Traveling through Europe, Greece and the Philippines while building relationships and sharing their Christian faith is how 21 University of Mobile students and staff are spending three weeks this summer. Team members are writing about their experiences online at www.youthhostelmissions.com.

The 2011 Megginson Awards were presented to two University of Mobile faculty members and one staff member for excellence in categories of teaching, research and service.

Eight University of Mobile students were recognized for community service efforts at the Students in Free Enterprise USA Regional Competition.

Debby Faught had planned to spend the weekend studying for finals that would start on Monday. Instead, the University of Mobile student was on her hands and knees sifting through debris left after a tornado hit Concord, Ala. As a volunteer on a “memory team,” she was hoping to salvage a few special mementos for families whose homes were destroyed.

"When you keep the faith, you are living the way the Christian life was designed to be lived. In order to be a change agent in our world, we need to have that kind of focus,” said Dr. Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Convention State Board of Missions, during the 45th graduation ceremony for the University of Mobile.

The University of Mobile presented its most prestigious student awards to Elizabeth Morgan Carnley of Enterprise, Ala., and Andrew Frederick Schmitt of Tallassee, Ala.

Gary Palmer, president and co-founder of the Alabama Policy Institute, was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the University of Mobile. “I don’t know of a man who has had more impact on the state of Alabama and the health of our state," said UMobile President Dr. Mark Foley.

The University of Mobile presented the Shofar Award for faithful service by an Alabama Baptist minister to Dr. William Terry “Pete” Dunn during the university’s 45th graduation ceremony on May 14. Dunn, who was a missionary to Arab-speaking lands for more than 30 years, has served as pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Uriah, Ala., since 2003.

The University of Mobile presented awards to members of the Class of 2011 during Honors Convocation on May 13 at Ram Hall on campus. The event was followed by a graduation brunch for graduates and their families.

Jimmy Fisher first thought he wanted to be a photojournalist. Then he wanted to study business management. He also considered the medical field, but he didn't want to go to medical school. And then he found his niche - athletic training.
"I realized I love sports, and I love helping people," said the 22-year-old Fisher, who will earn a bachelor's degree in athletic training education May 14.

The University of Mobile has named its baseball field “Mike Jacobs Field” in honor of head baseball coach Mike Jacobs who founded the school’s baseball program in 1990 and celebrated his 700th career win in March.

Dr. Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Convention State Board of Missions, will deliver the commencement address during the 45th graduation exercises for the University of Mobile on Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m. at the Mobile Civic Center.