Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law welcomed alumni and friends back to Birmingham on Oct. 2 for its annual alumni reunion, bringing together graduates from across generations to reconnect, celebrate shared experiences and strengthen the bonds that continue to define the Cumberland community.
The evening served as a homecoming of sorts with alumni returning to campus to reunite with classmates, engage with faculty and students, and reflect on the relationships and experiences that have shaped their personal and professional journeys.
"The strength of Cumberland has always been its people," said Dean Blake Hudson. "Events like our annual reunion remind us that the connections formed here extend far beyond graduation. Our alumni continue to support one another, serve their communities and strengthen the legacy of this law school through their leadership and engagement."
Throughout the event, attendees shared memories of their time at Cumberland and reflected on the values that continue to draw them back to the law school years, and even decades after graduation.
Honoring Milestone Reunions
One highlight of the evening was the recognition of members of the Classes of 1976 and 1986, who celebrated their 50th and 40th reunion anniversaries, respectively.
Representing careers that have spanned private practice, public service, business and the judiciary, members of both classes gathered to reconnect with former classmates and celebrate the enduring friendships formed during their time at Cumberland.
The milestone reunions testified to the lasting impact of the Cumberland experience and the relationships that continue to unite alumni long after they leave campus.
Mark Yancey, a member of the Class of 1986, organized the class reunion events that took place throughout the weekend. After having had an extensive career with the U.S. Department of Justice, Yancey serves as the director of graduate studies and professor of practice at the University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
“My three years in law school make up only 5% of my life so far, yet they proved to be the most influential,” Yancey said. “At Cumberland, I developed lifelong friendships and grew scholastically. The result was a successful 36-year legal career with the United States Department of Justice.”
Recognizing Distinguished Alumni and Friends
The reunion also provided an opportunity to recognize individuals whose careers and service exemplify Cumberland School of Law's commitment to leadership, professionalism and service.
Sharon D. Stuart ’87, JD '90, received the Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award. A longtime leader in the legal profession and devoted supporter of Samford University and Cumberland School of Law, Stuart has spent decades serving the legal community through private practice, professional leadership and mentorship while remaining actively engaged with the law school through volunteer service, governance and student support.
Ruby Villalobos Adams, JD '20, was recognized as Young Alumna of the Year. Through her work as co-founder of a bilingual law firm serving minority and Spanish-speaking communities in north Alabama, Adams has demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to legal services while giving back to both her profession and her community.
Reflecting on the influence of her alma mater, Adams said compassion is among the first words that come to mind when she thinks of Cumberland School of Law.
"In my six years of practice, I've met many lawyers from all over. However, when I meet lawyers from Cumberland, there's always a noticeable difference, and that is that Cumberland lawyers practice with more compassion than others," Adams said. "From the staff and faculty to students, Cumberland School of Law sets the standard in caring for others, their clients and the world."
Benjamin Warren, JD '18, received the Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to Cumberland's nationally recognized alternative dispute resolution program. Through coaching, mentorship and skills training, Warren has helped prepare students for success in competition and practice while advancing the law school's tradition of advocacy excellence.
"Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award was incredibly meaningful to me because Cumberland has played such an important role in shaping the lawyer and person I am today," Warren said. "The opportunity to give back to a place that has given me so much is something I have never taken for granted."
Gaynor L. St. John was honored as Friend of Cumberland for her longstanding support of the law school and its students. A highly respected trial lawyer, mediator and arbitration professional, St. John has partnered with Cumberland for many years, particularly through the Jere F. White Jr. Trial Advocacy Institute and other educational initiatives.
READ: Cumberland School of Law Announces its 2026 Distinguished Alumnni Award Recipients
Looking Ahead
As alumni posed for class photos, shared stories and celebrated the accomplishments of fellow members of the Cumberland family, the evening served as a reminder that the impact of a Cumberland education extends far beyond graduation.
While the reunion celebrated milestones and achievements, it also reaffirmed the enduring connections that unite generations of Cumberland graduates and continue to strengthen the law school's legacy of leadership, service and advocacy.
