Contact: Alice Jackson

USA Office of Public Relations

(251) 460-6639, (228) 209-6920

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2009

USA Bell Tower Named in Honor

of President Gordon Moulton and Geri Moulton

The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees today named its soon-to-be-completed bell tower in honor of “the exceptional service” of President Gordon Moulton and his wife, Geri.

Upon its completion this December, the Gordon and Geri Moulton Bell Tower will become the “preeminent landmark and the enduring symbol of the spirit of the University of South Alabama,” according to the board’s resolution. The tower and the adjacent Alumni Plazawill serve as a monument honoring alumni, who provided private support for the project.

“Working with the students and faculty, and being able to see this institution evolve, have been very rewarding experiences for me,” President Moulton said. “I couldn’t imagine anything better than having your colleagues say thank you in a way like this.

“It’s been a great journey, and Geri has been a part of it every step of the way,” he noted. “She has been an immeasurable help to me.”

Geri Moulton said she was deeply touched by the Board’s gesture.

“This is a statement about my husband’s life’s work,” she said. “He’s had the incredible opportunity to do something bigger than himself and to serve the community while earning a living. To have the trust of the Board of Trustees and the community is a very humbling experience.”

In a unanimous resolution, the trustees noted that President Moulton “has achieved significant milestones in many areas, including student enrollment and graduation, academic program development, health care delivery, enhancement of student life and the campus environment, research funding and initiatives, private-sector giving, and community involvement by faculty and students.” The trustees cited President Moulton’s role in the creation and development of the Mitchell Cancer Institute, the USA Technology and Research Park, and the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, as well as his many contributions to education, cultural activities, and economic development.

The resolution praised Geri Moulton for her generous contributions of time, talent and energy to numerous University projects, including the Geri Moulton Children’s Park named in her honor earlier this year, and her advocacy of many other worthy causes on behalf of the University and the Mobile community.

President Moulton assumed his position in 1998 after serving the University as a faculty member, dean and vice president. The Moultons have lived in the area since 1966. In 2003, the Civitan Club of Mobile recognized Gordon Moulton as Mobilian of the Year.

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