Past Events
2011 D. Ray Pate Dinner
September 2011
On Monday, September 19, 2011 at the B & A Warehouse of Birmingham, Alabama, new Blackburn Students Rebecca Benning, Carolyn Bero, John Brinkerhoff, Wesley Britt, Matthew Calderone, Denzel Evans-Bell, Mallory Flowers, Zachary Freeman, Austin Gaddis, Marlan Golden, Hayden Gunter, Hannah Hicks, Carley Hovell, Chisom Ifediba, Christopher Izor, Cason Kirby, Victor Luckerson, Allison Marsh, Adam Rawlins, Caroline Shook, Tray Smith, Genie Smith, William Tucker, Madalyn Vaughn, Erika Wade, Corey Whaley and Joshua White were inducted into the Institute amongst an audience of peers and alumni at the annual D. Ray Pate Dinner.
While the event focused on the incorporation of these students into the esteemed Blackburn network, it also introduced influential members of The University of Alabama, namely a new addition to the Blackburn office: the Institute’s new Coordinator, Caroline Parsons. Jovial fellowship over beautifully prepared hors d’oeuvres and dinner brought both old and new fellows together in remembrance of Dr. Blackburn’s legacy and purpose. For most of the new class, this event encouraged inclusion and began forging the foundation for a community of scholars, philanthropists, and friends.
As founding board members, Don and Barbara Siegal awarded new student Hannah Hicks with the 2011 Don and Barbara “Bobbie” Siegal Scholarship, acknowledging her perseverance and dedication to furthering diversity and tolerance amongst her peers and community. All students shook hands with Dr. Mark Nelson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost, upon receiving an honorary certificate acknowledging their induction. Dr. Nelson congratulated the group, encouraging them to continue the pursuit of betterment for the Tuscaloosa community and the State of Alabama.
Students had the pleasure of dining amongst advisory board members, absorbing history and stories of how the Institute has grown in years past. With warmth and eagerness to see the progressive legacy left by the 2011-2012 class, these conversations integrated students into social networks spanning from fine arts to engineering.
This event provided a collective body of leaders and well-doers with a community of affirmation and a network of support. As the last group of students left the dinner, excitement for change and a diverse, newly cultivated community spoke promisingly for the future of the state of Alabama. With hearty congratulations and a charge toward passionate action, the Institute welcomed the new students to a promising and life changing new year.
-Erika Wade, New Student
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