National Alumni Association Celebrates A-Day
A-Day Highlights: NAA Announces Alumni Awards, Student Honors and New Board Members
[TUSCALOOSA, Ala.] — On A-Day, April 11, 2026, The University of Alabama National Alumni Association will honor outstanding students and alumni and elect seven new vice presidents and the 2026-27 NAA president to serve on the NAA Board of Directors.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are Karen Brooks and Stewart McLaurin.
Karen Brooks, a 1972 graduate of The University of Alabama with a degree in social work, has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to leadership, service and philanthropy 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, 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 already welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. He also hosts “The White House 1600 Sessions” podcast and contributes regularly to national publications, further broadening access to the history of the presidency.
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, historical education and service, reflecting the enduring values of The University of Alabama.
The 2026 Alumni Outstanding Student Award recipients are Cassidy Matwiyoff and Cameron Morgan.
Cassidy Matwiyoff, from Reno, Nevada, is a senior pursuing a degree in political science with a minor in biology. She has held several leadership roles within the Student Government Association, including vice president for academic affairs and director of the First Year Council.
Matwiyoff is also involved with the Blackburn Institute, Chi Omega, The Other Club and the UA System Capitol Scholars Program and volunteers with the United Way of West Alabama.
Cameron Morgan, from Butler, Alabama, is a senior majoring in management information systems through the STEM pathway to MBA program. Morgan has held many leadership roles in the University’s Greek and student communities and serves as undergraduate national president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Morgan has also served as a Greek Ambassador and is the SGA’s director of cultural competence. He was also honored with the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s National Collegiate Student of the Year award.
The 2026 Alumni Senior Award recipients are Emily Adcock, from Madison, MS; Gabrielle Dickerson, from Arlington, TN; Hannah Hurd, from Tampa, FL; Kelvin Hutchinson, from Gadsden, AL; Emilie Gonzalez, from Austin, TX; Ansley Greer, from Birmingham, AL; Anna Louise Parker, from Auburn, AL; Molly Sullivan, from Cypress, Texas; Ruby Tilghman, from Panama City, FL; and Grace Vaughan, from Holly Springs, NC.
The new NAA Board of Directors members are: president-elect, Mark Burr from Birmingham; vice president of District 1, Ashley Taylor from Muscle Shoals; vice president of District 5, Natalie Hubbard from Sylacauga; vice president of District 8, Heather Guidry from Prattville; vice president of District 9, Diane Long from Alexander City; vice president of Region 1, Mark Arnold from Venetia, Pennsylvania; vice president of Region 4, Scott Nowicki from Mandeville, Louisiana; and vice president of Region 6, Tyler Spears from Tequesta, Florida.
The University of Alabama National Alumni Association Board of Directors is made up of the president, president-elect, past president, executive secretary, treasurer, three affinity group vice presidents, 15 district vice presidents within the state of Alabama and six regional vice presidents across the country. The officers on the board of directors are elected for three-year terms during Alumni Weekend every year. The board of directors plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the association across the country, and members dedicate considerable amounts of time and effort to its initiatives.
The National Alumni Association is a self-governed, nonprofit membership-based organization that serves The University of Alabama and its many alumni, students, parents, friends and fans.
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For more information, contact:
National Alumni Association
224 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
205-348-5963