Auburn alumnus, Apple CEO Tim Cook one of eight to be inducted into Alabama Academy of Honor Oct. 27

The Alabama Academy of Honor will welcome eight new members in a public ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, in the old House Chambers of the State Capitol in Montgomery. Apple CEO and Auburn University alumnus Tim Cook, a native of Robertsdale, will be among the inductees and will make remarks on behalf of the incoming class. Gov. Robert Bentley and Chairman of the Academy Catherine Randall will make welcoming remarks. Jim Stephens will address the audience on behalf of current Academy members.

With membership limited to 100 distinguished citizens of the state, the Academy bestows honor and recognition upon living Alabamians for their outstanding accomplishments and services. It was created by the State Legislature Oct. 29, 1965.

This year's inductees comprise a blue-ribbon group of leaders in both the public and private sectors. In addition to Cook, honorees will include University of Alabama President Judy Bonner; Big Oak Ranch founder John Croyle; HudsonAlpha co-founder Jim Hudson; civic leader Margaret Porter; Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban; U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions; and business executive Edgar Welden.

Following a 12-year career with IBM, Cook joined Apple in 1998 as senior vice president for worldwide operations, became chief operating officer in 2005 and succeeded founder Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011. Cook is considered one of the most recognized and respected names in business and technology.