Board Spotlight

AHF thanks retiring board member Edgar Welden

Sports and humanities seem an there. Will Publishing later partnered with Tom and Jan unlikely combination, but when the Bailey of Seacoast Publishing to produce a series of paperback governor appointed Alabama Sports books for fourth-grade students in public schools based on Hall of Fame Chairman Edgar Welden the biographies of famous Alabamians. The series of 45 books to the Alabama Humanities Board of is called Alabama Roots. “They expose them to Alabama Directors in 2002, the match became history,” Welden said, citing an impressive list of native sons an ideal fit. and daughters like Julia Tutwiler, Jesse Owens, Joe Lewis, Appointed and Hank Aaron, Tallulah Bankhead, Harper Lee and Jennifer reappointed to various terms, Welden used his Chandler, who are among the subjects of the books. sports and business acumen along with his They are written on a level geared toward elementary generosity to become a leader on the board, school children to help them learn through these and in turn, humanities influenced him to inspiring stories about famous Alabamians. “I’m publish a series of books, help students achieve proud of that, and it was motivated and inspired by and reward top teachers with scholarships for the humanities,” Welden said. their classroom. Throughout his tenure on the AHF Board, he has

“I was not a normal prospect for the board,” continued to make an impact. He led fundraising Welden recalled. “Outside of my real estate opportunities, helping secure governmental funding business, most of my volunteer work has been for AHF projects like Encyclopedia of Alabama and in sports-related activities.” But he found a way Making Alabama. A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit, to bring the two together. He serves as chairman of which toured all 67 counties in the state to celebrate the Bryant Jordan Scholarship, which has awarded millions of 200 years of statehood. dollars to deserving student athletes statewide to further their Welden took a tour of his own around the state, again education. He founded the Birmingham Athletic Partnership teaming sports and humanities. He traveled to all 67 county in the City of Birmingham to ensure sports, band and seats where he visited all of the courthouses and played tennis cheerleading in city schools did not fall victim to budget cuts. in every county. “I wanted to inject sports into humanities, so

And because he was on the humanities board, he said he while I was in each county, I took the opportunity to promote was influenced to continue his interest in the writing and both the AHF and ASHOF. The AHF had a packet of publishing process. One such venture was when his information for a statewide project related to Alabama food publishing company, Will Publishing (which is named after traditions, and they were trying to get every county to his first grandchild) published Hearts of Dixie: 50 Alabamians participate. I took the packet to the local newspapers in every and the State They Called Home. Former AHF Board Chair county and encouraged them to run a story on it.” Jim Noles, he said, shouldered most of the writing In another instance, he took a year off from business and responsibilities and did an admirable job. traveled to all 50 states, attended 250 different sporting events

A portion of the proceeds went to the Jenice Riley for 35 different sports. It was the centerpiece of his book, Memorial Scholarships he founded in 2003, which is given TIME OUT! A Sports Fan’s Dream Year. As a part of this trip, each year to deserving teachers to enhance their classroom he also visited every state capitol building and learned the learning experience. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded by history of each state. AHF in memory of the daughter of former Gov. Bob and First As he approaches the end of his final term with Alabama Lady Patsy Riley. Humanities when he retires from it in December, he talked of

The former head of Alabama Development Office and the many positive experiences he has had in serving over the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, years, melding his passion for sports and humanities. Welden was active in Alabama politics over the years. He He has received AHF’s highest honor, the Alabama worked on Riley’s campaign for governor and got to know the Humanities Award, forerunner to Alabama Humanities whole family, he said. “I was especially fond of Jenice Riley. Fellow, and he has demonstrated leadership in multiple terms She loved teaching, and I wanted to honor her dedication to serving on the board. “I am proud to have been part of the teaching.” Tragically, she died of cancer at the young age of 33 organization,” he said. “I want to thank all of the board when her father was beginning his first campaign for members and AHF staff that I have had the privilege of governor. serving with and who have taught and influenced me so

Welden is proud of the scholarship, which is open to K-8 much about the humanities.” teachers for civics and social studies projects for their “I have been honored to serve with Edgar as a board students. “It helps students understand history and the value member and board chair and now as interim director,” said of public service and civic duty and encourages them to get retired Judge John Rochester. “Over the years, AHF has involved in civic service,” he said. benefitted greatly from his knowledge, expertise and his

But his work with humanities and students did not stop deep devotion to the humanities.” n Mosaic | Fall 2020 | alabamahumanities.org 5 5 55