The University of Alabama is known for having outstanding organizations on campus that value tradition and strive for excellence. One such organization is The Capstone Men and Women, also known as the men with the red and white, striped ties and the women in red suits. The 35 members of Capstone Men and Women are carefully chosen to serve as The University of Alabama’s official ambassadors. The selection process is rigorous, and the members must tryout each year.

To give a brief history of the organization, it was established in 1962. Originally, only women were involved, and they called themselves The Crimson Girls. In 1976, male members were added; therefore, they changed their name accordingly to the Crimson Girls and Capstone Men. Finally, in 1991, they arrived at their present day name, Capstone Men and Women.

Today, Capstone Men and Women carry out the tradition of displaying hospitality to all that visit the University of Alabama. One of the responsibilities of being an ambassador is to host daily tours of the campus to alumni, athletes, special guests and, of course, potential students and their families. These representatives want to show each person all there is to offer at the Capstone.

The organization works hard to bring the idea of living and studying at the University to life. Any student can show a guest where the Rec Center or a certain building is located; however, it takes a lot more to paint the tours with bright colors. Katelyn Katsafanas, this year’s president, stated, “We work to bridge their initial perceptions with the campus reality. Our goal is to help them see their future at the University, and all they can achieve if they choose to pursue an education or career here.” She added, “We strive to always showcase the University in a positive light, and we always make sure the guests feel at home!”

A Capstone Man or Woman can be easily spotted on campus giving a tour. Usually, they are seen walking backward and speaking to large groups of students making it look extremely natural and graceful! A typical tour would consist of showing guests the historical buildings, the striking landscape, and the state-of-the-art facilities. The Rec Center is always a stop on the tour along with the suite-style residence halls. The members claim that these are the two highest selling points to the incoming students. “Often, parents jokingly ask if they can come back to stay in the suite-style residence halls,”  Katsafanas said.

Not only do the Capstone Men and Women host daily tours, but also they assist the University President’s office, the admissions office and the alumni during functions held on campus. One of the most exciting events the ambassadors get to work is the pregame ceremony at the President’s Mansion on gamedays. Their duties on gameday continue into Bryant-Denny Stadium. Before every game, the Capstone Men and Women stand proudly on the field to support the Tide before kickoff.

Katsafanas explained that the members of this organization come from all over with various backgrounds. They each have something unique to offer the organization. Katsafanas stated, “We’re all very close, and it makes it that much more fun to serve the University because you’re doing so with your best friends.”

The Odyssey would like to 

CONGRATULATE 

the members of the 2015-2016 Capstone Men and Women!

The Capstone Men and Women Advisor: Ms. Lucy Arnold Sikes from Ozark, Al.

Capstone Men and Women President: Katelyn Katsafanas, Naperville, IL (Junior) – member for 2 years

Elizabeth Anne Beasley, Eufala, AL (Junior) – member for 1 year

Jake Bottcher, Birmingham, AL (Junior) – member for 2 years

Bailey Brock, Rome, GA (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Kennedi Cobb, Tuscaloosa, AL (Junior) – member for 1 year

Allie Gaster, Marietta, GA (Junior) – member for 1 year

Stephanie Gaytan, Glen Carbon, IL (Freshman) – new member

Alex Grady, Iowa City, IA (Freshman) – new member

Rob Grady, Iowa City, IA (Junior) – member for 2 years

Katie Hall, Memphis, TN (Junior) – member for 1 year

PJ Hatcher, Hoover, AL (Freshman) – new member

Faulkner Hereford, Birmingham, AL (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Jenny Lamberth, Alexander City, AL (Junior) – member for 2 years

Rosie Lamberth, Alexander City, AL (Freshman) – new member

Ainsley LeBlanc, Memphis, TN (Sophomore) – new member

Marissa Lee, Birmingham, AL (Freshman) – new member

Matt Loft, Bartlett, TN (Freshman) – new member

Tucker Martin, Birmingham, AL (Freshman) – new member

Anne Matthews, Greenville, AL (Sophomore) – new member

Michaela McLaughlin, Langhorne, PA (Sophomore) – new member

Quinn Meineke, Birmingham, AL (Junior) – member for 1 year

Austin Parrish, Fairfax Station, VA (Junior) – member for 1 year

Morgan Patrick, Florence, AL (Freshman) – new member

Maddy Powell, Birmingham, AL (Freshman) – new member

Anna Lee Price, Alexander City, AL (Sophomore) – new member

Jimmy Pritchett, Decatur, AL (Freshman) – new member

Bryonna Rivera Burrows, Kennesaw, GA (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Mackenzie Ross, Meridian, MS (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Nick Schmitt, Fairhope, AL (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Tommy Scott, Columbus, OH (Freshman) – new member

Dan Shelton, Birmingham, AL (Sophomore) – member for 1 year

Chandler Shields, Madison, AL (Freshman) – new member

Christin Spencer, Hunstville, AL (Junior) – member for 2 years

Mary Harmon Tyson, Birmingham, AL (Junior) – member for 2 years

Mae Rose Tyson, Birmingham, AL (Freshman) – new member