CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 5
Catherine’s gift commitment to the College has
established a fully discretionary endowment, providing
it with tremendous 昀氀exibility to become one of the
preeminent engineering and computer science programs
in the country as well as to continue its upward
trajectory of student and faculty achievement.
“With this support, we will expand opportunities
for our students, strengthen our research enterprise
and invest in programs that make a direct impact on
the state of Alabama, our nation and the world,” said
Dr. Clifford Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College
of Engineering.
“We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Styslinger for her
remarkable generosity and for her vision for the future
of our College of Engineering,” Henderson added. “It
is a tremendous honor for our College to bear the name
of Lee J. Styslinger Jr. — a man whose leadership and
impact extend well beyond Alabama.”
Lee Jr.’s legacy throughout the state includes an
enduring commitment to service and philanthropy. In
1997, he and Catherine established the Altec/Styslinger
Foundation, focusing on education and workforce
development in the communities served by Altec.
Additionally, Lee Jr. served on leadership boards for
various nonpro昀椀t organizations, including Highlands
Day School, Children’s Harbor, Junior Achievement of
Greater Birmingham, St. Vincent’s Hospital and the
American National Red Cross.
Catherine said that Lee Jr.’s sel昀氀essness and
charitable nature are values young people should
prioritize. She is proud that his name and legacy will
inspire future generations of engineering students
at UA.
“He would want students to study hard and put
forth the effort that he did to make a contribution,
not only to the school but to other people outside of
the school in whatever work they choose.”
ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: The Styslinger family attends spring 2026 commencement, where Lee Jr. is awarded a posthumous degree; Members
of the Styslinger family admire the portrait of Lee Jr. unveiled during a ceremony in H.M. Comer Hall on May 1, 2026. MIDDLE: The College was
named in honor of Lee Jr. during a ceremony on Oct. 17, 2025. BELOW: UA President Peter Mohler and Dean Clifford Henderson present
Catherine Styslinger with a framed certificate in recognition of her gift to the College.
FALL 2026 | CAPSTONE ENGINEER | 5
