FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama will honor two alumni at the fall commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. in Flowers Hall. J. Weldon Cole, ’60, and Harry L. Smith, ’64, will receive honorary degrees.
During his time at Florence State College, now UNA,
Harry L. Smith
Cole served as editor of the Lion Gridiron and as business manager of The Flor-Ala student newspaper. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, and he received the Turris Fidelis award, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior. In 2008, Cole was named UNA Alumnus of the Year, and, in 2017, he received the UNA Lifetime Achievement Award. Cole had a distinguished career with Price Waterhouse in New York, as President of Beloit Corp., and as Senior Vice President of Albany International before retiring in 2000. He is marries to Delores.
J. Weldon Cole
Like Cole, Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Florence State. Smith was also a member of the football team and Alpha Chi. He served as the Alumni Association President from 1977-78 and was named UNA Alumnus of the Year in 1986. Smith remained in Florence for 16 years as a Certified Public Accountant and often taught business courses at UNA. Upon moving to Memphis, Smith became co-owner, chairman, and CEO of Schilling Enterprises. Smith is now retired. He has served on the UNA Foundation Board of Directors and as its chairman since 2016. With his wife, Mary E. “Beth” Smith, the couple has established several endowed scholarships at UNA.
Cole and Smith were unanimously approved to receive these honorary doctorates at the September Board of Trustees meeting.
Ken Kitts
“These individuals personify what it means to support one’s alma mater,” said UNA President Ken Kitts. “Both as students, in their professional careers, and in their retirement, they have kept UNA in their hearts and at the center of their. It sets a strong example of loyalty and excellence from which we may all learn.”
Media Release/Michelle Eubanks
Interim Associate Director, Communications and Marketing
University Communications and Marketing
UNA
