TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama awarded some 2,323 degrees during spring commencement ceremonies held May 13 in Coleman Coliseum on campus.

Dr. John Blackburn, long-time UA administrator was the speaker at the main ceremonies and he also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Blackburn began his career at UA in 1956, and he became Dean of Men in 1958. In 1963, his dedication to progress and meticulous planning were credited as key elements in the historic peaceful integration of African-Americans into the Capstone. In 1978 he was named vice president for educational development. Over the next 12 years, he helped to raise more than $30 million dollars for the Capstone.

The Blackburn Institute is named for him, and he is responsible for the creation of Mallet Hall. Retired from the University, Blackburn is now a higher education consultant based in Tuscaloosa.

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bacchus of Alabama spoke at the UA School of Law commencement ceremony.

With this graduating class, UA has awarded more than 196,000 degrees since its founding in 1831 as the state’s first public university.

The following students were listed as candidates to receive degrees: