Published on July 12, 2023 by Kameron Brown  
Learning fo Life medal DR082422005

Each year, Orlean Beeson School of Education recognizes distinguished alumni and friends who exemplify leadership in the classroom, school administration, churches, mission organizations, nonprofits, businesses, volunteer organizations and more in the annual Learning for Life Awards Dinner.  

“Though recipients’ career paths may differ, each award recipient has made notable strides in their respective fields and communities,” said Kathy Acton, alumni relations coordinator, “We are proud and thankful for the different ways our education graduates impact the world for Christ.” 

The Learning for Life Award was established in 2015, in celebration of 100 years of Samford University’s School of Education, to honor outstanding education alumni that have made a significant impact in the lives of others. 

This year’s Learning for Life Honorees are:  

  • Elizabeth Brinkley – 2019 
  • Jessica DePaolantonio - 2018 
  • Peter J. Hughes - 2007, 2017 
  • Andy Jackson – 2009 
  • Katherine Rodgers – 2015, 2017 
  • Daniel Steele – 2002, 2005 

This year’s recipient of the Orlean Beeson Award is Marla H. Corts. The recipient of this year’s Jodi Newton Excellence in Character Education Award is Patricia Simpson.  

“Recognizing the important Kingdom work of our alumni matters to me, it matters to the school of education and it matters to Samford University,” said Dean Anna McEwan. 

This year’s awards dinner will be held at Vestavia Hills Country Club, 400 Beaumont Drive, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, August 16, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $75. To learn more about Learning for Life, contact Kathy Acton. 

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Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.