The University of Alabama will honor 40 outstanding pioneers who played key roles in breaking racial barriers on campus as part of "Opening Doors."

The 40 individuals were chosen for their contributions to overcoming racial barriers at UA from 1956-1976, a 20-year period in which dramatic changes took place both on the UA campus and across the nation.

They include African-American students who broke color barriers in specific areas of the UA campus as well as individuals who were involved directly with the desegregation of the university.

The Pioneers will be honored June 10 at a Pioneer Scholarship Dinner and a Pioneer Recognition Program. The events will benefit UA's existing scholarships in honor of Foster, Jones and Hood.

click here for a photo gallery of the Pioneers »