Where legends are praised: Tapping on the Mound honors UA's best and brightest

Jasmine Hollie, The Tuscaloosa News
·3 min read

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 culminates Honors Week at UA.

Traditionally, Tapping on the Mound is held on the mound at the west side of the Quad. This year's ceremony was moved to the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather. Guests were also allowed to tune in to the ceremony online via livestream.

Marcella Martinez, center, the outstanding senior, is congratulated by friends for her recognition during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.
Marcella Martinez, center, the outstanding senior, is congratulated by friends for her recognition during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.

Rosalind Moore-Miller, who serves as UA's assistant vice president for student engagement, 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.

“... 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.

April 7, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held in the English building due to weather Friday at the University of Alabama.
April 7, 2023; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held in the English building due to weather Friday at the University of Alabama.

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

James Spann, longtime meteorologist for abc 33/40 in Birmingham, received this year's Frances S. Summersell Award for his work serving west-central Alabama and the university. Organizers said Spann was unable to make Friday's ceremony because he was preparing for a newscast because of threat of severe weather.

John England Jr., a retired circuit court judge who also served a short stint on the Alabama Supreme Court, received this year's Living Legend Award for his work and dedication serving the community and the university.

England said he was humbled to receive the recognition.

"I've seen a lot, experienced a lot. I appreciate the opportunity to see young folk coming up, who I'm sure will do far more than anything that I could have done," England said.

"When I look back, I'm just glad to be here. I can't point to any one thing, but I can point to a lot of good relationships that I've had over the years. And so I'm thankful for that," he said.

England also has a student residence hall in his name, John England Jr. Hall, which is at 810 Second St. on the UA campus.

New members of the Mortar Board Honor Society are tapped during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.
New members of the Mortar Board Honor Society are tapped during the Tapping on the Mound academic awards ceremony held Friday in the English Building because of the threat of inclement weather at the University of Alabama.

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

Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.

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