Alumni and friends of the Escambia County chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association will get the chance this year to hear the man behind all University of Alabama athletics speak, as director of UA athletics Mal Moore will be the guest speaker.

The annual meeting and membership drive will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the Country Club of Brewton.
Registration will begin at 6 p.m. and the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and will be $25 per person.
Brewton resident Miriam McDaniel is in charge of the annual meeting and said the Escambia County University of Alabama Alumni and Friends is a group of Alabama fans that includes Alabama graduates as well as supporters who did not attend the University. “In fact, we are thrilled that the group is growing to include individuals from surrounding areas who love the Crimson Tide but do not have a chapter in their own community,” McDaniel said. “I do not know the exact number of UA graduates in Escambia County, but in 2010 there were over 100 registered members of the National Alumni Association here, according to their website. I’m sure this number is lower than the actual number of graduates.”
McDaniel said although the group has activities throughout the year, this is the one “big” annual meeting.
“We are excited to have Mal Moore coming to speak to us,” McDaniel said. “Not only is he the Athletic Director at the University of Alabama, he is one of the most decorated coaches in college football. We are looking forward to hearing him speak to us not only about the upcoming football season, but also about all of our successful athletic departments, such as the baseball and basketball teams and the women’s softball and gymnastic teams, all of who had seasons of which we are very proud. I’m sure he will update us on the progress of the Tuscaloosa tornado relief efforts as well.”
Along with cheering for the Tide, McDaniel said the Alumni and Friends chapter is serious about raising scholarship money.
“We awarded five scholarships to outstanding area high school seniors this year,’ McDaniel said. “Elizabeth Nelson, Allison Reid, Kristen Gehman, Kathryn Miller, and Hannah Darby each received various scholarships to attend the University of Alabama. We are very proud to be represented by these students.”
One event that involves scholarships and raising money for the group is the annual scholarship fundraiser, the Walter Lewis Golf Tournament, which will be held sometime in late September or early October.
“We are pleased that Walter, who was quarterback for Alabama from 1980 -1983, is scheduled to be on hand at the meeting to recognize the students that received scholarships named in his honor,” McDaniel said.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2 at the Country Club of Brewton. The cost is $25 per person. Please make reservations by Friday, July 29 by calling 251-363-2020 or emailing mmcdaniel@indata.us and indicating the number who will be attending. Registration and payment will be at the door starting at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Along with dinner and the speaker, raffle tickets will be sold for door prizes, and Tide Treasures will be setting up shop. Tide Treasures is a Tuscaloosa-based fan store offering unique University of Alabama memorabilia, jewelry, and keepsakes.
“Our membership drive is also in full swing,” McDaniel said. “Annual dues are $25 for individual or family. Please make checks payable to the Escambia County UA Alumni Chapter and mail to PO Box 1662; Brewton, AL 36427.”
Reservations for the annual meeting Aug. 2 are due by Thursday, July 29.
Past alumni meeting speakers were: former Alabama football coach Joe Kines in 2007, former Alabama basketball coach Mark Gottfried in 2008, former UA football player Siran Stacy in 2009, and University of Alabama president Dr. Robert Whitt in 2010.