GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association has announced its 2026 Alumni of the Year award recipients, recognizing graduates whose service, leadership and contributions continue to positively impact both the college and the broader community.
The annual Alumni of the Year Awards honor individuals who reflect the institution’s values of excellence, civic engagement and lifelong learning. According to the Alumni Association, this year’s honorees were selected for their professional achievements, volunteer service and continued support of Gadsden State Community College and its students.
“These outstanding alumni embody the spirit of our institution,” said Julie White, president of the Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association. “Through their leadership, generosity and dedication to service, they demonstrate how education can transform not only individual lives, but entire communities. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements.”
The 2026 Alumni of the Year recipients include:
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Distinguished Alumni of the Year: Donice Snow, Class of 1998, Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration; retired from Gadsden State Athletics and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association.
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Emerging Alumni of the Year: Hannah Russell, Class of 2015 transfer scholar and former president of Phi Theta Kappa.
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Outstanding Faculty/Staff Alumni of the Year: Cory Chandler, Class of 2014, Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology; current staff member in the Maintenance Division.
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Outstanding Athletic Alumni of the Year: Josh Johnson, Class of 1998, Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration; former member of the Gadsden State baseball team.
College officials noted that each recipient has contributed to the institution through mentoring, advisory roles, scholarship support and volunteerism aimed at advancing educational access and opportunity for current and future students.
“Our alumni are some of our greatest ambassadors,” said Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations. “Their continued engagement helps ensure future generations of students have the resources, encouragement and opportunities they need to succeed.”
The awards were presented during Gadsden State Community College’s homecoming festivities on February 2, where recipients were recognized alongside faculty, students, community leaders and supporters. Each honoree received a commemorative brick to be placed in the quad on the Wallace Drive campus.
