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¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ history professor Marlene H. Rikard was named winner of the school's 2004-05 George Macon Memorial Award during the opening convocation of the spring semester Thursday (JAN. 27).

The honor goes annually to a ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ educator who, through outstanding performance as a teacher, counselor and friend to students, demonstrates the ability to inspire students to greatness.

¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ Provost Dr. Brad Creed presented the award, citing Rikard's commitment to students, love for ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ and high standards of professionalism as well as her capabilities as a teacher, historian and longtime director of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's London Program.

Dr. Rikard, who joined the ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ history faculty in 1973, served 12 years, 1988-2000, as director of ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ's London Program in England.

A specialist in American and Alabama economic and labor history, women's history, oral history, and the New South, she initiated courses in women's history at ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ as a result of her extensive research on Birmingham suffragists.

Dr. Rikard has been president of the Southern Association of Women Historians, president of the Alabama Association of Historians, and chair of the Alabama Baptist and Southern Baptist historical commissions.

She holds a bachelor's from Auburn University, a master's from ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.

As this year's Macon Award honoree, Rikard received a silver tray and a $1,000 cash prize. Thursday's convocation marked the opening of the spring semester for ¼«ÀÖ½ûµØ students. Classes began Wednesday, Jan. 26.
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