The University of South Alabama nominated Mr. and Mrs. Mayer Mitchell and Mayer's brother and business partner Abraham Mitchell for their more than 40 years of service as active volunteers and philanthropic leaders of the institution. Mayer Mitchell served on the board of trustees for 36 years, including a term as chair pro tempore. Arlene Mitchell accepted appointment to the board in 2007 and continues to serve. Abraham Mitchell has served on the leadership teams of two comprehensive fundraising campaigns and is a long-time member of the advisory council for the USA Mitchell College of Business. The Mitchell's collective philanthropic support of the institution exceeds $108 million and has been used to create faculty chairs in the USA College of Medicine, the Mitchell College of Business and at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. In addition, the Mitchell Scholars Program attracts and supports academically gifted students at the Mitchell College of Business.
About the award
The Distinguished Friend of Education Award honors an individual whose volunteer service has helped to advance education at an educational institution—even though he or she is not a graduate of that institution.
