HOMECOMING AWARDS psychology and social work from Montevallo, she earned her master’s degree in social work from The University of Alabama. “Kelly has used every ounce of her degree from Montevallo, coupled with a master’s degree, to literally change the world for hundreds of people in a way that will be felt for generations to come,” Reagan Denson ’03 wrote in a letter supporting Curry’s nomination for the award. “Kelly, herself being of South Korean descent, was adopted as an infant and brought home to the U.S. Since I have known her, she has been very clear that what she wanted to do was work in international adoption and help children just like herself to find those loving forever homes.” Curry has also been heavily involved in several community organizations. She currently serves on the Mtendere Village U.S. Board of Directors, the Alabama Conference of Social Work Constitution and By-Laws Committee, The University of Alabama School of Social Work’s International Programs Advisory Task Group and is an alumna advisor for the Chi Omega sorority. She also previously served on the UMNAA Junior Board of Directors. Curry lives in Hoover with her husband, Lance Curry ’07, and their daughter, Ella.
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UMNAA Celebrates Alumni Achievement DURING THIS YEAR’S HOMECOMING celebration in mid-March, themed We’re All in This Together, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UM National Alumni Association recognized three alumni for their success and contributions to the community. The honorees received their awards during the virtual UMNAA Awards Presentation on Friday, March 12, and were honored during the virtual UMNAA Homecoming Recognition the following day. The Saturday event also served as the UMNAA’s annual business meeting and included the installation of the association’s new directors and recognition of retiring members.
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Kelly Curry Kelly Curry ’08 is the recipient of the 2021 Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award, which is given annually to an alumnus age 35 or younger whose career and community contributions have reflected positively at the local, state or national level. Curry is a child family therapist, maternity supervisor and reunification counselor at Agape of Central Alabama where she works to create positive long-term outcomes for vulnerable children by matching them with foster and adoptive families. Curry has always had a passion for helping others. After earning bachelor’s degrees in
Keith Shoemaker Keith Shoemaker ’98 of Atlanta is the recipient of the 2021 Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award. Shoemaker is the commodity manager for inflight branded snacks and beverages with Delta Airlines where he is responsible for the sourcing and procurement of all of the airline’s onboard branded snack and beverage products. He has worked in the airline industry for the past 18 years with companies such as Southwest Airlines, Delta and Airtran, primarily in food, beverage and catering management roles. Since earning a bachelor’s degree in social science from UM, Shoemaker has been actively involved in supporting the University and its students and has given back to the community in multiple ways. Among these, he served UM as president of the UMNAA Junior Board, as vice president of alumni services on the UMNAA Board and as a leader of the Atlanta Area Alumni Club. “Keith is an exceptional candidate for this
