Tapping on the Mound: University of Alabama honors outstanding students and faculty

Jasmine Hollie, Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read
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The University of Alabama on Friday recognized the achievements of outstanding students and faculty during the Tapping on the Mound, a UA tradition since the early 1900s.

The event caps off Honors Week at UA.

The ceremony was held at its traditional location on the mound at the west side of the Quad. Guests were also allowed to tune in to the ceremony online via livestream.

Rosalind Moore-Miller, who serves as UA's assistant vice president for student engagement, previously said she believes the Tapping on the Mound ceremony allows UA to show the very best of what the campus has to offer.

“We are so excited to welcome students and families to the time-honored tradition of the Tapping on the Mound, which recognizes the amazing contributions of students for excellence in their academic studies and beyond,” said Moore-Miller in a news release.

New members of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society are tapped as they come to the mound during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a part of Honors Week at the University of Alabama.
New members of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society are tapped as they come to the mound during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a part of Honors Week at the University of Alabama.

“... We love this time of year and look forward to celebrating our future legends as they are supported in this culminating experience. This experience highlights our UA commitment to excellence in every way,” she said.

Students and faculty were recognized and presented awards in several categories, including outstanding students, outstanding alumni, Black scholars, living legends and more.

Several family members were present Friday to cheer on and support their honorees.

Derek Cunningham was supporting his daughter, Morgan Cunningham, who was initiated into multiple honor societies including Mortar Board and Omikron Delta Kappa.

Derek Cunningham said he believes Tapping on The Mound is a great opportunity to recognize the achievements of outstanding students. "It's a fantastic occasion, and it makes me feel really good to see all of these young people and their success," he said.

Former University of Alabama coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry Saban, received this year's Frances S. Summersell Award for their work serving the Tuscaloosa area and the university. Katie King, director of the Nick's Kids Foundation, accepted the award on the Sabans' behalf.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice received this year's Living Legend Award.

Susan Bell, wife of President Stuart Bell who is clapping at left, is honored with the Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a part of Honors Week at the University of Alabama.
Susan Bell, wife of President Stuart Bell who is clapping at left, is honored with the Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award during the Tapping on the Mound ceremony, a part of Honors Week at the University of Alabama.

Susan Bell, wife of UA president Stuart Bell, recieved this year's Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award.

University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, the Mortar Board, the Blue Key National Honor Society and the Anderson Society inducted members during the ceremony.

ODK’s membership includes students of junior standing or above who are in the top 35% of their class scholastically and who exhibit leadership. Mortar Board membership, one of the highest honors granted to college seniors, is based on leadership, scholarship and service.

Blue Key National Honor Society recognizes seniors who represent high scholastic ideals, leadership and diversity of background. The Anderson Society recognizes UA students who have made significant contributions to the university or the Tuscaloosa community.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tapping on the Mound honors University of Alabama's best and brightest