In early 1926, within weeks of the Crimson Tide winning its first national championship in a comeback victory over the Washington Huskies at the Rose Bowl, a University of Alabama premedical student named Sidney Mitchell approached his advisor, Dr. Jack Montgomery, with an idea for another first: an honorary fraternity for premedical students.
After an interest meeting that April, the process of officially forming the fraternity was set into motion, and Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) was born. The meaning of the name, “Truth I Pursue,” became the organization’s motto. The first initiation honored eight students who had completed a minimum of three semesters of premedical work with grades that placed them in the upper fifth of their class.
Now a nationwide honor society and service fraternity of over 800,000 members, AED is preparing to celebrate its first 100 years where it all began, in “Sweet Home Alabama.”
For three jam-packed days, February 26-28, approximately 300 attendees, including students, chapter advisors, regional directors, board members, and sponsors will converge on the Hyatt Regency Birmingham–The Wynfrey Hotel to celebrate the historic milestone at the 2026 AED National Biennial Convention.
“Because it’s the centennial, we want this convention to be special, and Birmingham is part of that,” said Carol Bokros, AED’s national director of communications. “It’s such a great city, and I’m very happy about having it there. While we’ll tend to the usual business that happens at a national convention for an honor society – like speakers and regional meetings and evaluating chapter activities across the nation – we’re going to have some fun, too.”
Friday evening, attendees will travel by bus to the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham, where they’ll enjoy a catered dinner and experience all the museum has to offer. The Saturday night Awards Gala will take place at Haven, an event venue housed in a restored 1924 building in Birmingham’s trendy Lakeview neighborhood.
Keynote speakers at the convention include Dr. David Bramm, director of the rural medicine program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Dr. Sandra Ford, co-founder of the Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation.
“And for the first time, we’re having a student keynote speaker, a University of South Alabama senior talking about a great service project that’s benefiting their community,” said Bokros. “I think the students are going to be very excited about that.”
While in Birmingham, convention-goers will honor AED’s culture of service by participating in a project to assist the Spirit of Luke organization in ministering to children in the Black Belt region of Alabama.
But even before the convention begins, a special ceremony will take place on the campus where AED was founded.
“That Wednesday, we’re going over to Tuscaloosa to dedicate a plaque to the University of Alabama,” said Dan Bubb, AED’s national treasurer. “It’s mounted on a granite block, and it’s beautiful, as well it should be, considering what it stands for.”
And as far as Bubb is concerned, it’s only appropriate that Alabama, and the university in particular, share in the credit for all that AED has achieved over the past 100 years.
“This milestone as not just a historic event for us; it’s a historic event for Alabama, too,” he said. “Because it’s the birthplace of AED’s enormous success, this state has been involved in helping produce caring doctors and other health professionals who practice all over the world. I think that’s something that’s really, really special.”
For the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, hosting the 2026 AED National Biennial Convention is both a milestone moment and a meaningful homecoming. With its signature southern hospitality, full-service hotels like the Hyatt Regency Birmingham–The Wynfrey Hotel, distinctive off-site venues and easy access for attendees traveling from across the country, the Greater Birmingham Region continues to earn recognition as a premier destination for meetings and conventions of all sizes.
“We are so proud to welcome the 2026 AED National Biennial Convention to the Greater Birmingham Region,” said Dan Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There is something especially powerful about celebrating a 100-year milestone in the very place where it all began.
“Birmingham offers the connectivity, hospitality and unique venues today’s organizations are looking for, but it also offers a sense of history and authenticity that makes moments like this even more meaningful. We’re honored to play a role in welcoming AED home.”
About Alpha Epsilon Delta
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) is the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society dedicated to inspiring and supporting undergraduate students pursuing advanced careers in the health professions. Our members represent excellence, leadership, and service — united by a shared passion for improving health and serving humanity. For more information, visit www.AEDNational.com.
