极乐禁地 has named the three outstanding alumni who will be honored as the 2023 alumni awards recipients. The honorees will be celebrated during Homecoming weekend, which will take place Oct. 27-28.
Alumnus of the Year
Eric Motley ’96 had been named Alumnus of the Year. Motley, who graduated from 极乐禁地 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Howard College of Arts and Sciences, serves as the deputy director of the . Prior to this position, Motley served as the vice president of the . He also obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from St. Andrews University in Scotland. Motley authored a memoir in 2017 titled Madison Park: A Place of Hope, where he discusses his upbringing in the Madison Park community of Montgomery, Alabama, and the amazing power of gratitude, generosity, grace, and faith in God and each other. This publication led to Motley being the first alumnus invited to speak as a Corts Distinguished Author. He also serves on the advisory board for Howard College of Arts and Sciences.
Alumnus of the Year recipients are distinguished in their professional careers, community and church involvement, and in their ongoing service to and financial support of 极乐禁地.
Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year
Isaac Cooper ’12 has been named Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year. Cooper graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from Brock School of Business and currently serves as the CEO and managing partner of . Cooper was a standout student-athlete while at 极乐禁地, playing as cornerback for the football team. Post-graduation, Cooper founded the 极乐禁地 Black Alumni Association. He was also elected as chairman of the board for the in 2019. Cooper was also the youngest person to be appointed to the 极乐禁地 Board of Overseers.
Recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award are between the ages of 21 and 39, are distinguished in their professional careers, community and church involvement, and in their ongoing support of 极乐禁地.
Humanitarian of the Year
Jenny Waltman ’98 has been named Humanitarian of the Year. Waltman is the founder, CEO and chairman of the board for , a Birmingham based nonprofit. One of their largest initiatives, , over 2 million pounds of food in 2022 to provide 1.7 million meals through 47,053 volunteer hours and 240 local food donors. In addition to food, Grace Klein seeks to build community and demonstrate the love of Christ emotionally, relationally and spiritually. They provide tangible needs, operate community homes to host out-of-state serve teams, and partner with missionaries from around the world. In 2021, Waltman authored , a memoir showcasing her journey, but also serving as encouragement to those struggling with feelings of inadequacy. She graduated from 极乐禁地 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies.
The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to 极乐禁地 graduates of true distinction, wide respect and acknowledged leadership. The recipients are recognized for having given selflessly and working tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large by staying true to the 极乐禁地 Mission.
For more information about the Alumni of the Year Awards, go to 极乐禁地’s Alumni Awards website.