Samford University alumni from 15 states and two foreign nations found “Destination: Samford” an appropriate theme for Homecoming 2002, Oct. 19.
Class of 1997 member Heather Smith traveled 8,266 miles from Okinawa, Japan, to attend. Anne Scannelly Pooser, Class of 1942, endured two days of unexpected, rerouted flights to reach Birmingham from her home in Charleston, S.C.
Music majors enjoyed a special reunion gathering and showcase of student talent before applauding one of their own as 2002 alumna of the year.
Opera star and 1985 graduate Elizabeth Futral was named Alumna of the Year during half-time ceremonies at the football game.
“All of Samford University revels in the great success of Elizabeth Futral,” said Samford President Thomas E. Corts. “Like so many, her awareness of music began in the church, and she has enhanced a God-given talent. To hear her sing is to glow with pride.”
The daughter of a Baptist minister who served in Louisiana and Kentucky, Futral studied at Samford with music professor Eleanor Ousley. She began her career with the Lyric Opera of Chicago following graduate study at Indiana University.
Also during halftime, Sarah Hedgspeth, a senior interior design major from Louisville, Ky., was crowned homecoming queen. Rob Shaw, a senior business management major from Wilsonville, was named honor escort. They were elected by vote of the student body.
The court also included freshmen Taylor Ross of Ashland, Ky.; Logan Davis of York; sophomores Alison Skinner of Dallas, Texas, and Andrew Patterson of Old Hickory, Tenn.; juniors Kate Pyles of Macon, Ga., and Brad Stockton of Winchester, Tenn; and seniors Eliza Rhoads of Hanson, Ky., Ginger Chambley of Valley, Andy Wilbanks of Tallahassee, Fla., and James Drake of Atlanta, Ga.
The Samford Bulldogs defeated the Alcorn State Braves 34–25.
Homecoming marked the close of a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Samford’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy. A Saturday banquet featured the showing of a video which chronicled the school’s history from its early emphasis on making pills to today’s caring for patients with the aid of handheld computers.
Alumna Lynda Staggs of Huntsville received the pharmacy alumnus of the year award. A compounding and consulting pharmacist, the 1966 graduate is the first woman pharmacist to serve on the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy. Stan and Betty Susina received the pharmacy distinguished service award. Stan Susina served on the pharmacy faculty for 30 years before retiring in 1992. Betty Susina was cited for her longtime support of pharmacy school efforts and her service as advisor to Lambda Kappa Sigma pharmacy honor society.
Alumnus Mike McLemore spoke on “The Saving Shepherd” at the homecoming worship service Oct. 20. The 1976 graduate is pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham and president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. (SU)
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