Auburn University's College of Human Sciences proudly announces that the legendary musical group Alabama has been named recipient of its 2003 International Quality of Life Award.  The award presentation took place on December 8, 2003 at the United Nations in New York City.  This is the first time in the history of the awards that artists from the entertainment world have been recognized for their vital role in enhancing human well-being.

Indisputably one of contemporary music’s super-star bands, Alabama has chosen to use its celebrity to benefit humanity in countless ways.  From 1982-1997 June Jam, the band’s annual benefit concert in Ft. Payne, Alabama, helped generate millions of dollars for schools, charities and public service organizations.  The impact of June Jam continues today through a special June Jam escrow account and the Alabama June Jam Songwriter’s Showcase.  Since 2001, these funds have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to support such worthy causes as the Ft. Payne Public Schools, DeKalb County Public Library, DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center, The Partnership for a Drug Free DeKalb County, The Big Oak Ranch and the Chattanooga Speech and Hearing Clinic.

In addition to June Jam, The Alabama Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches Golf Tournament, hosted by lead singer Randy Owen since 1985, has raised nearly one million dollars for youth ranches state wide.  Also impressive is the more than $200 million dollars that Owen has helped raise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, through his leadership role in “Country Cares”.

In recognition and appreciation of the groups philanthropic commitment, Alabama has been honored with such distinguished awards as the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Country Radio Broadcasters Humanitarian Award, the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award and the B.M.I. Presidents Trophy for public service.  The band is enshrined in the Alabama Hall of Fame and is one of the first recipients of the newly created “Spirit of Alabama” medal awarded by Governor Bob Riley for the group members’ “exceptional talent and continued commitment to their home state.”

“This is truly a special year for the International Quality of Life Awards,” says June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences.  “We are excited to celebrate Alabama's rich and storied musical career as we celebrate IQLAs 10^th anniversary.  The group has served as our states most highly recognized Good Will Ambassador for over 25 years.  We are honored to add Alabama to our list of outstanding citizens from various professional arenas whose work reflects a dedication to pursuing innovative and creative ways of enhancing the lives of people both locally and worldwide.” 

Alabama joins a list of distinguished former recipients from such diverse fields as economics, business, government and social justice, all of which contribute to improving quality of life.  Examples of past honorees include Millard Fuller, Founder and President, Habitat for Humanity International; Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State; and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.