On May 30, 1965, Vivian Malone became the first African-American to graduate from the University of Alabama after confronting Governor George C. Wallace to gain admission to the all-White university in the episode known as "The Stand at the Schoolhouse Door." Supported by President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and the National Guard, she and James Hood enrolled on June 11, 1963. Her courage, tenacity, self-confidence, and intelligence enabled her to overcome extraordinary obstacles and reach her historic graduation. Born in Monroe County, Alabama, and a graduate of Central High School in Mobile, she later began her career with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., and became a national advocate and spokesperson for civil rights, environmental and social justice, voter's rights, and women's health initiatives. The Vivian Malone Jones Endowed Scholarship for Diversity is awarded annually to a deserving student at the University of Alabama. In 2000, she gave the commencement address to the university's graduating class and urged them to be bold, have courage, and walk through a door that leads to opportunity for others.