A Family Tradition — Rushton Follows Dad as ISS Mayor

When Tullia Rushton '09 became mayor at Springs this semester, she continued a family tradition of student leadership at the school. Her father, Rusty Rushton '74, was mayor during his senior year.

While honored and excited to follow her father's footsteps as mayor, her main motivation for running for mayor was service to Springs. "I wanted to continue my involvement at Springs and give back to the school, so I thought it would be a fun thing to do," Tullia says. Her goals will be to promote the school, rally school spirit, and encourage involvement in student government, making it approachable to every student, she says.

In addition to her work in student government, she has also been part of the ISS volleyball, soccer and softball teams as well as the French Club and Awareness Club, which brings attention to national and global issues of concern. She has been accepted to Duke University and will begin studies in the fall.

Tullia says that she hasn't asked her father for advice about her mayoral service, but looks to his example for guidance. "He's just an incredible person who is always available to talk to and listen. That's an example I want to follow."

For his part, Rusty says that Tullia will do very well whether or not she seeks his advice. "She's better than I ever was!" he quipped.

Rusty, an English professor and associate director of the UAB Honors Program, has continued his service to Springs beyond his student years, currently serving as a member of school's Board of Governors. "I am proud to represent and continue to be a part of Springs," he says. "I was nurtured and supported here, and I am pleased to be able to give back to the school in this way."