63 Samford transfer students invited back to Birmingham-Southern campus

At 85 feet high and overlooking Birmingham-Southern College’s beautiful, 192-acre campus stands the Edwards Bell Tower.

There’s a tradition at BSC where graduating seniors ring the Bell Tower bell to mark the completion of their studies.

Today, 63 seniors who transferred to Samford University were invited back on campus to ring the bell one last time.

155 Birmingham-Southern students transferred to Samford University

After the college closed on May 31, 2024, 13 colleges and universities across Alabama raised their hands to help Birmingham-Southern students, including Samford University.

155 BSC students chose Samford.

“Everyone had to find a place to finish their education or start a new job without the comfort of the close community they found at BSC.

Our students have been welcomed at dozens of institutions, but by far the largest group is at Samford, and I’m sure being with people they know helped many of them settle in.”

Daniel Coleman, Former President, Birmingham-Southern College

As part of a teach-out agreement, Samford:

• Expedited all BSC applicants
• Created individual financial aid packages for accepted students with the goal that net tuition would be the same or less
• Accepted all earned credits from BSC
• Waived application fees, deadlines + suspension of on-campus housing requirements

Although it can’t make up for the lost time on the Hilltop, Samford President Beck Taylor and staff have “gone the extra mile” to make BSC students feel right at home.

“President Taylor and his team have gone the extra mile; they’ve continued to look for ways to help students adjust to their new environment.

I appreciated the invitation to be at commencement to shake hands and congratulate them as they receive their diplomas. The stoles Dr. Taylor provided with the BSC logo were an especially nice touch. 

All of these efforts have been meaningful not just for students and their families, but for the entire BSC community.”

Daniel Coleman, Former President, Birmingham-Southern College

Why Samford?

So, what is it that made so many BSC students choose to finish their college career at Samford?

We talked to a few seniors to find out.

“The biggest factor was the sense of community and the opportunity to really develop a relationship with professors.

Also, I already had an established circle of trust and strong support group in my fraternity. The Tau Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. was a joint chapter between Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College.”

J’Maureai Raby

Echoing J’Maureai, senior Britney Gonzalez said transferring to Samford opened a new door for her.

“Transferring after BSC announced its closure was overwhelming, but Samford gave me a sense of hope and stability when everything felt like it was falling apart. Samford reminded me of the same feeling I had at BSC: Strong community, small classes and professors who deeply care for their students.

Samford welcomed me in a way that made the transition feel less like an ending and more like the beginning of a chapter.”

Britney Gonzalez

Seniors ring the Birmingham-Southern Bell Tower one last time

Today, April 29, the 63 senior transfers were invited back to BSC’s campus to ring the Bell Tower.

Former faculty and staff greeted students and watched as these seniors closed out their college careers with a bang (or a ring).

“I couldn’t be more grateful to finish what I started in the place that gave me so much.”

J’Maureai Raby

As an alumna, my four years at Samford were (cheesily) the best of my life. It breaks my heart when I think about the students who couldn’t finish out their four years at Birmingham-Southern.

But it is special to see my alma mater welcome so many students who lost their home away from home.

For God, For Learning, Forever and Forward Ever!