Distinguished Alumni Awards

The National Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize a distinguished alumnus and alumna of The University of Alabama each year for their contributions to the institution and the NAA. The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is awarded to one UA alum who is 35 years of age or younger. Both awards are based on one’s loyalty and service to the University and the NAA; character and personal life; professional achievement or success in chosen endeavors; and community service on local, state or national level.

Nominations may be made by any alumnus or alumna, by any alumni chapter, or by any member of the faculty or staff of the University. All active alumni of the University are eligible to receive these awards. Nominations remain active for two years. The selection committee is composed of the five immediate past presidents of the NAA and two other alumni named by the current NAA president. The senior past president serves as committee chairperson.

Nominations are open for the 2027 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Nominations must be submitted by January 1, 2027.

Select the award category for your nomination.(Required)

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Distinguished Young Alumni Awards (35 years of age or younger)

Nominee Name:(Required)

First Last Suffix

Nominee Mailing Address:(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Nominee Phone Number:(Required)

Nominee Education(Required)

Please list all degrees earned by the nominee.

Nominee Biographical Information(Required)

Please upload a PDF file of the nominee’s C.V., resume or biography. Maximum file size is 20MB. If your files are too large to upload, please contact Trin Miller at trinidad.miller@legacy-alumni.test.

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 20 GB.

Please list in chronological order, the contributions, service and other activities that the nominee achieved in each of the following areas:

Loyalty and Service to The University of Alabama and the Alumni Association:(Required)

Character and Personal Life:(Required)

Professional Achievement or Success in a Chosen Endeavor:(Required)

Community Service:(Required)

Nominator Name:(Required)

Please enter your first and last name. If you are submitting on behalf of a group, please indicate the name of the group and your capacity as signatory.

Nominator Email(Required)

2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Karen Brooks ’72

Karen Brooks, a 1972 graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in social work, has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to leadership,
philanthropy and service across the University and the state. She has served the University of Alabama
System for more than two decades as a member of the Board of Trustees, including three years as president
pro tempore, and has played a key role in major leadership searches and strategic initiatives.

Brooks and her husband, Jim, have been deeply involved in advancing the University through the
Rising Tide 2.0 Capital Campaign, which has generated more than $1.9 billion in support, as well as through
contributions to scholarships, student programs and campus initiatives.

Professionally, she serves as vice president and treasurer of Phifer Inc., helping lead a global company
rooted in Alabama. Beyond her corporate role, Brooks has dedicated her time to numerous community
organizations, including the United Way of West Alabama, Elevate Tuscaloosa and the March of Dimes.

Stewart D. McLaurin ’81

Stewart D. McLaurin, a 1981 graduate of The University of Alabama, serves as president of the White House
Historical Association, where he has led a significant expansion of public engagement with American history. Under his leadership, the Association
opened The People’s House: A White
House Experience in 2024, a cutting-edge educational center that has welcomed hundreds of thousands
of visitors. He also hosts The White House 1600 Sessions podcast and contributes regularly to national
publications.

McLaurin is a dedicated alumnus of UA, as well as the Iota Iota Chapter of Sigma Chi. He has created
opportunities for students through internships, fellowships and the Capitol Scholars program. He is also involved with the NAA, previously serving as a chapter president and regional vice president.

Throughout his career, McLaurin has exemplified a commitment to civic engagement, service and
historical education, reflecting the enduring values of The University of Alabama.