2024-2025
ALUMNI REPORT

Culverhouse College of Business

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

A CLEAR VISION, A BOLD FUTURE FOR CULVERHOUSE

Our vision is and always has been for Culverhouse to be a powerful force. We do that by providing students with the tools necessary to excel. Our faculty do innovative research that’s recognized on a global scale. The research and outreach centers embody Culverhouse’s goal to foster opportunity at community and state levels while enriching the educational experience for students.

We achieve all of this because of passionate alumni and friends like you. And thanks to your incredible generosity and commitment, I’m proud to share that we’ve exceeded our $200 million goal for Culverhouse as part of The University of Alabama’s Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign. This is an incredible milestone worth celebrating. More importantly, it’s a reflection of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared belief in our mission.

Because of your support, we’ve expanded opportunities for our students in ways that will impact them for a lifetime. From increased scholarships and enhanced student services to investments in innovative programs and world-class faculty, these campaign gifts have positioned Culverhouse to better serve the business leaders of tomorrow.

Our excellence stems from our donors. Because of their generosity and love for Culverhouse, our students reap the rewards. Thanks to Marillyn and James Hewson we built Hewson Hall. C.T. and Kelley Fitzpatrick’s gift created the Fitzpatrick Center for Value Investing.

We’re proud to launch an undergraduate major in real estate this fall to better prepare our students in one of the largest real estate programs in the nation. We are so thankful for Rance and Angie Sanders, whose $5 million gift establishes the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program. Their gift ensures our real estate curriculum will remain a nationwide force and produce amazing graduates poised to be the next leaders in this field.

They and so many other alumni have stepped forward and made transformative contributions to the future of Culverhouse College of Business. Whether your support came through a major gift, Bama Blitz, or Culverhouse Executives Society membership, please know that every dollar has made a difference.

Importantly, this campaign goal is not an end, but a foundation. Culverhouse is growing, evolving, and striving to meet the demands of an ever-changing business world. This means our work isn’t done. Together, we’ve built momentum. Now let’s keep it going.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity is shaping lives, and I am proud to be part of this remarkable community.

Roll Tide!

Dean Kay Palan
kmpalan@ua.edu
Culverhouse College of Business
The University of Alabama

Whether it’s young graduates paying it forward, families whose business school LEGACY spans generations, or those who make transformational gifts that shape our FUTURE, Culverhouse alumni are a POWERFUL force. We appreciate and celebrate your steadfast SUPPORT.

SETTING THE STANDARD

A Philosophy Oriented Toward Giving Back

You could hop on the Internet right now and find hundreds of inspirational quotes on the importance and power of education. That’s easy. The hard part is putting those mantras into practice.

Rance Sanders ’80, JD ’83, knows. The president and CEO of The Sanders Trust in Birmingham admits he wasn’t the best student. That changed when he got to The University of Alabama and the Culverhouse College of Business.

“The most important aspect of what I got at being at the University was learning discipline and preparation, work ethic, and going to class when you don’t want to go to class. I never missed a class, and I was always prepared,” he said.

He did so well that when his report card with all A’s got sent to his parents in Birmingham, his mother was, “flabbergasted.”

Learning that discipline and work ethic stayed with Sanders throughout his professional career, and it served him well. Sanders is a fixture in the Birmingham real estate community and a pioneer in the national healthcare real estate industry since 1989.

Sanders wants future business students to benefit from an Alabama education the way he did. It’s why he and his wife Angie ’80 made an unrestricted gift of $5 million to name the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program.

“I want to give students two things. One is access to get a good education... and number two, we want them to get the very best professors and have the best experience, and for it to be a hands-on experience within the real estate program.”

This gift will aid in student participation in case competitions, student engagement through the Live, Work, Play initiative, student attendance at real estate conferences, hiring a full-time real estate program coordinator, funding for marketing and communications, and scholarships for real estate students.

“Learning about real estate at UA was terrific, and it gave me a lot of the fundamentals to build a foundation to go from there to start a real estate company,” Sanders said.

“But the program now is light years ahead of where it has been, and the attention that it’s gotten under the leadership of Dean Kay Palan, Alan Tidwell, and Laura Razzolini, is terrific. They’re ready and they’re poised, but it does take some money to accomplish a lot of what they want to do. I’ve reviewed the curriculum, and I think it’s perfect.”

Sanders flirted with the idea of going to Ole Miss, but his loyalty to Alabama won out. He was a student during the Crimson Tide’s back-to-back national titles in 1978-79, which included the famous goal-line stand in the Sugar Bowl in 1979 against Penn State.

“We were sitting at that goal line, which didn’t mean we had good tickets. But we were there for that moment,” Sanders said. “Then we attended the next year against Arkansas (in the 1980 Sugar Bowl).”

Rance M. Sanders and his wife, Angie.

Rance M. Sanders and his wife, Angie.

Alabama football played a big part in Sanders’ business future. His roommate at Alabama was Bart Starr Jr., son of the former Crimson Tide and Green Bay Packers legend. Sanders was a big Bart Starr fan—he even wrote a book report on him in the fourth grade. Sanders and Bart Jr. became good friends and eventually, so did Sanders and Bart Sr.

Their strong relationship continued after Sanders graduated from law school and in 1989, he invited Bart Sr. to be a business partner in Starr Sanders Properties. The business also included Bart Jr., and Sanders’ father, E. Leon Sanders. The company’s focus was to develop and manage medical properties.

Nearly 10 years later, Sanders formed The Sanders Trust, one of the nation’s leading medical real estate investment companies. After 40-plus years in business, Sanders isn’t slowing down. He wakes up at 4:30 every morning, gets in a light workout, has a short Bible study, reads the Wall Street Journal, and then he’s off to work. “I love it,” he said.

There is more than enough to keep Sanders busy. He’s involved with more than just The Sanders Trust. He is CEO of Sanders Capital Partners, which develops and acquires neighborhood retail centers, medical, and light industrial properties throughout the country. He and Angie are also co-founders of the Sanders Family Foundation, a nonprofit whose primary purpose is to identify and support promising disadvantaged students in Alabama and Florida.

Sanders’ story is one of self-discipline, lifelong learning, and a deep desire to give back. The endowment he and Angie made to the Culverhouse Real Estate program isn’t just an investment in a curriculum — it’s a vote of confidence in the next generation.

“We just see so many students who are promising, who are capable, but are struggling financially,” Sanders said.

“To be able to give them a hand and make a difference in whether they can stay in school or not — that really means a lot.”

More than four decades since that first walk across the Quad, Sanders is still showing up early, still preparing, still building. And now, thanks to his gift, so will many others.

IN THE NEWS

A GIFT BEYOND
HER YEARS

“I want to help ensure that students like me — who maybe don’t follow the straight path but find their calling along the way — have every opportunity to thrive.”

RISK TAKER,
DIFFERENCE MAKER

Even as his career soared, Lavender never forgot his roots. He was inspired by his family to make giving back to Alabama a personal mission.

A HUMBLE OPINION

“Approaching things with humility allows me to approach them without clouded judgment. It allows me to approach things with a clear mind and it allows me to keep things in perspective.”

SHAPING TOMORROW’S TALENT

Alumni shape programs, mentor students, and keep Culverhouse aligned with industry needs, preparing the next generation for success while strengthening their own professional connections.

MAKING CONNECTIONS
IN CINCINNATI

Cincinnati — home to major companies, rich culture, and its famous Skyline Chili — set the stage for an experiential learning trip that expanded networks and career horizons for Culverhouse’s First-Gen students.

UA GRAD SCHOOL
CENTENNIAL SCHOLARS

The University of Alabama Graduate School named 100 master’s and doctoral alums who bring distinction to UA and their academic programs through their professional achievements.

NINE GRADS NAMED TO “18 UNDER 31” LIST

Culverhouse and Manderson young alumni are a powerful force, and the evidence is on display with the UA National Alumni Association’s 18 Under 31 Young Alumni Awards. Half of the 18 recipients are Culverhouse and/or Manderson graduates.

CULVERHOUSE
FAMILY BUSINESS

For generations of families, a business degree from The University of Alabama isn’t just a credential — it’s part of their DNA. These families share a love for the Capstone, a reverence for the relationships forged here, and a belief that a Culverhouse education is the bedrock of success.

CULVERHOUSE AMBASSADORS
BENEFIT IN BAMA BLITZ 2025

The Culverhouse Ambassadors are the official student representatives, tour guides, and recruitment agents for the Culverhouse College of Business. Up to 35 members join each academic year following a competitive selection process and members are recognized as the most qualified undergraduate students in the College.

Culverhouse Ambassador Ciara Andrew—a student in the Accelerated Master’s Program majoring in operations management with a minor in supply chain management—has used her role to connect, inspire, and help future students see themselves at Culverhouse:

Being an Ambassador has taught me to take pride in my story and the unique journey that brought me to Culverhouse. As a first-generation, out-of-state student, my path has looked a little different—but sharing my experiences with prospective students from similar backgrounds has been incredibly meaningful. I joined the group as a freshman, and from that very first meeting, I felt empowered to show up as my authentic self. Now, I approach every opportunity with confidence in who I am and what I bring to the table.

To enhance the Ambassadors’ impact, the group was selected to represent the College’s passion project during The University of Alabama’s Bama Blitz 2025 fundraising campaign, which took place from April 15 to 17.

As a result of this campaign, donor support helped raise over $22,000 to support the Ambassadors in participating in professional development programs and philanthropy initiatives that expand their networks, enhance their skills, and benefit the broader community.

And while Bama Blitz 2025 has long passed, one can still support the Culverhouse Ambassadors by making a gift at give.ua.edu by selecting “Culverhouse Business” under “Unit” and choosing “Culverhouse Executives Society (CES)” in the “Select a Fund” dropdown menu.

A YEAR IN REVIEW

DONOR SURGE HELPS CULVERHOUSE
MEET RISING TIDE GOAL

$1.8 BILLION

Total University of Alabama Gifts and Commitments

$200 MILLION

Total Culverhouse Gifts and Commitments

182,000+

UA Donors

6,600+

Culverhouse Donors

1,400+

First-time Donors

156

New Endowed Scholarships
for Culverhouse

19

New Endowed Faculty Support Funds at Culverhouse

Supported the construction of Hewson Hall, which opened to students in 2021, and major renovations of Mary Hewell Alston Hall, the Angelo Bruno Business Library, and Sloan Y. Bashinsky Computer Center

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS

As part of a fellowship 60,000-strong, these alumni are advocates for our programs and help shepherd future students our way. They serve as mentors and sounding boards. And they challenge convention and urge on change.

EACH OF OUR ALUMNI HAVE CHARTED a unique course on their way to success. Some are in the early stages of their careers or have made an imprint over the course of many decades. The common bond is a deep level of respect from their colleagues and fellow alumni that has been earned through demonstrated hard work, devotion to the things that matter, and commitment to Culverhouse.

On April 12, Culverhouse celebrated the contributions of a group of exceptional alumni, all of whom have demonstrated devotion to their alma mater.

Our alumni are trailblazers within their industries and continue to make a positive impact on the world. We are proud of their innovations and accomplishments!

Board of Visitors

Mr. Charles Adair
Mr. Michael Adair
Ms. Anita Allcorn
Mr. Owen Aronov
Mr. Benjamin Bailey
Mrs. Taylor Baker
Mr. Charles Barnhill
Mr. William Barto
Mr. Brian Barze
Mr. John Baschab
Mr. Ted Baudendistel
Mr. Jeffrey Bayer
Mr. Christopher Bayham
Mr. Daniel Beggs
Mr. Matthew Benak
Mr. Donald Birdwell
Ms. September Blain
Mr. Young Boozer
Ms. Wendy Boyd
Mr. Christopher Boyle
Mr. C. Bromberg
Mr. William Brooke
Mr. Ronald Bruno
Mr. Keith Buchanan
Mr. Kyle Buchanan
Mr. Stephen Buko
Mr. Rick Burch
Mr. Samuel Carden
Mr. Todd Carpenter
Mr. Joseph Cloud
Mr. J. Cole
Mr. Ryan Coleman
Mr. J. Cook
Mr. David Cooper
Mr. Chandler Cox
Mr. John Cox
Mr. Nathan Cox
Mr. Jordan Crow
Mr. Samuel Culpepper
Mr. Frank D’Amico
Mrs. Katherine Danella
Ms. J. Davis
Mr. Richard Davis
Mr. G. Dean
Mrs. Jill Deer

Mrs. Kathryn Deeter
Mr. Samuel Di Piazza
Mr. Christopher Dietrick
Mr. James Dunning
Mr. Mark Earley
Mr. Claude Edwards
Mr. Charles Eidson
Mrs. Rebekah Elgin-Council
Mrs. Wendy Evesque
Mr. Gary Fayard
Ms. Cara Fields
Mr. Clement Fitzpatrick
Mr. David Fowler
Mrs. Cherie Fuzzell
Mr. Johnny Garrison
Mrs. Leslie Gattuso
Mr. Ted Giles
Mr. Wayne Gillis
Mr. Gregory Graves
Mr. William Gregory
Mrs. Sara Gresham
Mr. Jeffrey Grissom
Mr. O.B. Hall
Mr. Harold Hamby
Ms. Kathleen Hammons
Mr. Bradley Hayes
Mr. Kenneth Haynes
Mrs. Marillyn Hewson
Mr. William Hewson
Mr. Peter Hodo
Mr. James Holbrook
Mr. Jamie Holman
Mr. Kamal Hosein
Mr. G. Hough
Mr. William Hughes
Mr. Douglas Hulsey
Mr. J. Hunter
Mr. Peter Inge
Mr. Robert Ingram
Ms. Aly Jackson
Mr. Donald James
Mrs. Corinne Johnson
Mrs. Hope Johnson
Mr. Joseph Johnson
Mr. Lawrence Johnson

Mr. Robert Jolly
Mr. Carl Jones
Mr. D. Jones
Mr. James Jones
Mr. Patrick Jones
Ms. Kourtney Kellen
Mr. Kenneth Kelly
Mr. Timothy Kelly
Mr. James Kemp
Mrs. Jenifer Kimbrough
Mr. Arie Kouandjio
Mr. Caleb Lamb
Mrs. Sarah Lancaster
Ms. Christine Lassiter
Mr. Chad Lavender
Mr. Goodman Ledyard
Mrs. Sherrie LeMier-Potts
Mrs. Cathy Leonhardt
Mr. Andy Lindsey
Mrs. Karole Lloyd
Mr. Marshall Loeb
Ms. Kelsi Long
Mr. Frank Lott
Mr. Peter Lowe
Mr. Wallace Malone
Mr. Allen Mayer
Mrs. Laura McDonald
Mr. Thomas McMillan
Mr. D. Menzies
Ms. Angi Meyers
Mr. Mark Millsap
Mr. M. Mitchell
Mr. Ron Morrison
Mr. Larry Newman
Mr. Robert Norwood
Ms. Leslie O’Harrow
Mrs. Elizabeth Overton
Mr. Timothy Parker
Mr. Geoffrey Patton
Mr. J. Plaster
Mr. David Popwell
Mr. William Proctor
Mrs. Ashley Regner
Mrs. Susan Rheney
Mr. John Roberts

Mr. Terry Roberts
Mr. Darryl Robinson
Mr. Richard Robinson
Mr. Michael Ross
Mr. Tyler Rudman
Mr. David Ruggles
Mr. John Salmonson
Mr. Michael Scott
Mrs. Alma Scroggins
Mr. William Scroggins
Mrs. Lana Sellers
Mrs. Jennifer Silhan
Mr. Stephen Sledge
Mr. Mark Smith
Mr. Mark Smith
Mr. Phillip Smith
Ms. Ti Keshia Smith
Mr. Harvey Snider
Mrs. Lori Snodgrass
Mr. Daniel Staley
Mr. Bryan Statham
Mr. Joe Stough
Mr. Timothy Stuart
Mr. Matthew Studer
Mr. Yamah Tabibi
Mr. John Thomas
Mr. R. Thompson
Mr. Ken Tidwell
Mrs. Candice Todd
Mr. John Turner
Mr. William Ventress
Mr. Reginald Walker
Mr. Myles Ward
Mr. Matthew Warner
Mr. Palmer Whiting
Mr. Charles Wilkinson
Mr. Duncan Williams
Mr. Jackson Williams
Mr. Thomas Willings
Mr. Nicholas Willis
Mr. C. Wilson
Mr. Spence Wilson
Mr. Bryan Yokley

CONNECT WITH CULVERHOUSE IN 2025 AND 2026

Fall 2025 Board of Visitors Meeting
September 11-12 | The University of Alabama

Culverhouse Executives Society Pre-game Picnic | UA vs. Vanderbilt — Parents’ Weekend
October 4 | Hewson Hall Courtyard, The University of Alabama

Culverhouse Analytics Summit
October 8-10 | Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Culverhouse Executives Society Pre-game Picnic | UA vs. LSU
November 8 | Hewson Hall Courtyard, The University of Alabama

Alabama Business Hall of Fame
November 13 | Haven, Birmingham, Alabama

Lowder Lecture Series: Brian Cornell
November 17 | The University of Alabama

Mobile Culverhouse Executives Society Networking Reception
December 2 | Mobile Country Club

Birmingham Culverhouse Executives Society Networking
Reception December 17 | Birmingham Country Club

Capstone Student Investment Conference (CSIC)
March 1 | The University of Alabama

Spring 2026 Board of Visitors Meeting
March 26-27 | Point Clear, Alabama

Contact Lottie Pearce at lbpearce@ua.edu for more info about the above events. Spring 2026 Culverhouse Executives Society events are not yet scheduled.

SEVEN ADDITIONS TO THE ALABAMA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME FOR 2024

THE ALABAMA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME inducted seven new members for 2024 in a black-tie ceremony on Thursday, November 14 at Haven in downtown Birmingham, attended by about 500 individuals, including business, community, higher-ed leaders, and former inductees.

The inductees were Mr. Rob Burton of Birmingham, Ala; Mr. Raymond J. Harbert of Birmingham, Ala; Mr. Thomas A. Harris of Hope Hull, Ala; Dr. Marnix E. Heersink of Dothan, Ala; Mr. Thomas H. Lowder of Birmingham, Ala; Mr. Claude B. Nielsen of Birmingham, Ala; and Mr. Nick L. Saban of Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Candice Todd, vice chair of the Alabama Business Hall of Fame Board, welcomed attendees to the event and provided the invocation. Dr. Kay M. Palan, dean of the Culverhouse College of Business, introduced each inductee to the stage after the playing of videos highlighting the various inductees’ careers and contributions to the community.

GIVE TO CULVERHOUSE

During your time at the Capstone, you were taught to be bold and make decisions that will shape the future of business. Now you can pay it forward by providing support to the next generation of Culverhouse students. Your support will go to expanding facilities, programming, and opportunities for our students to grow into transformative business leaders.

When you give to Culverhouse, you’re shaping the future of business.