The University of Alabama is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first successful enrollment of African-American students by hosting "Opening Doors," three days of events June 9-11 to commemorate the occasion.

On June 11, 1963, Gov. George Wallace stood in the doorway of Foster Auditorium in an attempt to prevent the entrance of two African-American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, into the university facility. This summer, university students, faculty, staff, administration and the Tuscaloosa community will remember the events of 40 years past and honor the two students' enrollment through the "Opening Doors" program.

The celebration will commence Monday, June 9, with a reception honoring speakers and invited guests, as well as a symposium hosted by the College of Communication and Information Sciences titled "Media and the Moment" held at the Bryant Conference Center at 10 a.m.

The highlight of the festivities will take place Tuesday, June 10, at the Pioneer Scholarship Dinner at Moody Music Hall. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will present the keynote address to those in attendance.

On Wednesday, June 11, a youth program will be held at the Ferguson Theatre from 1-2:30 p.m. followed by the "Opening Doors Symposium: Reflections from African-American Alumni, 1956-2000" in the theatre from 3-4:30 p.m.

The events of "Opening Doors" will conclude June 11 at community hosted dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Quad followed by a procession to Foster Auditorium where a candlelight vigil will be held.