Samford University’s annual Leadership Forum welcomed more than 200 on Friday, Nov. 2 to honor the efforts of the university’s leaders and friends.
The forum recognizes the work of hundreds of individuals who serve as trustees, members of the board of overseers, advisory boards from each of Samford’s 10 academic units, the athletics council, the Legacy League, alumni associations, the board of ministerial mentors, along with student and faculty leaders and university administrators.
Each year the forum, held during Homecoming weekend, provides insight into the university community. Tim Vines, chair of the board of trustees, noted that Samford’s reach is ever-growing.
“Today our university family has expanded to include nearly 51,000 graduates serving in all 50 states and in more than 60 nations. We have 1,200 employees and thousands of friends—including, very importantly—the families of our students,” Vines said. “Across the past 177 years our university has grown to be quite diverse, yet we remain a family united in our love of this place and our commitment to each other.”
Samford President Andrew Westmoreland’s remarks focused on “Why Samford?” He noted that the university is a place where “competence abounds, respect endures and grace triumphs.” Two alumni, Michael Escoe and Mandy Jayne Stanley-Antwine also joined the forum to share their distinctive Samford journeys. Escoe received his Master of Business Administration from Samford and serves as a member of the Brock School of Business Advisory Board. Stanley earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Samford and she serves as president of the Legacy League’s Junior Board.
This is the third year of the forum, first held in 2015.
Additional Homecoming coverage:
Brock School of Business Showcase Alumni