1831 Society – Advancement | The University of Alabama

Induction into the 1831 Society is one of The University of Alabama’s highest honors, bestowed on individuals who have given $5 million or more and changed the trajectory of UA through their generosity. They are the foundation of our success and are represented by UA’s original seal from our founding in 1831.

The founding members of the 1831 Society, inducted in April 2023, have generously contributed almost $500 million to the University, including more than $230 million to The Rising Tide Capital Campaign.

Their gifts span the creation of new endowed chairs, professorships, scholarships, centers, programs, buildings and more. We are grateful for these leaders whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Class of 2023

Melinda and Ed Aldag

Robert Alston

Joann and Sloan Bashinsky

Mary and Bill Battle

Carolyn and Winton Blount

Lee Ann and Ronald G. Bruno

Paul W. Bryant Jr.

Kenneth Carnathan

Joy and Hugh Culverhouse

Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse

John Deramus

Cappie and Ed Drummond

Peggy and Garry Neil Drummond

Nancy and Gary Fayard

Kelley and C.T. Fitzpatrick

Marillyn and James Hewson

Joanne and Bob Hodgkins

Everett Holle

Ann and Carl Jones

Faye and Lewis Manderson

Frances and Marvin Mann

Betty and Jack Moore

Kathy and Mike Mouron

Carol and Tom Patterson

Pat and David Peterson

Margaret and John Rhoads

Alton Scott

Linda Smith

Mignon Smith

Rosemary and Steve Williams

Sallie and Warren Williamson

Stories of Giving

Smith Family Pushes The Rising Tide Over $1 Billion

The University of Alabama’s Rising Tide Capital Campaign has surpassed $1 billion in charitable commitments toward its $1.5 billion goal thanks to a recent gift commitment of $20 million made in memory of Mark Smith. Mark’s son, Clay, serves as a member of the Capital Campaign leadership committee.

Fayard Gift Will Transform Literacy Education

Gary and Nancy Fayard expect their most recent commitment to The University of Alabama College of Education and Culverhouse College of Business will create a lasting impact on students as they navigate their education.

UA Cuts Ribbon for Hewson Hall

Named in recognition of a $15 million gift from alumni Marillyn and James Hewson, the $60 million Hewson Hall is a light-filled, dynamic building designed to connect Culverhouse faculty, staff and students through new classroom and collaboration spaces.

Late Steve Williams Makes Gift to Gorgas Library

The A.S. Williams III Americana Collection, consisting of thousands of primary source materials on Southern and early U.S. history, recently grew by more than 2,500 titles valued at more than $1.3 million, thanks to a gift of additional materials from the collection’s namesake, A.S. (“Steve”) Williams III, a 1958 graduate of The University of Alabama.

Performing Arts Campaign Highlights Successful Year

“When we saw the scope of the Performing Arts Academic Center combined with the restoration of Bryce Main, we knew it was something we had to be involved in,” said Bill Battle, campaign co-chair. The PAAC reached its $15 million fundraising goal in 2020, and will be named in honor of the Smith Family.

Birmingham Couple Makes Transformational Gift to UA

A $20 million gift from C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick will enhance the Culverhouse College of Business and intercollegiate athletics, and will establish the C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick Center for Value Investing.

Holle Family Foundation Commits $10 Million to C&IS

A $10 million gift commitment from the Holle Family Foundation will position the College of Communication and Information Sciences as a leader in creativity and communication and honor the life of Brig. Gen. Everett Hughes Holle.

UA Adapted Athletics Receives $3 Million Gift

UA announced a $3 million gift commitment from Michael and Kathy Mouron, of Mountain Brook, to help fund a $10 million training facility and competition venue for Adapted Athletics.

Blount Scholars Program Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Blount Scholars began when Dr. James Yarbrough envisioned creating a college experience similar to that which he and other faculty members had as undergraduates. The program is named in honor of the late Winton and Carolyn Blount to endow and establish the Blount Initiative.

Culverhouse Alumnus Funds Business Plan Competition

The Edward K. Aldag, Jr. $50,000 Business Plan Competition, hosted by UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce, will award three students with the winning business plans startup funding and in–kind services.

Eliza P. Culverhouse Supports Dance Graduate Students

Eliza Culverhouse has continued her support of the arts with a contribution to the Department of Theatre and Dance. This gift, which created the Eliza P. Culverhouse Graduate Support Fund in Dance, will support graduate students in the dance MFA program.

Moores Double Contribution to Endowment Fund

As their contribution to The Rising Tide Capital Campaign, the Moores made a significant commitment that will more than double the Elizabeth W. Moore and Jackson W. Moore First Generation Scholars Endowed Scholarship and allow them to aid up to eight Moore Scholars at all times.