Blackburn Institute

Row 1: Virginia Thomas, Whitney Miller, Ashley Gorday, Ashley Hays, Breanna Harris.

Row 2: Marion McIntosh, Mallory Morgan Combest, Karoline Richardson, Laura Bundrick, LeeAnn Wilson, Abby Grammer, Kathy Kinslow, Michelle Fuentes, Rebecca Buchanan.

Row 3: J.W. Snider, Sam Todd, Tyler Flores, R.B. Walker, Steven Spiehler, Sam Masters, Jesse Homan, Kevin Garrison, Will McCracken, Robert Boylan.

Not Pictured: Aldrich Callins, William Nevin

Robert Boylan graduated cum laude in May of 2007 with a B.S. in Secondary Education. Immediatly after college Bob served in the Americorps VISTA program for 3 years, with his final year serving as a VISTA Leader. Bob is currently working with Hands on Birmingham, a program of the United Way of Central Alabama, as the County Outreach Coordinator where he helps to expand Hands On Birmingham's programming to Blount, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker Counties. He is a founding member of the Birmingham YP Kiwanis club and an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. In addition, he currently serves on the Junior Boards for Birmingham Hospitality Network and Grace House Ministries. While in college, he was actively involved with Alpha Tau Omega, Circle K, and Mortar Board.

Rebecca Buchanan is a 2007 summa cum laude graduate with majors in Public Relations and Political Science. She is currently serving as a First Grade Teacher and Teach for America Corps Member in San Jose, CA. While on campus, Rebecca served as the president of the Coordinating Council for Student Organizations (CCSO) and as a Campus Campaign Manager for Teach for America. She is an Alumna of the XXXI Women's Honorary, as well as a former member of the Anderson Society, Mortar Board, and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Laura Bundrick, graduated in May of 2006 with a major in American Studies. She is currently working at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. While in college, her activities included:

• Co-Director of Full Court Ministry, a program targeted at 6th to 12th grade students in the McKenzie Court Housing Development
• Volunteering with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, a program designed to work for the best interest of children in the Family Court System
• Member, Phi Beta Kappa
• Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges, 2005
• Member, Mortar Board
• Alabama's Truman Scholarship Nominee, 2004
• Blount Undergraduate Initiative Scholar

Aldrich Callins is a Senior from Birmingham, majoring in Accounting.

• Creator and Chairman of the University of Alabama’s SGA Mentorship Program Initiative
• Lambda Sigma National Sophomore Honor Society
• Outstanding Programming Award recipient as a University Resident Assistant
• College Democrats
• Former Freshman Forum Member

Mallory Morgan Combest, from Thomasville, graduated cum laude from UA in May of 2007 with a degree in English. While an undergraduate at UA, Mallory was a 2006-2007 Daniel Community Scholar, a member of the Debate Team, and a member of the Anderson Society. She is also an alumna of Kappa Delta Sorority and the XXXI Women's Honorary. In 2010, Mallory graduated from law school and is currently a litigation associate at Webb and Eley, P.C. in Montgomery, AL. While in law school, she was involved in the Domestic Violence Clinic, volunteered for Alabama Appleseed, and was awarded the Order of Samaritan for community service. Mallory is married to Chandler Combest, an attorney in the banking and financial practices group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Birmingham, AL.

Charles “Tyler” Flores is a Senior from Birmingham, majoring in Political Science.

• 2007-2008 Vice Chairman of the Blackburn Institute
• Red Cross Tsunami Relief Effort award winner
• Philanthropy Chair, Sigma Pi Fraternity

Michelle Fuentes, originally from Lake Forest, CA, graduated from UA in May of 2007 with a degree in Political Science. Michelle is currently a P.h.D. student in Political Theory and a Teaching Assistant and the Hall Director for the Blount Undergraduate Initiative at UA. In college, her activities included:

• Chief Justice, UA SGA Non-Academic Student Misconduct Judiciary Board, 2006-2007
• Vice President, UA University Programs 2005
• UA Avanti Team 2004 and 2005
• Secretary, Anderson Society
• Member, Omicron Delta Kappa, Anderson Society, Blue Key, Mortar Board, and the XXXI Senior Honoraries
• Alumna, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Delta Chapter

Kevin Garrison, graduated from The University of Alabama School of Law in May of 2007. He is currently an attorney in Birmingham. Kevin's former activities include the following:

• Former Fiscal Analyst, Finance Director's Office, State of Alabama
• Former Coordinator of Education & Membership, ACCR
• Former Communications Staff, Campaign for Alabama
• Founder and former president, Alabama Students for Constitutional Reform

Ashley Gorday, graduated in May of 2007 with a major in Public Relations. While in college, her activities included:

• Vice President of Recruitment, Alabama Panhellenic Association
• Campus Master Plan Committee
• Member, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Blue Key
• Member, College Democrats
• Alpha Delta Pi Sorority

Breanna Harris, graduated from UA in May of 2007 with a major in in Health Care Management. She is currently a law student at The University of Alabama School of Law. While in college, Breanna's activities included:

• Field Director, 2006 re-election campaign for Senator Zeb Little
• President, Chi Omega Fraternity
• Member, Omicron Delta Kappa, XXXI, Blue Key, Order of Omega, Anderson Society, Mortar Board, Beta Gamma Sigma, Cardinal Key, Lambda Sigma
• 2003-2004 Freshman Forum
• Focus First volunteer
• The Montgomery Experience 2005 intern for Senator Zeb Little
• Boys and Girls Club volunteer

Ashley Christine Hays, originally from Albertville, Ashley graduated in May of 2007 with a major in Health Care Management and a minor in Political Science. She is currently the Coordinator for the North Alabama Medical Reserve Corps. in Huntsville and a Master's student in Public Affairs at UAH. While at UA, her activities included:

• SGA VP of External Affairs
• Member, Blue Key
• Member, Order of Omega
• Commerce Associates
• 2006 Intern for Congressman Robert Aderholt
• Alpha Gamma Delta VP of Finance

Jesse Homan is a Senior from Collierville, TN, majoring in English Education.

• Alabama Action
• Vice President, Honors Program Student Association
• Member, SGA Voter Registration Committee
• Tutor, Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center
• Member, Freshman Forum

Abby Grammer Horton is a December 2006 magna cum laude graduate with a major in Political Science and minors in History and Blount Undergraduate Initiative. She is the wife of Dr. C. Christopher Horton and mother of one, Reece Carroll. Abby is currently attending The University of Alabama as a second-degree seeking student in the Capstone College of Nursing. While an undergraduate in college, her activities and honors included:

• Bama Bread for the World Founder and President 2005-2006
• Blount Undergraduate Initiative Scholar
• Board Member, Circle K
• Board Member, Phi Eta Sigma
• CCSO Organizations Chair 2005
• Children's Hands-On Museum Docent Volunteer 2000-2006
• Member, Alpha Delta Lambda
• Member, Freshman Forum
• Member, Golden Key Honor Society
• Member, SGA Public Relations Committee
• Member, Phi Beta Kappa
• Member, PRSSA
• Member, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars
• Parent Orientation Ambassador 2005
• The National Dean's List 2004
• The University of Alabama Dean's List 2004-2006
• Vice-President of The Blount Hall RHA 2004-2005

Kathy Kinslow, a Graduate Student from Baldwinsville, NY, in the Educational Leadership program.

• Member and Presenter, American Educational Research Association
• Member and Presenter, American Educational Studies Association
• Member and Presenter, Southeast Philosophy of Education Society
• Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Educational Research, 2005
• Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Community Service, 2004
• Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Teaching, 2003
• Moderator, Education Summit for Western Cluster Schools, Tuscaloosa
• Peace Crops Volunteer, Columbia, South America

Sam Masters Sam graduated in May of 2007 with a major in Art History and Studio Art and is from Gadsden, AL. He is currently living in Charleston, SC and works as a UA regional recruiter for prospective students from North Carolina and South Carolina. While at UA, Sam's activities included:

• Vice President, Capstone Men and Women
• Social chair, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
• Member, Lambda Sigma
• Member, Freshman Forum
• Historian, Anderson Society
• Member, Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key, and Mortar Board Senior Honoraries
• H. Pettus Randall Memorial Scholarship
• Blount Undergraduate Initiative
• University Honors Program
• International Honors Program

William A. McCracken, III is currently a doctoral student in political science at Alabama. He received his B.A. in History and German from UA in May 2008 and completed an M.A. in Naval History at the University of Exeter in 2009. William has served as an instructor for the UA International Honors Program since 2010. Recent awards and activities include:

• Graduate Council Fellowship, 2010-2011
• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar 2008-2009
• Member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Anderson Society, Blue Key, Mortar Board, and Omicron Delta Kappa

Marion S. McIntosh received his graduate degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Alabama and currently works as a process engineer for Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC. From Monroeville, Marion was involved in the following activities while at the University:

• Senator - The Graduate School, University of Alabama Student Government Association
• President, University of Alabama Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
• Best Graduate Student Nominee, University of Alabama NAACP Image Awards
• Mentor, Oakdale Elementary School
• Hall Director - Mary Burke Hall East, Office of Residential Communities
• Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Industrial Engineering
• Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Whitney Miller is currently working toward a Master of Arts degree in the University of Alabama College of Education and is employed as a Graduate Assistant and Peer Coach with the UA Early College. While an undergraduate at the University of Alabama, she was involved in the following activities:

• Cum Laude graduate
• Vice President, UA College Democrats
• President, Capstone Ad Fed
• Member, ASCR
• Member, Alpha Delta Sigma National Advertising Honorary
• Staff, Marr's Field Journal
• Member, Gamma Beta Phi
• Member, Freshman Forum
• University Honors Program
• University of Alabama Capstone Scholar

William Nevin, from Moundville, William is a 2007 UA graduate with a major in Political Science and Journalism. He is currently a law student at the University of Alabama School of Law. While in college, his activities included:

• Intern, Congressman Artur Davis
• Semester in Washington, George Washington University
• Opinions Editor, The Crimson White
• Member, Gamma Beta Phi
• Member, Phi Eta Sigma
• Mentor & Tutor, Everybody Wins DC
• Cast member, Importance of Being Earnest, GWU

Karoline Richardson, Karoline Richardson, from Montgomery, graduated magna cum laude in May 2008 with a B.A. in Classics. She is currently working in Alexandria, VA as a Research Assistant at Public Opinion Strategies, a political and public affairs polling firm, while pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Georgetown University. While in college, her activities included:

• Member, Gamma Phi Beta Social Sorority
• Member, 19th Order of the XXXI
• President, Anderson Society
• SGA Attorney General
• Member of Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Kappa and Blue Key Honors Societies
• University Honors Program and Blount Undergraduate Initiative
• The Academy Classics Club and Eta Sigma Phi Classics Honors Society
• Dean's List

James “J.W.” Snider, III, a Senior from Madison, MS, majoring in Chemistry and Medicine and the Mind; he has completed the latter of the two and is still studying to complete his chemistry major.

• Co-Vice Chair, SGA Voter Registration Committee
• Organizations Chair / Webmaster, Coordinating Council for Student Organizations
• Ambassador, College of Arts and Sciences and Honors College
• Board Member / Animal Shelter Project Chair, Circle K International Service Organization
• President / Vice President - Alpha Lambda Delta / Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Societies
• Parliamentarian, Freshman Forum
• University of Alabama Tier I Scholar - Jack Warner Scholar

W. “Steven” Spiehler, Jr., from Slidell, LA, received his degree in Healthcare Management from UA in 2008. Steven currently works as a Business Consultant in the Health Information Technology Department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

• 2007-2008 Chairperson, Blackburn Institute / 2006-2007 Vice Chairperson
• President, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society
• Justice, University Academic Honor Council
• Jasons Men's Honorary
• Anderson Society, Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, Cardinal Key, and Golden Key Honor Societies
• University Honors Program
• Business Honors Program
• President's List
• 2nd Place, Richard J. Stull Essay Competition in Healthcare Management
• Resident Advisor
• Member, 2005 Avanti Team

Virginia Thomas, from Montgomery, Virginia graduated from UA in May of 2006 with a major in Political Science. Currently a law student at the University of Virginia School of Law. While at UA, her activities included:

• Senator and Resolutions Committee Chair, SGA College of Arts and Sciences
• Member, SGA Financial Affairs Committee
• Volunteer, Voter Registration Drive
• Higher Education Day
• Alabama Collegiate Summit
• Member, Cardinal Key
• Member, Freshman Forum

Sam Todd, a Fourth Year JD/MBA Student from Birmingham

• Co-chair and moderator, Sustained Dialogue on Race, Princeton University
• Executive Secretary, Undergraduate Student Government, Princeton University
• Residential Advisor at Anytown, Alabama (a diversity learning program sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice)
• Intern, Office of Congressman Artur Davis
• Intern, Office of Congressman Spencer Bachus
• Intern, A+ Education Foundation
• Full-time volunteer, Campaign of Stephen Black for State Treasurer

R.B. Walker, Montgomery native R.B. Walker currently works in Governmental Relations for Alabama Power Company, representing the Company’s interest before the Alabama State Legislature and other departments of state government. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in political science and studied politics at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Governor-elect Robert Bentley appointed him to his Transition and Inaugural Committee as Transition Manager and he has also served as Deputy Director of the Tornado Recovery Action Council. During his senior year of college, R.B. served as the 93rd president of the UA Student Government Association.

Stephanie “LeeAnn” Wilson, a 2006 Summa Cum Laude graduate from Vestavia Hills, AL with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. In May 2010, she received a M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham and will be completing her residency in Radiology at UAB after finishing a Transitional Year Residency at Baptist Health Systems in BIrmingham. She completed medical school in the top 15% of her class and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She also received the Robert J. Stanley Award for excellence in Radiology and was a member of the Tinsley R. Harrison Research Society. As an undergraduate at UA, she participated in the following:

• USA Today All-USA Academic Team Member, 2nd Team
• University of Alabama Alumni Association Outstanding Senior
• Chair, SGA Capstone Event Committee
• Vice President, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Pre-Medical Honor Society
• Honors College Ambassador
• College of Engineering Ambassador
• Treasurer, Anderson Society
• Member, Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key, and XXXI Senior Honoraries
• President, Omega Chi Epsilon, Chemical Engineering Honor Society
• Tau Beta Pi Outstanding Junior and Senior Awards for the College of Engineering
• SGA Carl Elliot Award