By Bryan Rachal

FLORENCE –Wendell Wilkie Gunn (’65) will serve as the University of North Alabama’s spring commencement speaker Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., in Flowers Hall.

In addition to speaking at both events, Gunn will be the recipient of an [...]]]>

Wendell Wilkie Gunn (’65)

By Bryan Rachal 

FLORENCE –Wendell Wilkie Gunn (’65) will serve as the University of North Alabama’s spring commencement speaker Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., in Flowers Hall. 

In addition to speaking at both events, Gunn will be the recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from UNA, which will be conferred at the spring 2017commencement ceremonies.

Gunn became the first African-American student to enroll at Florence State Teachers College (now the University of North Alabama) on Sept. 11, 1963.  He graduated with degrees in math and chemistry and later attended graduate school at the University of Chicago.

Upon graduation, Gunn worked in finance with Chase Manhattan Bank and PepsiCo.  In 1982, Gunn was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as an assistant for policy development. He later founded Gunn Solutions, a consulting business for investment firms.  He currently lives in Stamford, Connecticut.

A full bio on Wendell Wilkie Gunn can be found here: https://www.una.edu/web/docs/WendellGunn.pdf

FLORENCE, Ala. – Dr. Donald Harrison, professor of medicine and senior vice president and provost for health affairs emeritus at the University of Cincinnati, will be the featured commencement speaker at the University of North Alabama spring graduation ceremonies.

UNA will host two [...]]]>

Dr. Harrison and his wife, UNA alumna, Laura Harrison (’55)

FLORENCE, Ala. – Dr. Donald Harrison, professor of medicine and senior vice president and provost for health affairs emeritus at the University of Cincinnati, will be the featured commencement speaker at the University of North Alabama spring graduation ceremonies.

UNA will host two commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14, at 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., in Flowers Hall. Harrison will speak at both events.

Dr. Harrison and his wife, UNA alumna, Laura Harrison (’55), are currently serving as campaign co-chairs for UNA’s “Build the Pride” capital campaign.

The Harrisons recently announced that they have contributed a major gift to name the new nursing building, in addition to the many gifts they’ve already given the university, which include the famed Harrison fountain that graces UNA’s main entrance.

Dr. Harrison has had a storied career; from 1986 to 2002, he was senior vice president and provost for Health Affairs and directed the University of Cincinnati’s Medical Center. Prior to 1986, Dr. Harrison was professor of medicine and cardiology, chief of the Division of Cardiology, and co-director of the Falk Cardiovascular Research Center of Stanford University. He was also chief of cardiology at the Stanford University Hospital for 20 years.

His achievements are not related solely to higher education and academics; Dr. Harrison also served as president of the American Heart Association, as vice president and trustee of the American College of Cardiology, and as a member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. He has also authored eight books and more than 585 scientific articles and reviews. His most recent book, “Healing Broken Hearts,” is the story of his life and cardiology development over 50 years.

Harrison received a B.S. in chemistry from Birmingham Southern College, an M.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and an honorary Doctor of Law from Birmingham Southern College. He received his training in medicine and cardiology at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital of the Harvard Medical School and the National Institutes of Health.

By: Bryan Rachal