University of West Alabama graduate student Pamela C. McAlpine of Gallion has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by Pinnacle Honor Society, a national honor society for non-traditional students who are involved in both campus and community activities and who excel academically.

McAlpine began her graduate studies in January after earning her bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in art in December 2008, graduating magna cum laude and as an honors scholar. She is a research assistant for UWA’s Center for the Study of the Black Belt.

In addition to Pinnacle, McAlpine is also a member of Alpha Chi, Blue Key, Phi Alpha Theta and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

McAlpine has lived in the Demopolis area for over 40 years. She has three children, John Jr. and his wife, Sherri; Mary Rhyne and her husband, Michael; and Jim and his wife, Stephanie. She also has seven grandchildren, Ashley and Anna Michael Rhyne; Conner Cain; Vince Moseley; and Kathryn, Josie and J.W. McAlpine.

Her parents are Margie S. Roberts and Jim and LaVonne Conner, all of Huntsville.