the University’s first Black student. In 1956, she attended her first class as a graduate student in library science, becoming the first African American ever admitted to a white public school or university in Alabama. Three days later, she was removed from campus due to riots and threats against her life.
Her dismissal was officially annulled in 1988. She re-enrolled at UA and earned a master’s degree in elementary education.
Her valiant role in desegregating the University is recognized with a pair of endowed scholarships and three landmarks on campus — a historic marker, the Autherine Lucy Clock Tower and Autherine Lucy Hall, which houses the College of Education. 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.
Denny Chimes on The University of Alabama campus will ring in her honor at 12:30 and 4 p.m. on the day of the service.
Individuals can post personal reflections and tributes to Dr. Autherine Lucy Foster at alftribute.ua.edu.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Autherine Lucy Foster Endowed Scholarship at The University of Alabama online at give.ua.edu (search Autherine Lucy Foster Endowed Scholarship) or by mailing The University of Alabama, Autherine Lucy Endowed Scholarship, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.
Public parking will be available starting at 10 a.m. in the Capstone Parking Deck, located on 2nd Avenue.
Contact
For media only: Deidre Stalnaker, deidre.stalnaker@ua.edu or Shane Dorrill, shane.dorrill@ua.edu