Published on July 22, 2025 by Joelle Youngblood  
Learning for Life 2025

Each year, Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education recognizes distinguished alumni and friends who exemplify leadership in the classroom, school administration, churches, mission and volunteer organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and more at the Learning for Life Awards.  

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards, celebrating a decade of recognizing outstanding education alumni who have made a lasting impact in the lives of others. Established in 2015 to commemorate 100 years of Samford’s School of Education, the awards honor individuals whose contributions continue to shape communities through education.

“Though their career paths may differ, each award recipient has made notable strides in their respective fields and communities,” said Kathy Acton, alumni relations coordinator for Orlean Beeson School of Education. “We are proud and thankful for the different ways our graduates impact the world for Christ.” 

The 2025 Learning for Life honorees are:  

  • Nell Branum ’76
  • Laura Casey MSE ’23
  • Evelyn Coffey MSE ’15, EdS ’16, EdD ’20
  • Teresa Hemphill ’97
  • Lindsay Morgan ’11
  • Kate Wildman ’17

This year’s recipients of the Orlean Beeson Award are Twanna and Don Powell, and the Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award will be given to Gregory Moore ’21.

“Our alumni consistently make innovative and noteworthy strides across a variety of fields,” said Dean Anna McEwan. “The chance to spotlight their work is one we cannot afford to miss as our graduates continue to positively impact communities and make a difference across the globe.”

In honor of the 10th anniversary, all previous recipients are invited to attend this year’s celebration. As a special tribute to a decade of impact, McEwan encourages past honorees to wear their medals and remain for a group photo at the conclusion of the evening.

This year’s awards dinner will be held at Vestavia Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m.

Learn More and Purchase Tickets

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.