Samford University's Cumberland School of Law honored attorneys James Anthony "Tony" McLain and George Courtney French, and retired Cumberland professor Frank W. Donaldson during a March 30 alumni weekend event.
McLain, general counsel for the Alabama State Bar, was named 2007 Distinguished Alumnus. The 1977 Cumberland graduate was cited for his leadership of the State Bar and his emphasis on ethical advocacy. He is a past president of the Cumberland National Alumni Association and a member of the law school advisory board.
French, a partner in the Birmingham firm of Fuston, Petway and French, was named Volunteer of the Year. A 1998 Cumberland graduate, French was cited for his role as a counselor, coach and mentor, and in recruiting and inspiring minority students at Cumberland.
Donaldson, a Cumberland professor for more than 40 years and a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, was named Friend of the Law School. He was noted as being a "stalwart of civility" who has shown many how to be better people and lawyers.
The awards were presented by Cumberland dean John L. Carroll.
Also at the event, Birmingham attorney J. Mark White was named Cumberland National Alumni President for 2007-09. A 1974 law graduate, he is a partner in the firm of White, Arnold, Andrews & Dowd, P.C.