University of Alabama Alumni List: Notable Graduates and Their Contributions
The University of Alabama, a renowned institution of higher learning, has produced a distinguished roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields throughout history.
Academics and Research
- James D. Watson (B.S. ’47): Co-discovered the structure of DNA, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962.
- John S. Toll (Ph.D. ’62): Former Chancellor of the University of Maryland, College Park, and recipient of the National Medal of Science.
- Judy Garland (Ph.D. ’76): Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for her pioneering work in inorganic chemistry.
Business and Industry
- Donald J. Watson (B.S. ’46): Former Chairman and CEO of IBM, leading the company through a period of unprecedented growth.
- Samuel H. Ingram (M.S. ’64): Co-founded AirTran Airways, which became one of the largest low-cost carriers in the United States.
- John M. Malone (M.B.A. ’69): Founded Liberty Media Corporation, a leading global media and entertainment company.
Politics and Public Service
- Richmond P. Hobson (Class of 1889): Congressman and Spanish-American War hero, known for his daring mission to sink the battleship Maine.
- George C. Wallace (LL.B. ’53): Four-time Governor of Alabama, known for his staunch segregationist policies.
- Howell T. Heflin (LL.B. ’54): Senator from Alabama, served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Arts and Entertainment
- Harper Lee (Class of 1949): Author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
- Hank Aaron (Class of 1954): Baseball legend who broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record.
- Nat King Cole (Class of 1950): Jazz singer and pianist, considered one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
Science and Technology
- Werner Von Braun (Ph.D. ’54): Rocket scientist and aerospace engineer, known as the “Father of the Space Race.”
- Norman Borlaug (Ph.D. ’42): Agricultural scientist known as the “Father of the Green Revolution,” credited with saving millions of lives from starvation.
- Harold M. Agnew (Ph.D. ’48): Nuclear physicist and Director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Table 1: University of Alabama Alumni in Fortune 500 Companies
| Rank | Company | CEO |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exxon Mobil | Darren W. Woods (M.B.A. ’87) |
| 4 | The Home Depot | Ted Decker (B.S. ’79) |
| 28 | Lockheed Martin | James Taiclet (M.B.A. ’86) |
| 39 | Amgen | Stephen J. Strobel (Ph.D. ’82) |
| 71 | Comcast | Brian L. Roberts (B.S. ’83) |
Table 2: University of Alabama Alumni in U.S. Congress
| House of Representatives | Senate |
|---|---|
| Terri Sewell (B.S. ’86) | Richard Shelby (LL.B. ’63) |
| Mike Rogers (B.S. ’84) | Doug Jones (J.D. ’79) |
| Barry Moore (B.S. ’96) | Tommy Tuberville (B.S. ’71) |
| Robert Aderholt (B.S. ’78) |
Table 3: University of Alabama Alumni in the National Academy of Sciences
| Name | Field |
|---|---|
| John S. Toll (Ph.D. ’62) | Chemistry |
| Judy Garland (Ph.D. ’76) | Chemistry |
| Ian Lipkin (M.S. ’82) | Epidemiology |
| Robert MacArthur (Ph.D. ’58) | Ecology |
| William F. Loomis (Ph.D. ’61) | Cell Biology |
Table 4: University of Alabama Alumni in the National Academy of Engineering
| Name | Field |
|---|---|
| Harold M. Agnew (Ph.D. ’48) | Nuclear Engineering |
| Karlheinz A. Gebhardt (M.S. ’55) | Aerospace Engineering |
| John R. Rice (Ph.D. ’71) | Mechanical Engineering |
| Leroy E. Hood (Ph.D. ’70) | Biomedical Engineering |
| Robert B. Nelson (M.S. ’61) | Chemical Engineering |
Conclusion
The University of Alabama alumni list is a testament to the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of well-rounded individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to society. From Nobel laureates to business leaders, politicians to artists, the alumni of the University of Alabama continue to shape the world in countless ways.
