Two outstanding alumnae were recognized during J-Day Weekend March 17-18 at Judson College.
Judson graduates Ophelia Stone Hodo and Charlotte Vignes received engraved silver bowls presented to them by the Judson Alumnae Association during a luncheon March 18.
Named as outstanding alumane, Hodo is a member of the class of 1938 and earned a bachelors degree in science. She graduated from the Medical College of Alabama (now the University of Alabama in Birmingham) in 1946 with a degree in medical technology and worked as a technologist for 30 years at Perry County Hospital.
Since Hodo was on call on a regular basis, she decided to take up a hobby where she could easily be found — golf. While she also plays bridge and works in the garden, Hodo is most known for her ability on the greens.
Contributions made
Since taking up the sport in 1964, she has served as treasurer of the Women’s Alabama Golf Association and helped organize the Marion Ladies Golf Association.
The state group named a scholarship after her in 1966, and in 1982 she was given an award for her contributions to the state organization.
Hodo has also been recognized by the Marion Kiwanis Club, which gave her the distinguished service award for her work with children in Marion.
Hodo also supports Judson and her church, Siloam Baptist Church, Marion.
In addition, she serves as the co-chairperson on the fund-raising campaign for her church.
Vignes, who graduated from Judson in 1940, was the fourth generation of her family to attend the women’s college.
Since then, three daughters and a granddaughter have graduated from the college, making six generations of Judson ladies. One of Vignes’ sons even attended nearby Marion Military Institute.
Vignes said she wanted to attend Judson as a teenager. Her parents arranged for her to reside on campus, even though the family lived nearby.
Her father, who ran a dairy, helped pay for her education by supplying Judson with milk. Her mother also worked in the dining hall to pay expenses.
She received her bachelor’s degree in home economics and worked with the state as a home demonstration agent.
It was during her travels for the state that she met her husband. After most of their six children were in school, she returned to the workforce as founding director of the kindergarten and day care center at Sage Avenue Baptist Church, Mobile — a church she helped start. She served the children’s program for 25 years before retiring.
Vignes has also stayed busy with alumnae work. As part of the Mobile chapter, she has served as president of the chapter and helped recruit many students.
In addition to the silver bowl she received, the Mobile chapter of the Judson Alumnae Assocaition presented her with a special sash and tiara.
Other activities
Included among the activities during J-Day Weekend were:
Judson senior Susie Allison of Eva was crowned J-Day Queen. Members of the court were Rachel Hicks of Headland, who was also crowned Miss Judson in February; Lisa Krenzel of Cullman; Megan Rice of Hanceville; Chrissy Riddle of Haleyville; Marisa Allison of Huntsville; Mandy McMichael of Prattville; Melissa Reh of Scottsboro; Erica Allen of Selma; Stephanie Brock of Cullman and Dixie Mahan of Laceys Spring.
The Huntsville and Mobile chapters received outstanding alumnae awards in recognition of scholarships, recruitment and public relations for the college.
A memorial was also held for the 39 Judson alumnae who died since J-Day 1999.
A banquet March 17 marked the official induction of the class of 1950 into the Golden Club, an organization for alumnae who graduated 50 or more years ago.
A general session March 18 recognized the class of 1970 for the highest amount of contributions to the college during the 1999-2000 term — $350,525. The class of 1950 earned the highest percentage of giving with 99 percent of member participating.
The national alumnae association’s executive committee met March 17. The group accepted the challenge of alumnae contributing $2 million for the renovation of Jewett Hall, the central building on campus.
The Judson College Concert Choir presented selections from their British Isles concert tour and the concert choir alumnae made a special presentation to long-time director and professor of music Betty Campbell.
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