FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Alabama Humanities Foundation will honor Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials with its Charitable Organization to the Humanities Award Oct. 2, at the Alabama Colloquium at The Club.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials. It has a coast-to-coast footprint with a strategic distribution network to serve the nation’s growth centers. Vulcan Materials has locations in Helena and Calera in Shelby County.

“As a company, Vulcan Materials has long been a strong supporter of the humanities in Alabama, contributing to our biannual magazine, “Mosaic,” and other programs designed to convey the message and mission of AHF,” said Executive Director Armand DeKeyser. “Its own company commitment states it will be a good corporate citizen in each community in which it operates, supporting and taking an active part in public and charitable projects, and it certainly has embodied that ideal in our community.”

He also noted that David Donaldson, Vulcan’s vice president for external affairs and corporate communications, served on AHF’s board of directors for many years, personally playing a leading role on that board.

Vulcan Materials will receive the award at the Colloquium, which features the inaugural class of fellows to be inducted into the Alabama Humanities Fellowship.

The four fellows to be inducted are: Kamau Bell, host of CNN’s documentary series “United Shades of America;” Nimrod T. Frazer, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Enstar Group and historical novelist; Cassandra King, a best-selling author; and US District Judge Myron Thompson, the second African American to become a federal judge in Alabama. They will headline a live conversation from their diverse vantage points with a single, common thread. All are from Alabama.

It will be moderated by National Public Radio’s Michel Martin of “All Things Considered.”

In other honors that day, AHF will recognize Vulcan Materials with Charitable Organization to the Humanities Award. Top teachers from around the state will be named recipients of the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship, which are given in memory of the late daughter of former Gov. Bob and Patsy Riley, who was known for her passion for teaching.

Tickets and tables to the 11:30 a.m. event are on sale now and may be purchased online at Alabamahumanities.org/2017-colloquium-tickets/ or by calling AHF at 558-3992.