Spring/Summer 2023 Montevallo Today

MONTEVALLO TODAY

University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine

today@montevallo.edu

PUBLISHERS

Scott Dillard MBA ’17

Kira Thomas ’12

EDITORS

Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt ’00, MBA ’13

Wesley Hallman

DESIGN EDITOR

Julie Haggard

PHOTO EDITOR

Alyssa Green ’14

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stefani Horn

Corey Nolen

Britton Wade ’25

Michael Wade

CONTRIBUTORS

M.K. Bryant ’23

Laurel Hall Dobbins ’15

Wyatt Hall ’19

Kelli J. Holmes MBA ’18

Lizbeth Juarez ’18, MBA ’21

Marsha Littleton

Reed Strength ’16

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

UMNAA President

Stephanie Shaw ’93

President-Elect

Eddie Baker III ’04

Interim Parliamentarian

Jim Methvin ’73

VP, Alumni Services

Greg Lee ’99

VP, Awards

Pat Scales ’66

Secretary Diane Ray ’68, M.Ed. ’74

VP, Clubs

Zachary Banks ’08

VP, Finance/Treasurer

Jean Kline ’77

VP, Special Events

Megan Randolph ’06

VP, Student Services

Dr. Lindsey Sherrill ’07, MBA ’15

Members at Large

Jason Booi ’04, Kay Butts-Pruett ’04, Dr. Dessilyn Chappell M.Ed. ’09, ’13, Ed.S. ’15, Amoi Geter ’94, Julia House ’75, Kristen Law ’01, Jane McClanahan ’61, Matthew Mitchell ’06, Mike Mitchell ’86, Stacy Moon ’90, Van Nelson ’80, Emmett Dean Russell ’75, Eric SanInocencio ’03, Dr. Antonio Williams ’05

Alumni Council Representative

Kit Waters ’78

From Calkins Hall

Dear Montevallo family,

As I look back on our homecoming tradition, I’m reminded how appropriate our theme for this year’s celebration was for the University of Montevallo. In many ways, “Te legacy continues,” embodies the moment we’re in as an institution. Our legacy of providing accessible and affordable access to higher education for the students we serve has never been more important.

We’re committed to this goal in several ways. I’m thankful that in February, our Board of Trustees voted to freeze tuition again for the sixth consecutive year. Also, the University has provided an additional $1 million in institutional aid every year to our students.

We appreciate the commitment so many of our alumni and donors have made to help us continue this.

In 2023, we plan to launch our $30 million capital campaign. Te campaign will focus signifcantly on scholarships.

Your gifts have already made a tremendous impact on the lives of many of our students.

Two in particular that stand out are Hannah Waki ’22, MBA ’23 and Amelia Valery ’23. Hannah, who had a decorated undergraduate career that included an internship with Dr. Richard Cummings ’74 at Harvard University Medical School, graduated from UM this spring with an MBA and will pursue a doctorate in chemistry. Amelia, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, was recently accepted to Columbia University Journalism School.

To each and every one who has given, we’re so grateful that you’ve chosen to give in this way toward scholarships. You will never know how important your gifts for scholarships are to us and how much it means to our students.

I sincerely appreciate your eforts on behalf of our students. I recently reminded several of them about one of my favorite Vietnamese proverbs, “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”

To our students, when you graduate from UM and go on to do great things in the world, remember the future generations of students who will be here also.

Dr. John W. Stewart III UM President

On the Cover Donor John Cox and UM junior Cady Inabinett, a recipient of the Laurie Ann Cox Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in English, stand in front of Reynolds Hall. See page 13 for a feature highlighting the impact Cox and other donors have made on UM students.

13

Montevallo Today Vol. 94, Issue 2, Spring/Summer 2023

Montevallo Today (USPS 005432; ISSN 1052-3634) is published two times a year by the University of Montevallo, Alumni Affairs/University Marketing & Communications, Reynolds Hall, Highland St., Montevallo, AL 35115. Periodicals postage paid at Montevallo, AL, and additional mailing offces. POSTMASTER, send address changes to Montevallo Today, Station 6215, P.O. Box 6000, Montevallo, AL 35115. To contact the Alumni Affairs Offce, please call 205-665-6215. Text, photographs and graphic images included in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the editor. The University of Montevallo is an equal opportunity/affrmative action institution and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or disabled veteran/Vietnam era veteran status in the University’s educational programs; admissions policies; faculty, staff and student employment policies; fnancial aid; or other school-administered programs and services.

Dr. Rosa Stoop

Pursuing her passions at

It took just one visit for Dr. Rosa Stoops to learn the veracity of experiences shared by many of her acquaintances about their time on the red brick streets at UM.

“Te motto of the University ‘You belong at Montevallo’ is true for all individuals who study, teach and work here,” Stoops said.

Stoops, who said she “applied without any hesitation” after learning about an open position, is now 18 years into her career at UM as a professor of French and Spanish with the Department of English and World Languages. She has served as an associate professor for the past 12 years after six years as an assistant professor.

Stoops was also recently named the frst Christiane Angele Jacobson Endowed Spanish Chair.

“I fell in love with the campus, the intimate atmosphere and the people here when I was invited for an interview,” Stoops said. “I have to say that I really, really wanted to get the job after I had lunch with the Spanish students. I felt welcome. I felt that I could really make a diference in students’ lives here and share the best of my knowledge and experience with the type of students that interviewed me for the position.”

Stoops is a native Spanish speaker, with an advanced profciency in Portuguese. She also has near-native profciency in English, French and Italian. Stoops said she was inspired to pursue teaching as her calling in life by her family, teachers and professors throughout her education. Her frst teacher was her grandmother who served as a kindergarten teacher and taught her to read when she was 4 years old.

While family and friends encouraged Stoops’ passion for teaching, she said her students attracted her to the profession and keep the fre burning 18 years into her career.

Stoops has impacted her students in countless ways throughout the course of her

s UM

career. She has served as an adviser for 13 students completing undergraduate research projects and has led six trips to Europe during her time at UM, including three to Spain and three to France.

“I cannot emphasize enough the benefts for students who travel and study abroad,” Stoops said. “In these trips, students improve their mastery of a foreign language, but more importantly, they travel beyond their area of comfort to transcend views that they consider the most natural.”

Stoops said she’s learned as much from her students as they have learned under her instruction.

“I have enjoyed every single moment in

the classroom, in study abroad trips, research days, clubs and other activities with students,” Stoops said. “Every group is unique in their perspectives and their vision for the future, and that is fascinating to me. I have shared knowledge and experience, but I also have been enriched by my students’ experiences and their great ideas. I have laughed a lot with every single group.”

Stoops said Spanish faculty members are proud and hopeful for the future of Spanish studies at UM. Te funds associated with the endowed chair in Spanish will be destined primarily to advance the studies of Spanish majors and minors through scholarships on campus.

MEL ANIE CER VAN T E S

Making her way to a bright future

BY REED STRENGTH ’16

When Melanie Cervantes turned 18 she had three goals: go to college to study business, get a great credit score and make her parents proud.

Now 20, Cervantes is gearing up for a prestigious summer internship with Ernst & Young (EY), a Big 4 accounting frm.

It won’t be her last. She already has another internship lined up with Kassouf & Co. in spring 2024. She’s also a volunteer with the on-campus Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, treasurer of Pi Chi Teta business fraternity and a junior, a challenging year for an accounting student.

Cervantes manages it all while facing several challenges in her impressive rise to the top of her class.

Cervantes is the oldest of fve children. She moved from Mexico with her family and started school knowing little English. Growing up in a big household on a small budget is partially what inspired her to want to learn more about money. Cervantes is a frst-generation college student and admitted that going through her frst semester with no one to guide her was tough.

“I didn’t have anyone to look up to or anyone around me to ask like, ‘Hey, where are you going? How has it been? Have you liked it?’” said Cervantes.

While she earned a few scholarships for her high school performance, they didn’t cover everything. As a result, she’s been paying for everything else out of her own pocket.

“One major goal has always been to graduate without loans and without debt. And I'm still going strong!” said Cervantes. “My parents have helped me along the way. But also I have been working my absolute hardest to pay for everything on my own.”

Tat goal got easier last summer when Cervantes received an unexpected phone call from Staci Kolb, her accounting adviser. Kolb told her she was the frst recipient of the James and Jennifer Newman Endowed Accounting Scholarship.

Established in 2021 by James ’74 and Jennifer Newman, the scholarship is awarded annually to a junior, senior or ffth-year accounting major, with a preference toward frst-generation students who have a demonstrated fnancial need for scholarship support.

“I was like, ‘What did I do? How did I win it?’” said Cervantes. “She (Kolb) just said, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing.’ And that’s when it hit me: Just keep doing what

I’m doing. Tat means...I might be doing a good job!”

Cervantes credits her success to the quality and personal attention of her accounting professors.

“Tey’re really invested in the students’ professional lives, even after graduating. It’s just great to have professors who truly care about you and about your interests,” said Cervantes.

Montevallo Anglers Win National Championship

Sophomore anglers Peyton Harris and Dalton Head became the frst duo to win a national championship for the UM fshing team at the 2023 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship Presented by Lowrance Feb. 23 at Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Florida.

Harris and Head entered the fnal day of competition in third place before a total weigh-in of 15 bass at 66 pounds, 15 ounces over the three-day event gave them the win by a small margin over anglers from Webber International University.

“It was a magical day for those guys and the program,” said fshing team coach William Crawford.

Following the collegiate national championship, the pair qualifed for the 2023 Toyota Series Championship, where they will

compete with professional anglers. Harris, of Chelsea, and Head, of Moody, grew up fshing nearby on the Coosa River. After teaming up with Head to win the Falcons’ frst national championship, Harris expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his fshing career and earn a college degree not far from his hometown.

“We can’t thank the University of Montevallo enough,” Harris said. “Both of us sought out Montevallo as a university because of its impressive fshing program. We knew in order to become better anglers, we needed to go somewhere where we could fsh with the best college anglers in the country. Fishing with the best pushes us to be our best. And that’s why we are here today.”

Te team was also named Major League Fishing National School of the Year for the

second consecutive year. Te team beat out 176 schools to win the coveted honor and is the only school in MLF history to achieve back-to-back school-of-the-year honors.

UM Renovates Old Gym Into Strength and Conditioning Center

As the number of student-athletes has grown at UM, the need for training and workout space has become more prevalent. UM Athletics debuted a renovated Old Gym, formerly known as Bibb Graves Gym, during an open house Feb. 10.

Old Gym also assists graduate students in the Exercise and Nutrition Science program, including many who serve as strength and conditioning graduate assistants in Athletics. Te facility features 12 power racks with space for up to 30 student-athletes to train simultaneously.

Old Gym is a large historic facility that the University has used since the 1930s, but in recent years it has been underutilized. By transforming the building into a student-athlete strength and conditioning center, Old Gym will be used year-round to keep the Falcons competitive with other institutions.

Peyton Harris and Dalton Head

STARS Sustainability Rating Upgraded to Silver

Te University has been upgraded to a ciate professor of environmental studies STARS Silver Rating from the Associ- and coordinator of campus sustainability. ation for the Advancement of Sustain- “Tis was truly a campus-wide efort, ability in Higher Education (AASHE) as we received points for projects and iniin recognition of its sustainability tiatives led by students, staf and faculty achievements. STARS, the Sustainability to improve sustainability education and Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, practice at UM,” Caplow said. measures and encourages sustainability UM houses the frst and only environin all aspects of higher education. mental studies major in public higher

Te University, which earned Bronze education in Alabama. status in 2019, has expanded its sustain-

Te University will retain the Silver ability initiatives in recent years under status in the STARS rating through 2026. the leadership of Dr. Susan Caplow, asso-

UM Athletics Adding Acrobatics and Tumbling

President Stewart and Vice President for Athletic and Special Programs Mark Richard have announced the addition of women’s acrobatics and tumbling as the school’s 23rd intercollegiate athletics sport that will begin in the 2024-2025 season.

Te inaugural season for the program will begin in the spring of 2025 as it increases UM’s sport total to 23. Te announcement marks the addition of the 12th new intercollegiate sport added at Montevallo within the past 10 years. Student-athletes will report to campus in the fall of 2024 and begin competing in the spring of 2025.

“We’re excited about the continued growth within our athletic department,” said Richard. “We’re proud to ofer the opportunity for talented student-athletes to pursue acrobatics and tumbling at the collegiate level. We look forward to adding to our high-achieving student-athlete population on campus.”

Chris Stewart Speaks at Fall Commencement

Chris Stewart ’92, the men’s basketball play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide Sports Network for the past two decades, told 114 undergraduate and 55 graduate students Dec. 9, 2022, that UM teaches its students how to think.

“I learned how to fgure things out when the textbook doesn’t always have the answer,” said Stewart, the 2022 Fall Commencement keynote speaker. “And I learned what so many others before me and since my graduation had learned, that just because you went to a small liberal arts university in a beautiful little piece of Shelby County, Alabama, you aren’t limited in what you can become.”

Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication at UM. He has been named a fve-time “Alabama Sportscaster of the Year” by the National Sports Media Association. Te Fairfeld native was also the recipient of the UMNAA Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award in 2009 and was a 2021 inductee into the UM Athletics Hall of Fame.

Photo by Corey Nolen

UM Freezes Tuition Rates for 6th Consecutive Year

To help maintain its status as one of the best quality-for-cost higher education institutions in the state, the UM Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 10 to once again freeze tuition at the same rate it has been since the 2018-2019 school year.

“Te University family is proud that we have capped tuition rates at Montevallo for the sixth year in a row,” said President Stewart. “Trustees, faculty, staf and benefactors have made a quality college degree accessible and afordable for high school graduates, community college transfers and adult learners. Freezing tuition for another year helps tremendously as we prepare our students for thoughtful citizenry and meaningful careers.”

To further help incoming students, the University is waiving the ACT/SAT test score requirement for admission and is ofering scholarships to students based on their high school GPA through fall 2024.

UM Online Graduate Education Programs Ranked Among Best in the Nation

Te University’s online graduate education programs in the College of Education and Human Development ranked in the top 100 in the nation and in the top four in Alabama according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Graduate Programs rankings.

UM’s national ranking of 97 is up from last year by 11 positions.

U.S. News assessed 345 schools in the best online master’s in education programs rankings based on a variety of objective factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.

Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray, director of UM’s graduate studies, said Montevallo has been counted as one of the nation’s best online graduate education programs for several years now, and it’s an accomplishment they’re proud of.

“UM has allowed this department to create a quality online education program that has excelled in educator preparation,” Alexiou-Ray said.

UM Earns Highest Ranking to Date as a Military Friendly School

Te University has been designated as a Military Friendly School for the third consecutive year and earned its highest ranking to date in the small public schools category with a No. 7 ranking following an announcement by the Military Friendly program March 7.

UM earned Top Ten honors for its support of military members and their dependents this year and has received special recognition in the past as a Military Spouse Friendly School.

“Te Ofce of Veteran and Military Afairs is honored to receive the designation as a Military Friendly School again this year,” said Traci Crenshaw, director and school certifying ofcial in the UM Ofce of Military and Veteran Afairs. “To be ranked seventh among the nation’s small schools is a huge recognition for all of the work the University of Montevallo has done to welcome veterans and their dependents to the UM family and acknowledge their value to our campus community.”

Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic Opens

Te new and free-to-the-public Grainger Community Counseling and Wellness Clinic is now open following a grand opening and ribbon-cutting Feb. 17 at Sims House on campus.

At no cost to its clients, the clinic provides general therapy, group therapy, play therapy for children and telemental health virtual counseling.

Te clinic is open to anyone who makes an appointment during its hours of Monday through Tursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community members can fnd additional information and schedule an appointment online at montevallo.edu/communitycounseling-clinic. Appointments can also be scheduled by phone at 205-665-6377. Te clinic is located at 1045 Middle St. in Montevallo.

Te clinic was made possible by Michael and Donna Grainger, who donated to fund the clinic, the Hill Crest Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Shelby County Community Health Foundation, the Montevallo Development Cooperative District (MDCD), which is a partnership comprised of the University, the city of Montevallo and Shelby County, and several individual donors Te clinic provides free mental health care to Montevallo residents and other local communities.

Michael Grainger, a 1973 graduate of the University, said he’s hopeful the clinic can make a diference in the lives of those in the community during life’s struggles such as the loss of a parent, spouse or child, unemployment, a veteran re-acclimating to daily life or even coping day-to-day.

“Te need for mental health professionals by 2025 is projected to be a million,” Michael Grainger said. “Based on the current population and demographics, we’re going to be 250,000 (counselors) short. But there’s really only one number that is important in mental health and dealing with mental health, and that’s the number one, because it’s a personal journey you’re on. It’s a personal, intense journey for the person with the illness and the person doing the counseling.”

A dedication ceremony was held for the clinic in May 2022 where President Stewart; Dr. Latofa Parker, clinic director; the Graingers and others broke ground. Now, the clinic is ready for service to help meet the needs of those who do not receive mental health care because of cost.

“If people are mentally well, it improves their quality of life, particularly work life,” said Parker, who is also an associate professor of counseling at UM. “From a societal point of view, we want people to have healthy families and go to work. We know that mental

health is a big challenge in our society, so providing free services will help meet a need that will enhance our community, county and state.”

Stewart said he is proud the institution can assist in meeting the needs of Montevallo and surrounding communities.

Childcare during counseling sessions is also available for those who need it if scheduled ahead of time.

“My hope for the clinic is that it’s a place of healing for people who are dealing with mental health challenges,” Parker said. “Tat people come, feel supported and receive quality services that will improve the quality of their lives.”

Parker said the professional development opportunities aforded to graduate students at the University with the opening of the clinic continue to add to the prestige of a degree from UM.

“A master’s degree in counseling at the University of Montevallo holds prominence,” Parker said.

Learn more about these top stories and stay informed on UM updates at montevallo.edu/news

Montevallo Athletics Inducts Hall of Fame Class of 2023

The UM Athletic Department in- Award in 2017. She was selected a PBC Gold Wood was named a WGCA Second Team ducted its Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Scholar and All-Academic Team member for All-American. She earned UM’s Margaret Feb. 10 at the Center for the Arts. four years. She was also named PBC Female Blalock award for three consecutive years. Te new inductees included Dr. Cheyenne Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2017 and a She earned four individual tournament wins Tompson ’17, Elaine Wood ’17, Robert COSIDA Academic All-American selection and posted a third-place fnish at the PBC Blake ’65, Phillip Agricola ’66, Hon. Todd in 2015. She earned the NCAA Division Championships in 2016. She tied for ffth at Strange ’66 and the 1971-1972 men’s bas- II Athletic Directors Association Academic the NCAA Division II South Super Region ketball team. Te Hall of Fame now includes Achievement Award in 2016, was an Ala- Championships in 2016 and represented 135 members and seven teams. bama Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete the Falcons as an individual in the National “Te 11-member Montevallo Athletics of the Year runner-up, D2CCA Southeast Championship.

Hall of Fame Committee has done a fne job Region Scholar-Athlete of the Year and an Robert Blake selecting some of the best student-athletes NCAA Woman of the Year fnalist. Tomp- Blake, a native of Bufalo, New York, and pioneers throughout Montevallo Ath- son led the Falcons to three consecutive PBC graduated from Alabama College in 1965. In letics’ rich history,” said Vice President of Titles and three consecutive NCAA South- 1960, he joined the golf team formed earlier Athletic and Special Programs Mark Richard. east Regional Championships and competed that year by Dr. Chester Palmer. Addition- individually at the NCAA Division II Cross

Dr.

Cheyenne

Thompson ally, Blake earned All-Conference honors in Country Nationals four consecutive years.

A Chelsea native, Tompson was named 1964 and helped form a competitive golf the Peach Belt Conference Track Athlete of Elaine Wood program at his alma mater. the Year in 2015 and 2017 and was a four- Wood, a Spanish Fort native, received Phillip Agricola time selection to the PBC All-Conference the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Agricola graduated from Alabama College Team. She was named to the USTFCCA Year award in women’s golf in 2014. Wood in 1966 and became the frst athlete from NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region was named to the PBC All-Conference First the institution to be drafted by a professional team four times and named to the COSIDA Team four times and was a two-time NCAA team when he was drafted to Major League Academic All-District Team three times. First Team All-American. In addition, she Baseball by the Boston Red Sox shortly after Tompson earned UM’s Margaret Blalock was a two-time selection to the WGCA graduation. He was a four-year letterman Award twice and received the Jan Eagles Southeast All-Region Team. In 2014-2015,

at the University from 1962-1966. Agricola served as team captain, was named the team MVP in 1965 and was selected to the Alabama Collegiate Conference All-Conference First Team in 1964.

In a game against Southern Union on May 5, 1962, Agricola drove in eight runs, a mark that is second all-time in today’s record book. He helped form and served as a member of the A Club, a social club for athletes, and the Delta Social Club. Agricola served in the Birmingham Unit of the United States Marine Corps Reserve during the Vietnam era and was hired as the frst full-time assistant coach at Livingston University under Montevallo Hall of Fame coach Bob Riesener.

Hon. Todd Strange

Strange, the 56th mayor of Montgomery, was inducted for his meritorious service. While attending UM, Strange was part of the golf team. During his service as a trustee and chair, the UM Board of Trustees approved major growth in facilities and sports at Montevallo. Strange graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama, and received a bachelor’s degree in political science at UM. Strange served as CEO of Blount Strange Automotive Group, where he managed hundreds of employees. He also served as the former director of the Alabama Department of Commerce. Strange’s extensive involvement in the community includes former chair of the Capital City Club and former chair of Leadership Alabama. He is also a former president of the UM National Alumni Association.

1971-1972 Men’s Basketball Team

Te 1971-1972 men’s basketball team became the frst Montevallo team to win a championship in any sport after winning the Alabama Collegiate Conference Championship in 1972 with a 19-9 record under Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Jones. Te team featured Willie Cash, David Conway ’73, Eddie Freeze ’72, Dale Hughey ’74, Eddie McCarter ’75, Bobby McCormack, Mike Newell ’72, James Newman ’74, trainer Mike Sellers ’74, manager Robby Tibbs ’74 and current Hall of Fame members Charles Averhart ’75, Owen Butts ’73, Billy Cannon ’74, Gerald Douglass ’75, Ott Knight ’73 and Gene Meadows ’73, along with assistant coach James Hobbs ’71.

1 Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023; 2 Inductee Elaine Wood ’17 (center) with family and friends; 3 From left: inductee Ott Knight ’73, Johnny Holsombeck, Ronnie Holsombeck and inductee Billy Cannon ’74; 4 Inductee Hon. Todd Strange ’66 and Vice President of Athletic and Special Programs Mark Richard; 5 Hall of Fame member Bob Chapman ’63 with Executive Vice President of Advancement, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives Scott Dillard MBA ’17; 6 From left, Sissy Long ’72, Susan Fulmer, Jerry Fulmer ’69, Martha McMinn and Lanny McMinn.

Jim Moss

Giving — a responsibility, a duty and an honor

BY REED STRENGTH ’16

It didn’t take long for Jim Moss ’69 to fnd success. After graduating from UM with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Moss launched a decades-long career in insurance that started as an underwriter with Liberty Mutual and ended as a partner and senior vice president at Marsh & McLennan Companies.

Moss, who has worked with clients as large as Pepsi Cola, American Airlines, Westin & Sheraton Hotel Corp. and more, has traveled internationally and lived all over the country, including major cities like Manhattan, Seattle and Dallas.

Troughout his career, Moss says he never forgot that the foundations for his success came from his time on the brick streets.

As true in 1969 as it is now, Moss credits UM’s signature small class sizes, personal attention from professors and the close bonds he formed with his Sigma fraternity brothers

(now Alpha Tau Omega) for giving him the interpersonal skills to thrive in corporate environments.

“When you graduate, it’s not just about having a degree,” said Moss. “Networking and building relationships is a key ingredient to your success after college.”

Moss felt compelled to give back to UM through donations and serving on various committees over the years, which he described as “a responsibility, a duty and an honor” for all alumni. Moss currently serves on the UM Foundation Board.

Initially, Moss elected to give to the General Fund to help create a wide range of scholarships for incoming and current students. After discussing other needs with Scott Dillard, executive vice president of advancement, external afairs and strategic initiatives, Moss realized there wasn’t a fund set aside for students who may suddenly lose

Jim Moss

a parent, experience a house fre or otherwise face a fnancially dire situation that may cause them to drop out of college.

In 2014, Moss remedied that blind spot by endowing the James L. Moss Emergency Assistance Fund, a fund that helps students continue their education at UM despite extraordinary and unfortunate circumstances.

Moss, who occasionally receives letters from students who have remained at UM because of the fund, said the students’ stories make him feel proud of the unique way he’s been able to impact the lives of current students as an alum.

In August, Moss will exercise his passion for the University even further when he takes on the role of chair of the UM Foundation Board and begins working closely with the Board of Trustees and President Stewart.

As he refects on his upcoming appointment and the University that he credits as the foundation for his success, Moss hopes his story can encourage and inspire others to fnd their own ways to give back to UM.

“It’s not the amount you give. I think it’s about being faithful and sustaining your contributions back to the school,” said Moss. “At least once a year, think about the University and how you can help out by being a part of the lives of other students. You may not meet them. But if you donate...you’re going to be helping students somewhere in Montevallo.”

“It’s not the amount you give. I think it’s about being faithful and sustaining your contributions back to the school.”

Photo by Stefani Horn

Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon

Bringing donors and students together

1 Karen Kelly ’80 (center) with scholarship recipients (from left) Anna Katherine Eastman, Trinity Buse, John Paul Fox and Catherine Fiske; 2 Clyde Wills and Sue Hopping Wills ’67 in the photobooth with Reanna Pipes; 3 Gene Austyn Lucas and Mary Katherine Bryant, scholarship recipients; 4 Tom Monroe ’69 and Pat Monroe with Esclavon Prewitt, a recipient of the scholarship they support; 5 from left: (front row) Katie Cox, Dee Ann Cox, (back row) Cady Inabinett and John Cox ’99.

Photo by Elevated Entertainment

John Cox ’92 shared a story familiar to Montevallo alumni during his keynote speech at the annual donor scholarship luncheon March 1 in Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Speaking to a crowd of scholarship donors and the student recipients of their philanthropy, Cox said the impact the institution had on him remains apparent in his daily life three decades removed from his time on the red brick streets.

“Attending Montevallo was defnitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Cox said. “Montevallo is a special place to all of us. My three closest friends in the world are guys I met at Montevallo over 30 years ago. We just enjoy being around each other, and we realize how fortunate we are to have created life-long friendships. And for that, we’re forever grateful to this University that sits in the geographic center of the state of Alabama.”

For Cox, the University being in the center is central to its story.

“Tere’s something very special about Montevallo being in the center, welcoming

with open arms those from the left and those from the right,” Cox said.

Cox and other scholarship donors like him have played an important role in UM welcoming many bright and talented students experiencing the same life-changing impact today. Cox continues to impact academic endeavors with a scholarship inspired by his mother, Katie, and named in memory of his sister, the Laurie Ann Cox Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in English.

Cady Inabinett, a junior English major and one of two recipients of the scholarship, spoke about the many opportunities that donors provide with their gifts. Financially, Inabinett said, the scholarship she received will help her set aside more money in savings for graduate school. However, the beneft provided to students who receive scholarships isn’t just a fnancial one.

“It feels like a vote of approval,” Inabinett said, “as if your work and your abilities are being seen, and someone is saying they see the value in what you do. Tis has had a colossal impact on me. In the past year that I have had this scholarship, I have felt more assured and confdent as a student than I ever have before.”

Cox said seeing students like Inabinett excel at UM inspires him to continue making an even greater diference in the lives of students by increasing the amount of scholarship funds.

“I encourage and challenge you to do even more, if possible, if your heart is leading you in that direction. Having more scholarships available only increases the odds that Montevallo will continue to attract and retain the kind of people who will change the world one day. Te kind of people who truly embody our motto ‘You belong at Montevallo.’”

Inabinett said the scholarship opportunities provided by donors like Cox have certainly made current students feel like they belong at Montevallo.

“I would like to thank every single person who made it possible for me or anyone else in this room to receive any scholarship,” Inabinett said, “but I would like to especially thank my donor, Mr. John Cox. It’s people like you that help students like me feel more confdent in our abilities to succeed and that make Montevallo such a special and unique place.”

Te Scholarship Series organized by the Ofce of Advancement, with support from donors like Cox, has allowed the institution to provide greater opportunities for students. Kelli J. Holmes MBA ’18, executive director of advancement, is hopeful for an even larger impact in 2023.

Holmes described a recent tearful visit from a senior student approaching graduation, worried about being able to fnancially aford their fnal semester. Due to the gracious giving by donors, Holmes was able to match the student with a scholarship and relieve their fears.

“To see that and know that each of you has been a part of that, please know how grateful we are,” Holmes said. “Our donors and our students are at the heart of what we do, so thank you!”

Learn more about how students beneft from scholarships at montevallo.edu/ scholarship-series. M

1 Debby Denson (second from left) with scholarship recipients (from left) Kevon’te Hall, Alea Taube and Jennyfer Aguilar; 2 Cady Inabinett, recipient of the Laurie Ann Cox Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in English, addresses Scholarship Luncheon attendees; 3 Carol Maxwell with Josh Daw, a benefciary of the scholarship she supports; 4 From left: Associate Athletic Director Ed Langham, Ray Asmakis, Kia Walters, Professor and Athletic Director emeritus Dr. Leon Davis, Anisa Nelson and Head Swimming Coach Aaron Mahaney; 5 From left: Professor of English Dr. Samantha Webb, Diane Wheeler and Steve Condrey ’78; 6 Diane Ray ’68 and Alyse Jones; 7 Jonathan Meacham ’83 and Tammy Meacham; 8 Connor Simms (front) with (from left) Barbara Bonfeld ’58, Bob Baker ’78 and Brigette Beaton Wright ’90.

Photo by Elevated Entertainment

en Wakabayashi, K co-CEO of 7-Eleven International

Q&A with Ken Wakabayashi ’94

Your home: Coppell, Texas

Your hometown: Yokohama, Japan, which is about 20 miles south of Tokyo. In the big picture, it is a part of Tokyo, but we proudly say Yokohama is the name of the city.

Tell us about your family. My wife’s name is Harumi, and my daughter is Koharu. She’s 17, in her senior year of high school.

What is your profession? Currently, I’m co-CEO of 7-Eleven International, which is the subsidiary company of 7-Eleven Japan and 7-Eleven, Inc. It is a 50-50 joint venture partnership, and the company selected one CEO from 7-Eleven, Inc., which is me, and one CEO from 7-Eleven Japan. And we are in charge of stores all over the world except for four countries: Japan, United States, Canada and Mexico. Other than that, Asia, Europe — we are in charge of all of those areas.

How did you choose Montevallo? My father was working for an exporting company and was traveling a lot to many cities in the United States. When I was a kid, seeing him traveling, I wanted to go to the United States. When I was a high

school student in Japan, I met a person who actually graduated from Montevallo. When she started talking about Montevallo, she said “It’s a college town, people are very friendly, and you can focus on studying. Tere are not many Japanese students so you can learn how to speak English very quickly.” Also, a friend of my mother had a sister who lived in Montevallo, so I was able to stay at her house.

When did you know you belonged at Montevallo? I can tell you exactly when. It was the frst time I went to the beautiful campus. We don’t have that type of campus in Japan. It was so beautiful with brick roads, a lot of green and trees and a lot of beautiful buildings. Once I went, I immediately saw that I belonged here. How did Montevallo afect your career path? I often think about that. What I learned from Montevallo is that being diferent is good. In Japan, we’re kind of expected to be the same as others, and being diferent is not necessarily great. At Montevallo, for example, in the classroom there are several international students, diferent ethnicities and diferent cultures.

I started thinking that being diferent is a good thing. Tat is totally true in

the business world. Tere are a lot of convenience store brands. If we’re going to be ofering the exact same products and experiences to the customers, then they don’t need to come to 7-Eleven. It’s all about diferentiation. We need to ofer diferent products and diferent services. Tat’s the winning formula in this industry, and that’s kind of what I learned from Montevallo.

Montevallo has given me a lot. I really believe that. Without Montevallo, I couldn’t be in this position. Tat’s exactly why I wanted to start giving some back.

What advice would you give current Montevallo students? Study a lot and read a lot of books. And also, believing in yourself is important.

Sometimes we can be worrying about the future, and not do necessary things today. You don’t need to worry about the future; your goal will be achieved. You need to focus on resolving the issues you have in front of you today. Tat’s what I have always been trying to do. Sometimes you make mistakes, but you don’t need to worry about making mistakes. Making mistakes is a part of the process to succeed at the end.

UMNAA Celebrates Award Winners at Homecoming Luncheon

The UM National Alumni Association recognized its 2023 Homecoming award winners at their annual luncheon Feb. 11 in Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Hon. Beth Chapman ’84 received the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award, which is the UMNAA’s highest annual honor.

Cindy Clark Greer ’88 received the 2023 Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award, which is given annually to an alum age 35 or older whose career and community contributions have refected positively at the local, state or national level. Heather Buckner ’14 is the recipient of the 2023 Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award, which is given annually to an alum age 35 or younger based on the same criteria as the Alumni Achievement Award.

Hon. Beth Chapman

Chapman, a native of Greenville, and a Hoover resident, is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and served two terms as the state of Alabama’s 51st secretary of state upon her election in 2006.

“Truly I belonged (at the University of Montevallo),” Chapman said, “and I’m so grateful that I still do. Te University of Montevallo equipped, enabled and empow-

ered me to be able to live what we know as ‘Te American Dream.’”

Chapman was the frst woman in the state to serve as a cabinet member, as appointments secretary for a governor and later as press secretary for a lieutenant governor. She was elected state auditor in January 2002.

As secretary of state, Chapman received more votes than any constitutional ofcer in state history. She helped create online business flings, the ofce’s frst voter fraud task force and the development of electronic military voting.

One of Chapman’s many nominators for the award said she is highly regarded for her skill in leading and working with others to make a diference.

“Beth advocates for Montevallo at every opportunity and is one of the University’s most well-known ambassadors,” a nominator wrote.

Chapman received her bachelor’s degree in communication from UM and earned a master’s degree in education from Te University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1990. She is a 1996 graduate of Princeton University’s Women Executives in State Government Management Institute and a 2013 graduate

of Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Chapman retired from public ofce in 2013 and owns and operates Beth Chapman & Associates, LLC, a political and public relations consulting frm.

Chapman was the frst recipient of the UMNAA Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award in 1997.

Cindy Clark Greer

Greer, a Montevallo resident, served as the former executive director of Owens House, Shelby County’s child advocacy center, from 2009 to 2021 at the end of a three-decade career in social work.

“Tis University helped to grow my passion for the world and give me the things that I needed to be able to minister in the world and reach out to people who were diferent than me and to be able to hopefully impact their lives,” Greer said.

Greer, who graduated from UM with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, served as a child abuse and neglect social worker at the Shelby County Department of Human Resources for nine years. She became the Shelby County Department of Human Resources child abuse and neglect unit supervisor in

1 As the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Hon. Beth Chapman ’84 receives a commemorative Standard Chair of Gardner and UM photo plaque; 2 Stephanie Baugh Shaw ’93 presents Cindy Clark Greer ’88 with the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award; 3 Junior Board President Clark Maxwell ’13 presents Heather Elaine Buckner ’14 with the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award.

1999 before starting as executive director at Owens House.

Greer was named the Child Protective Services Supervisor of the Year by the Department of Human Resources, serving as treasurer and secretary of the Alabama Network of Child Advocacy Centers from 2015 to 2019 and leading the Shelby County Child Death Review Team from 1999 to 2021.

“She is a shining example of what it means to be a Montevallo educated woman, being the embodiment of our alma mater: ‘Seeking Right, and Freedom’s way...Steadfast virtues win thee fame,’” a nominator wrote.

Heather Elaine Buckner

Buckner, a Bessemer native and Atlanta resident, currently serves as a senior editor of Atlanta Magazine.

“Like lots of folks with similar backgrounds, I struggled with imposter syndrome,” Buckner said. “But I always felt like I belonged here.”

After graduating from UM with a degree in mass communication, Buckner became the managing editor of the Fort Payne Times-Journal in June 2014 and served in the position until February 2017 when she became managing editor of Atlanta Magazine.

While at Montevallo, Buckner worked as a copy editor and then editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, Te Alabamian, and in the University Relations ofce as an assistant editor, copy editor and writer.

“Heather is one of those phenomenal talents that you don’t meet very often,” wrote one of Buckner’s nominators.

4 Chapman with her family and guests; 5 Past and present Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, including (from left) front row: Chapman, Bob Chapman ’63, Pat Scales ’66; back row: Kirk Lightfoot ’76, Joyce Greathouse ’56, Tom Walker ’75; 6 Greer celebrates with her family; 7 Buckner is joined by her family; 8 Shaw presents Edie Couch Beckum ’92 with a brick thanking her mom, Gibbs Couch ’58, posthumously for her service on the UM National Alumni Board.

Purple Side students, alumni, friends and family flling the seats in Palmer Hall Auditorium erupted in joy a little before midnight Feb. 11 when Student Government Association President Cody Hodge said “It’s our time to rise up,” signifying a Purple Victory and completing the 2023 Homecoming and College Night weekend.

Te Purple Side claimed victory after its “Cryptid Conspiracy: Te Lost Episode” production on the Palmer Auditorium stage.

Te production featured Jane and Carter, a pair of radio co-hosts in search of the latest mythical creature, getting trapped in a dimension named Te Woods and searching for an escape. Jane is convinced that she is the only one capable of escaping via the portal. She regretted her decision when she realized her choice left her destined to forever repeat her past.

Te closing scene then returned to the opener with “Te Woods” revealing its omnipresence in her life, which led to Jane breaking the fourth wall as she cried out to

It’s a PV in ’23

the audience about the impending danger. Te crowd roared in applause of the Purple Side production while Jane was being dragged behind the curtain by other cast members with an unsettling scream as the stage went dark.

Te Purple Side production came after the Gold Side put on their “Starpower!” production to begin the evening. Te show featured the long-separated Kelly sisters who discovered their sisterhood after being manipulated by music producer Daniel McMichaels to change their personas to Kira Star and Gigi Vegas to ft a glitz and glamorous image.

After rediscovering each other, the sisters shared their experiences empowering them to leave McMichaels. Te duo then returned to their roots as the newly named Kelly sisters. With parents Jo Ellen and Cash by their side, the Kelly sisters joined with other former McMichael Labels Record stars for an authentic performance to end the play.

Both sides placed cast members among the audience during their productions, adding an

element of surprise. Purple Side incorporated cast members running through the aisles dressed in costume as part of “Te Woods,” and Gold Side placed cast members as fans of Kira Star among the crowd holding up cell phones during her performance on stage.

College Night was dedicated to UM Police Chief Tim Alexander for his service in keeping students safe and supporting all events on campus, especially College Night, with the audience showering him with chants of “Chief! Chief! Chief!”

“I really appreciate this,” Alexander said while receiving a plaque for his dedication. “Surprised is an understatement. I was not prepared for that. I thank you. On behalf of the police department and all the men and women that are providing safety for you, it is our pleasure. We believe it is truly an honor. We believe in passionate policing with a purpose to impact a positive change. And there is no place like Montevallo on Earth.”

Xavier Swain and Mary Kate Middlebrook were crowned Mr. and Ms. Montevallo.

Photos by Michael Wade and Britton Wade ’25

1 The Purple Side reacts to the 2023 College Night winner announcement; 2 Chief Tim Alexander is presented a plaque commemorating the 2023 College Night dedication; 3 & 4 The Gold Side presents “Starpower!”; 5 Gold Side members cheer before their production; 6 Mr. and Ms. Montevallo, Xavier Swain and Mary Kate Middlebrook; 7 & 8 The Purple Side presents “Cryptid Conspiracy: The Lost Episode;” 9 Members of the Purple Side orchestra perform.

1 Recipients of the College of Education and Human Development annual awards;

2-7 Class of 1973 alumni celebrate their 50-year reunion;

2 Anna Scott, Jim Methvin, Carol Ann Methvin and Claudia Harrell;

3 Owen Butts, Deborah Perdue Holmes and Jade King Carter;

4 Allen Gillespie and Sula Gillespie; 5 Kermit Jones and Suzette Jones; 6 Brian Doyle and Diane Doyle; 7 Ida Smith Gleaton and Charles Gleaton;

8 Stephanie Baugh Shaw ’93, UMNAA president, and Eddie Baker III ’04, UMNAA presidentelect, at the Alumni Coffee in Reynolds Hall; 9 Alumni check in during the luncheon registration and coffee; 10 Shaw poses with Christine Logan ’93; 11 Dr. Tiffany Wang, student Joshua Brown, Dr. Ray Ozley and Dr. Bruce Finklea ’07 welcome alumni back for the Department of Communication reception; 12 Retired faculty member Karl Perkins ’75 and Jerry Harris ’69; 13 Michael Brewer ’79 and Ozley at the Communication reception; 14 Amanda Faye King ’16 and Wang; 15 Stephens College of Business alumni gather at the Homecoming breakfast in Stephens Hall. From left (front row) Eddie Baker III ’04; Dr. Amiee Mellon, interim dean, Stephens College of Business; Karine

Rouvière T. Yakap-Girard ’03; Candace Jarvis ’21; (back row) Roger Crawford ’83, Anita Brueck ’77, Elaine Wood ’17, Charles Wood ’85, Scott Dillard MBA ’17 and Kelli J. Holmes MBA ’18; 16 Theatre alumni and faculty enjoy the Department of Theatre Homecoming breakfast.

17 The Counseling program

held its frst graduate alumni homecoming breakfast in the new Grainger Community Counseling & Wellness Clinic; 18 Alumni who worked on The Alabamian, Montage and The Tower join for a Student Publications Reunion in Farmer Hall; 19 Alumni reunite in Bloch Hall at the Family and Consumer Sciences Reception; 20 Junior Board members Brianne Colburn ’11 and Jacob Guyton ’15 peruse artwork at the annual Art Auction and Poole Party; 21 Kirk Lightfoot ’76, Betty Walker ’75 and Tom Walker ’75 decide what to bid on at the Art Auction; 22 The Alumni Book Club meets in person for the frst time. (From left) Pat Scales ’66, Pam Young ’84, Karen Pendleton ’77, Karen Kelly ’80, Laurel Hall Dobbins ’15, Tiffany Bunt ’00, Olivia Ard ’12, John Ard ’11, Dr. Terry Hughston ’10, Anita Brueck ’77 and Julie McEntee ’76; 23 Behavioral and Social Sciences alumni celebrate Homecoming in Fallin Hall; 24 Blake Hudson ’02 is presented the BSS Distinguished Alumni honor by Dr. Scott Turner.

ALUMNI BOOK CLUB

1965

Robert Blake, of Naples, Florida, was inducted into the Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.)

1966

Hon. Todd Strange, of Montgomery, was inducted into the Montevallo Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.)

1967

Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor of Troy University, was named a fnalist for the 2022 Armed Forces Merit Award. Jack was nominated for the award, presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), given to an individual and/or a group with a military background and/or involvement that has had an impact within the realm of college football. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a platoon leader during the Vietnam War. For his combat duty, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a citation from the Korean Marine Corps.

1968

Andy Meginniss, of Birmingham, was named to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame following a tenure as a bass and guitar player while handling lead and harmony vocals for Tree on a String along with bandmates Jerry Ryan ’72, Brad Ryan and Bobby Horton.

1972

was named to the Alabama

Jerry Ryan, of Birmingham, Music Hall of Fame following a tenure as the master of ceremonies, guitar and harmonica player for Tree on a String.

James Phillip nonproft organizations in the Education and Human DevelopCardin, of Birmingham area for 43 years. ment outstanding alum during Sequim, Washington, retired

1975

their annual awards reception in Hon. Beth in 2021. James and his family February.

1984

Chapman, of moved to Sequim, a community Hoover, is the recipient of the

1988 Cindi Clark on the Olympic Peninsula of UMNAA Distinguished Alumni Greer, of Washington.

1978

1989

Award. (See page 18.) Montevallo, is the recipient of Greta Lambert, the UMNAA Nathalie Molton Dr. Francis Flowers Courson, of Montgom- Gibbons Alumni Achievement of Helena, was named a full-time ery, bid her farewell to the Award. (See page 18.) instructor of education of Deaf Alabama Shakespeare Festival and hard of hearing education Michelle after 38 years. Her parting role at UM in 2021. She graduated Givan, of was Prospero in “Te Tempest,” with a doctorate degree in deaf

Chelsea, was recently hired as a Shakespeare’s story of someone studies and deaf education from private special education advo- who toils in a remote location to Lamar University in Beaumont, cate and consultant. perfect their magic, ultimately to Texas, in December. the betterment of all.

Dr. Angie Wilson Kelly, of

1979 Susie Owsley Stanfield, Vestavia Hills, recently complet- Lisa Holloway, of Manhattan, Kansas, was ed her doctorate in counselor of Irondale, recognized as a UM College of education and supervision from recently retired after serving

Alabama College Society

From left: (front row) Sue Faulkner ’56, Delene Moore Shedd ’63, Mary Louise Rice Dabbs ’56, Lela Poythress ’56, Martha Brennan ’63, Anne Martin ’56; (back row) Joyce Greathouse ’56, John O’Reilly, Bob Chapman ’63, Libby Queen ’59

70s Decade Reunion

University of the Cumberlands Georgia, recently had his collec- Jennifer Kelly, of Madison, and started a new position as the tion of short fction used as the recently started writing for director of new options at Jefer- foundation for a new anthology America’s Best Racing, Twinson State Community College in narrative podcast series explor- Spires Edge and Te Racing Biz Birmingham. ing the fraught relationships as a freelance writer.

1994

ing alum during their annual awards reception in February.

Stephanie Newton, of Brentwood, Tennessee, served as the editor of a book by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, “Becoming Free Indeed,” a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly and Amazon best seller. Stephanie acquired the rights to the book by Vuolo, one of the children of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar from the acclaimed television series “19 Kids and Counting.”

Adrienne Moffett Powell, of Bessemer, is currently a circuit court judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit, Domestic Relations Division.

CJ Robinson, of Clanton, was appointed district attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit.

between children and the adults Melanie Clark,

2000 Beth House, who infuence them. of Birmingham,

was recognized as a UM College

2001

1998 of Montevallo, Julie Gay, of was named the 2022-2023 High of Education and Human Calera, was School Teacher of the Year for Development outstanding alum recognized as a UM College of both Montevallo High School during their annual awards Education and Human Develop- and Shelby County Schools. reception in February. ment outstanding alum during Donald their annual awards reception in Deborah Dunsmore recently Clayton, of February. became the frst female judge in

Hoover, was recognized as a UM Scottsboro. Katherine Turnbow Sharpe, College of Education and Huof Cape Canaveral, Florida, man Development outstanding Barry Franks, of Clanton, recently accepted a position as a alum during their annual awards retired in November following a kindergarten teacher with Bre-reception in February. career in the United States Army.

1995

vard Public Schools in Brevard, Katie Jane Anjanette Florida. Katherine and her husMorris, of Jones, of band, Daniel, recently relocated

2002 Hoover, created new program- West Blocton, has served as to the U.S. after living abroad ming, Welcome to Miss Katie an elementary/early childhood for 11 years.

Jane’s Corner!, a collection of principal in Cairo, Egypt, for the Allison Nelson books and materials for children past three years. Prior to Egypt, 1999 Barksdale, of at the Hoover Public Library. Anjanette was an educational Attalla, recently became a Na- administrator in the United Arab Sabrina tional Board Certifed Teacher, Emirates, Tailand and Turkey. Lynch-Castillo,

1997 Middle-Childhood Generalist.

2003 of Maylene, was recognized as a Michael Mau, Allison is currently a ffth-grade UM College of Education and of Fairburn, science and social studies teacher Human Development outstand- in Fort Payne.

2004

was recognized as a UM College

Wesley Lawley, of Randolph, of Education and Human Development outstanding alum during their annual awards reception in February.

Brandon Lee, of Matthews, North Carolina, started a new role at Bank of America as senior vice president of digital assets strategy and initiatives.

David Howard Thornton, of Astoria, New York, starred in the horror flm “Terrifer 2.”

2005 Miranda Marrero Cohoon, of Birmingham, Michigan, recently started a new position as lead program analyst in business automation at the Veterans Afairs Ofce of the Inspector General.

2006

Greg Funderburg, of ennessee, recently

From left: Ida Smith Gleaton ’73, Anna Scott ’73, Claudia Harrell ’73, Margaret Gorum Sanders ’73, Henrietta Presley ’73, Donna Allen ’78

started a new position as director of marketing and stakeholder relations at the Urban League

2011 Amanda Knight, of Hoover, was recently named the of Greater Chattanooga. Prior 2022 Alabama Elementary Art to this role, Greg worked as a Educator of the Year. Amanda morning co-anchor and reporter is an art teacher at Pelham Oaks at WTVC Channel 9 News in Elementary School in Pelham. Chattanooga.

Olivia Ard, of Dr. Kate Hayden, of Chelsea, Montevallo, recently started a new position as

2012 recently earned the Professional an assistant professor of chemis-in Human Resources (PHR) and try at UM. Kate was previously the Society of Human Resources recognized for her research as part Management Certifed Profesof the UMNAA 15 Within 15. sional (SHRM-CP) certifcations as well as certifcates in HR Desaree Jackson, of Alabaster, ethics, diversity and inclusion was recognized as a UM College and workplace mental health of Education and Human allyship. Development outstanding alum during their annual awards Ebone Fowler, of Dothan, was reception in February. recognized as an outstanding

2007 UM College of Education and Dr. Bruce Human Development alum Finklea, of during their annual awards Columbiana, co-wrote the third reception in February. edition of the textbook “Fundamentals of Media Efects” with Chad Spradley, of Sylacauga, the late Dr. Jennings Bryant. recently published his frst full Te new version is published by length novel, “A Long Road to Waveland Press and includes the Redemption,” and began worklatest fndings from hundreds of ing as a special education teacher recent media efects studies. at Childersburg High School.

2008

Bernice Lee Paul Tierney M.Ed., of Ballard, of Irondale, recently presented Montevallo, was recognized as a his research “Te Americas of UM College of Education and Charlie Brown and Childish Human Development outstand- Gambino: A Critical Race Teoing alum during their annual ry Comparison” at the American awards reception in February. Counseling Association annual conference in Toronto. Jennifer Cooper, of Bessemer, was recognized as a UM College

2013 Audrey of Education and Human Crippen, of Development outstanding alum Montevallo, recently started during their annual awards a new position as coordinator reception in February. of educational technology for

2010 Upward Bound at UM.

Amanda Fowler, of Pelham, Heather Buckrecently started a new position

2014 ner, of Atlanta, as director of foundation and is the recipient of the UMNAA corporate relations for the Ofce Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young of Advancement and Alumni Achiever’s Award. (See page 18.) Afairs at UM.

2015

Birmingham, was r

2018

Jacob Guyton inducted into the Montevallo MBA ’18, of Athletics Hall of Fame Class of ecently named 2023. (See page 10.) assistant vice president of corpo- Justin Foster, rate marketing at Regions Bank. of Helena, was Melcie Guyton was recently

recognized as a UM College of appointed secretary to the city of Education and Human DevelopGadsden mayor’s ofce. ment outstanding alum during their annual awards reception in D.J. Hess MBA ’18, of Hoover, February. recently started a position as a compliance assistant with the Erica Hutchens, of Clanton, Reinsurance Business Group at recently earned a master’s degree Protective Life. in physician assistant studies at

2017

Samford University, passed the Hope Finley, National Physical Terapy Exam of Columbiana, and accepted a new position as recently started a new position a physician assistant at Pathway as an account executive with Pediatrics in Sylacauga. Alabama Media Group.

Molly Green-Majewski, of Brittany Mumpower, of Ala- Knoxville, Tennessee, graduated baster, recently celebrated the from law school in May and anniversary of opening her coun- started working as an associ- seling practice. Brittany works ate attorney at the law frm of with Impact Counseling. Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison Dr. Cheyenne Thompson, of in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Salina, Kansas, was inducted into Tiffany Pardue, of Westover, is the Montevallo Athletics Hall of the new coordinator of tutoring Fame Class of 2023. (See page 10.) in UM’s Learning Enrichment Elaine Wood, of Daphne, was Center.

Phillips to Lead FERC

Willie Phillips ’00 was named acting chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by President Joe Biden, becoming the frst Black person to lead the commission.

Phillips was previously nominated by Biden as a commissioner to the FERC in September 2021. He ofcially joined the FERC in December 2021 when he was appointed by Biden and Congress approved. Phillips is an experienced regulatory attorney combining nearly 20 years of legal expertise as a utility regulator with private practice and as in-house counsel. He has an extensive background in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability and corporate governance.

He and his wife, Gabrielle, have been married for more than 14 years. Tey have two children, Peyton and Tripp. Te family resides in the D.C. area.

Jason Perry M.Ed. ’20, of connects small businesses with Human Development outstand- Candace Jarvis MBA ’22, of Hoover, was recently selected resources, such as technical assis-ing alum during their annual Alabaster, joined the UM Steto participate in the 2022- tance and low interest loans, to awards reception in February. phens College of Business as an 2023 class of the Alabama help them scale their businesses. administrative assistant. Aaron Binion, Leadership Initiative sponsored Kaitlyn Shehee, of Samson, 2021 of Clanton, Kiarra Walters, of Montevallo, by Leadership Alabama. Te started a new job as an editorial recently started a new job as a recently started a new position Alabama Leadership Initiative assistant for Hofman Media’s public health environmentalist as assistant for compliance and is a six-month program that Louisiana Cookin’ and Taste of for the Chilton County Health game day operations with UM aims to expose young leaders the South magazines. Department. Aaron was a mem- Athletics. to decision-makers in Alabama. ber of the Environment Club

2022 Deatsville, recently started a

Jason is currently the director Jennifer Toney, of Birmingham, Terance at UM. of student diversity recruitment was recently promoted to regula- Boykin, of and retention at UM. tory compliance specialist at the Henry Davison Jr., of Ever-

2019

Montgomery, was r

Birmingham Water Works. green, is the head track and feld position as a clerk in the Beneft Kayla Chambers, of ecognized as a UM College of Education and

coach at Hillcrest High School. Payment Control Division at the Thor Audiss, Henry had 10 athletes qualify Alabama Department of Labor of Boulder, for the state championship meet in Montgomery. Colorado, was recently named in his frst season as head coach. Human Development outstand- vice president of marketing at Joelle Garrett, of Hoover, He is in his second year as a ing alum during their annual Storyteller Overland, an authen- recently accepted a position as a physical education teacher at awards reception in February. tic adventure lifestyle RV brand treasury management global f- Repton Junior High School. dealership. nance specialist at Regions Bank. Benjamin Jackson, of Birming- Hannah Irvin, of Alabaster, was ham, recently started a position Aubrey Long, of Highland, Chloe Harris, of Montevallo, recently hired as an associate edi- as the small business coordinator Michigan, was recognized as a recently started a new position tor for Alabama Media Group. for Urban Impact, Inc. Benjamin UM College of Education and as an administrative assistant in

2020

Class of 1973 50-Year Celebration

From left: (front row) Ida Smith Gleaton ’73, Jade King Carter ’73, Carol Ann Peifer Methvin ’73, Deborah Perdue Holmes ’73, Diane Broadhead Doyle ’73; (back row) Owen Butts ’73, Kermit Jones ’73, Allen Gillespie ’73, Jim Methvin ’73, Brian Doyle ’73, Anna Scott ’73, Claudia Harrell ’73

married March 18 in a small ceremony at UM on Reynolds Hall lawn with their closest friends and family. Savannah is the foundation accountant for UM’s Ofce of Advancement and Alumni Afairs, and Avery is a third-grade teacher at Grantswood Community School in Irondale. Te couple resides in Hoover.

BIRTHS

Class of 1983

TRIO Student Support Services Ingle were married in January. tember 2022. Stacy serves as the at UM. Carla was recently promoted to Buckhorn High School choral program manager in the Ofce music director. Te school’s Bell Jackson, of Birmingham, of Adoptions at the State De-women’s choir performed at the started a new position as junior partment of Human Resources. Alabama Music Educators Asso- graphic designer for American

ciation Conference for the frst Family Care. Christina time in school system history in Powell married Madison Kirkland, of Bir- January 2023. Joshua Jackson on Feb. 25 at Te mingham, recently started a Barn at Shady Lane in Birming- Stephanie Howe and Reed new position as communication ham. Christina works as a senior Strength were married Jan. 28 coordinator for McWane, Inc. group control analyst at Blue at the Guilded Lily in Irondale. Harrison Neville, of Birming- Cross Blue Shield. Christina Te couple had a small ceremoham, recently founded an online also serves as president-elect of ny attended by family, friends media organization, Te Sunrise the UMNAA Junior Board. Te and two cardboard posters of News, in the state of Alabama. couple resides in Alabaster. their cat, Cleo Cahoots Jones. Te wedding party included Hayley Roberts, of Montevallo, 2011 Cierra Floyd alumni Liza Boudreau ’16, recently started a new position and Elvis Osuya Devan Cooley ’15, Austin as an administrative assistant in were married March 15, 2022. Franklin ’14, Madison Griggs the Ofce of Graduate Studies Te couple celebrated with fami- ’17, Abby Patton ’16, Jacob at UM. ly and friends at a reception held Robertson ’16, Jake Smith ’15, at Leaf & Petal on July 1, 2022. Jada Tubbs, of Birmingham, M.Ed. ’17 and current student Tey reside in Birmingham. recently started a new position as 2016 Scyrus Bolton. Stephanie works an associate producer and editor Amanda Faye as a fnancial model analyst for at Dotdash Meredith, a digital Currie and Synovus in Birmingham, while and print publishing company. Alvie Ward King were married Reed is a senior copywriter for Oct. 1, 2022. Te couple resides Shipt.

WEDDINGS

2004

2010

in Talladega.

2020

Savannah

Carla Capps Stacy Daniels and Taryn Humphryes and Joseph Woodgett were married in Sep- and Avery Wall ’22 were

2021

Megan Walker Brown and husband Taylor Brown welcomed their frst child, Charlotte, on March 14.

DEATHS

1945 Betty Wilkes

McArthur, 99, of Sardis, Mississippi, died April 28, 2022. She and her husband, Bill, were co-owners of the Como Plaza and the Gulf Trail Lodge and later built the GTL Motel and Convention Center. Betty was a lifelong faithful member of Sardis United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, and she served as president of the Woman’s Club of Sardis. Betty was also very active in the American Heart Association.

Anita Carroll Reynolds, 98, of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2022. Anita’s teaching career began in Montgomery, and marriage in 1950 brought her to Vinton, Virginia. She taught business subjects at William Byrd High School for 24 years and enthusiastically participated in numerous school activities and clubs. Anita will be remembered for her friendly personality, her positive attitude, unfailing kindness and signature red hair.

Ila Mae Wright, 99, of Gadsden, died Dec. 10, 2022. Ila

From left: Earl Goodwin, Julia Rudd, Jeff Rease, Genie Gibson, Larry Gibson, Glenda Cantrell, David Coker

1948

grade at Crestline Elementary Women’s Circle I. director, city council member, Frances Eliza- School for nearly 20 years and zoning ofcer and much more beth Anthony, Ann Scott Denson, 95, of was a member of First Methodist throughout her 95 years. For ov. 7, 2022. Nashville, Tennessee, died June Church of Hartselle. many years Catherine worked Frances worked for a short time 30, 2022. Ann dearly loved her at Alabama Refractory Clay Thelma W. Pitts, 95, of with Roden Coal Company in family, especially her children, Company, which mined clay in Dadeville, died Sept. 26, 2022. the payroll department before grandchildren and great-grand- Montevallo and Calera to sell Telma was proud of her large retiring after a 35-year career as children, who were her pride to steel mills. She started as a family and took every opportu- an assistant payroll supervisor at and joy.

secretary, became manager and nity to talk about each and every the main ofce of Alabama PowLouise Ellen- eventually bought the company. one of them. Telma was always er in Birmingham. Frances was burg Jackson, Catherine helped write grants to active in the community and, at an avid reader, and she enjoyed 98, of Cave Springs, Georgia, secure funding for a new senior 94, helped form a Newcomer’s traveling and watching Alabama died March 8. Louise worked center and was instrumental in Club welcoming new families football. for the Cave Springs Housing designing a new entranceway to Dadeville and the Stillwaters Virginia Dellorine Havens Authority, the Georgia Voca- to Montevallo’s Orr Park. She community. Brasfield, 94, of King, North, tional Rehabilitation Center and also founded a student leaderDoris Clem- Carolina, died Jan. 8. She loved the Georgia School for the Deaf. ship program called Leaders of ons Davis, 94, teaching high school math and She loved her church, family and Tomorrow at Montevallo Middle

of Birmingham, died Oct. 22, taught in northern Virginia for cooking. School. Catherine had a great 2022. Doris considered some of

90s Decade Reunion

From left: (front row) Tracy Estes ’94, Christine Logan ’93, Stephanie Baugh Shaw ’93; (back row) Gabrielle Metz ’96, Gay Craig ’92, Shana Reach Arnold ’95, Jeff Estes ’93, Matt Arnold ’93, Christian Fletcher ’93, Betsy Weese Hoffman ’94, Tracy McCracken ’92

her greatest blessings to be in- the Birmingham Civic Opera. Teacher of the Year. In addition thousands of receptions and volved in her children’s lives and She was deeply devoted to her to teaching and therapy, Gibbs events honoring others, includactivities, assisting with events at son, Alan. became a professional story-ing, most recently, United Way, the various universities where her

1954 teller traveling throughout the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commis- Doris Young- husband, Lowery, was on staf Southeast. She also served on the sion and the Athens-Stonehaven blood Leo, and being an active member of UMNAA Board of Directors. Sister City Committee. After 92, of Gainesville, Florida, died the First Baptist church in each she married, she joined her Feb. 9, 2022. Doris worked as a Margery Elaine community. husband at Athens First Baptist, personal assistant for the Dupont Stephens Keys, where she faithfully worshiped, Betty Jean Bumpers Vann, 94, Corporation and enjoyed garden-

1960

of Decatur, died Dec. 27, 2022. participated in Sunday school, of Chatom, died Jan. 2. Betty ing, reading, cooking and cats. Margery taught in the public

1956

1965

delivered meals to the home- taught for 34 years and is best school systems in Alabama and Nancy Kay bound and sick and volunteered known for teaching business Louisville, Kentucky. Her love Bryant Farrer, for numerous events and com- classes, including accounting, of sports led her to playing in 87, of Falkville, died Sept. 25, mittees for more than 50 years. shorthand and typing. Addition- the Decatur Women’s Tennis 2022. Nancy worked for the ally, she was the teacher sponsor League. Margery served in Joseph Newton Alabama Cooperative Extension of the Washington County school several diferent roles in the Cub Carmichael Jr., Service. Afterward, she began a newspaper, Te Bulldog. Betty Scout program for more than

of Birmingham, died Dec. 10, 29-year career as a high school was known for her love of the 20 years in support of her sons. 2022. Joe was a frefghter for 18 teacher of history, social studies color pink, her basket weaving Margery was a faithful mem- years with the City of Atlanta and Spanish at Morgan Coun- skills, her kind and compassion- ber of First Baptist Church of Fire Department and established ty High School, Cotaco High ate heart and her love of God. Decatur and was involved with the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire

1951

1957

1962

School and Brewer High School. various ministries, including Pre- Department in Cherokee Coun- Dr. Jeanine She was a generous and witty cept Ministries and Bible Study ty, Georgia, in 1973. He served Cannon Boz- person who had an excellent Fellowship. as the frst and only fre chief of eman, of Dozier, died Oct. 18, memory. the Oak Grove Fire Department 2022. Jeanine joined the faculty Dr. Peggy Betty Hol- and retired as the Chief of the of New Orleans Baptist Teolog- Capell, 81, of comb, of Cherokee County Fire Depart- ical Seminary in 1986, where she

1966 of Destin, Florida, died Sept.

Forest Park, Georgia, died Sept. Montevallo, died Nov. 16, 2022. ment in 1996. taught social work and Christian 23, 2022. Peggy was devoted to Betty began working in the education classes for 35 years addressing the needs of entering Larry James Records Ofce at UM after grad- and impacted the lives of many college students and non-tradi- Benton, 77, uation. She continued working students. tional students, and she worked

1952 in that ofce until she retired in tirelessly to devise programs 12, 2022. Larry’s federal civil Barbara Cotton May 1984. In retirement, she be- and materials to help students service career began in 1969 as a Posner, 95, came more active in the church achieve success in mathematics. mathematician at the Armament of Homewood, died Dec. 31, and community, flling various She co-authored, with Dr. James Development and Test Center 2022. Barbara retired from the service roles at Montevallo First Bright and Dr. Martha Wood, a at Eglin Air Force Base. Larry Birmingham City School System Baptist Church where she was textbook called “Developmen- completed his civil service career and spent time at Woodlawn, an active member for more than tal Mathematics,” which was in 2004 as deputy director, Phillips and Ramsay High 60 years.

1958 reprinted in numerous editions Joint Command and Control, Schools during her career. She Helen Gibbs and was widely adopted across Intelligence, Surveillance and and her husband, Tyler, were Daniel Couch, the country. Reconnaissance (ISR) Joint Test world travelers and enjoyed a of Auburn, died Nov. 8, 2022. & Evaluation (JT&E). He was happy 65-year marriage. She was Helen Louise Gibbs was a pioneer in her feld passionate about being an Amer- a long-time member of First Pres- Miller Greenas one of the frst school-based ican and was honored to have byterian Church of Birmingham.

1964

haw, 80, of Athens, died Oct.

speech pathologists in Alabama. worked for the U.S. Air Force 18, 2022. Helen taught at Ard- Mary Alexan- She practiced speech therapy in and the Ofce of the Secretary of more High School and Athens der Bottomlee, nearly every school in the Au- Defense for 35 years. High School for 33 years, where 91, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee, burn City School System, often she also led the Honor Society, Jean (Jeanne) Elizabeth Toops died March 20, 2022. Mary had carting her ofce from school to Future Homemakers of America, Wainer, of Dallas, died Nov. a beautiful talent for singing, school in the trunk of her car. and Beauty Walk, and served 15, 2022. Jean was married to spending her young adult years In 1995, she was recognized as as senior sponsor. Trough the her beloved husband, Lawrence, teaching music and singing in the Alabama Special Education years, Helen hosted literally for almost 53 years and spoke

1953

proudly of her educational expe-mingham, died Sept. 16, 2022. Gerald joined the Army, where riences at UM. During her legal career, she was he served as a fight surgeon and

1967

Cofer, 89, of J

1972

Deane “Dean-

employed by the Trust Depart-a plane crash investigator. After Bette Jo ment of SouthTrust Bank, the leaving the Army, he joined the Townsend frm of Costello & Stott, the Holifeld Clinic in Demopolis emison, died Sept. Bessemer division of the Jefer-and delivered thousands of 11, 2022. Bette Jo taught for son County district attorney’s babies during his 26 years at the more than 26 years at Jemison ofce, Te Legal Aid Society of practice. High School as senior English Birmingham, the ofce of the teacher and librarian.

1969 city attorney of Birmingham (for ie” Coe, 72, Emily Jean almost three decades), the Con- of Hoover, died May 29, 2022. Fortinberry, stitutional law professor at the Deanie was a devoted wife and 75, of Helena, died Oct. 18, Birmingham School of Law and loving mother who truly loved 2022. Emily began her teaching fnally as the municipal judge for the Lord with all her heart. She career in Pell City at Duran Ju- the city of Fairfeld. Subsequent was a member of Canaan Baptist nior High School and taught art to her retirement, she spent Church for 48 years and served for several years before obtaining her waking hours in care of her her community as a frst-grade a master’s degree in counsel- family, working in her beloved teacher at Greenwood Elementa- ing at UM. She then served as landscaping of yard and gardens, ry School. She impacted the lives guidance counselor at Duran for Bible study and service to Shades of many children and received 21 years until her retirement in Mountain Baptist Church. numerous awards during her 1993. She saw nature in colorful

1971 Dr. Gerald career, including Teacher of ways and had a passion for M. Hodge, the Year, Principal’s Award and photography.

76, of Gallion, died Sept. 21, Golden Apple Award.

1970

Patricia Cash 2022. After graduating from

of Hartford, died Oct. 18, 2022. Rebecca spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher. She was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church where she spent many years serving in the children and youth ministries.

1975

Gardendale, died O

1973

Rebecca Jane Burns, of Bir- medical school with honors,

Ford Bradshaw,

00s Decade Reunion

Glendel Lyvoid Hale, 82, of ct. 31, 2022. Glendel served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy, was a 33rd Degree Mason and a Shriner. A founding member of Homeland Security, Glendel not only traveled to New York in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 but was actively involved in the search and rescue of his fellow Americans during one of the darkest times in American history. In addition to his many achievements, he served as a professional frefghter and paramedic for 25 years in the Birmingham area.

Robert Marion Helms III, 76, of Birmingham, died Dec. 9, 2022. Robert was a long-time teacher and coach at Munford High School, where he impacted many generations of students and community members. After retiring, he became a volunteer coach with the Randolph County High School softball team, where he continued to mentor student athletes. He loved history, sports, trivia, traveling, playing cards and attending church.

1976 Howard “David” Bunnell Jr., 79, of Town Creek, died Dec. 20, 2022. David proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Germany. He worked for 3M in Decatur and following many faithful years, retired as a production supervisor. David was a faithful member of Town

From left: (front row) Kristen Covington Dechert ’03, Tiffany Weidman Pierce ’03, Karine Rouvière Yakap-Girard ’03, Rachel Green White ’03; (back row) Joey Belyeu ’03, Rebecca Rhodes Franklin ’03, Jeff Purvis ’02, David Clemons ’03, Aftab Jiva ’03, Eddie Baker III ’04

YOUNG ALUMNI REUNION

Creek United Methodist Church he supported national priority Tis allowed her husband, Guice 13, 2022. Aileen became the frst and enjoyed attending the men’s initiatives to include early missile III, to concentrate on their woman in her family not only to breakfast. system development and the family business, Inverness Golf attend college, but to graduate NASA space fight program. and Repair. Tey did everything with honors, earn her MBA and Laura Rebecca “Becky” Byrd, Pryor’s passions were farming, together as a family and loved get her CPA license, all while of Tchula, Mississippi, died Feb. gardening and raising and caring watching the kids play sports raising children and a grand- 19. Becky devoted her life to for his family and friends. and going to Auburn games. daughter. providing a quality education for all children. She taught second Albert “Al” Moore Owen,

1993

Keith Winsted,

CONDOLENCES

grade and K-4 Title One Read- of Bay Minette, died Oct. of Brooklyn, ing in Bibb County throughout 19, 2022. Al was a long-time New York, died Jan. 18. Keith Dean Perryman, husband of Joy her 34 years of service. She member and deacon of Bay was a prolifc actor, director Tilley Perryman ’89, died July was selected to be the assistant Minette First Baptist Church. and producer. When he began 2, 2022. A native of Glencoe, principal and ultimately prin- He enjoyed the great outdoors his teaching career in 2007, he Dean loved his family, music, cipal of Centreville Elementary and cherished the many close inspired a generation of new books, dogs, good food, theatre School. She has left a lasting and relationships made with his Pi theatre artists. Keith was a and laughing. positive legacy on her family and Kappa Alpha brothers while polymath who could seemingly To the family and friends of community. attending UM. His work history do anything. Exuberant, curious, Dr. Jim Connell, of Montevallo, spanned a multitude of areas hilarious, wise people were Luke Pryor Gilchrist, 86, of who died Oct. 23. Jim joined from debt collecting to working drawn to Keith and his presence. Somerville, died Dec. 31, 2022. the UM faculty in 2004, rising with specialty wood products He was blessed with a devoted Pryor enlisted in the U.S. Air to the rank of associate profes- and exotic woods. and intimate circle of friends Force, where he was trained

1986 sor of fnance in the Stephens in meteorology. He served his country in many locations, including the Philippines and mingham, died F

Karen Crews College of Business. In addition In 2015, Keith’s life changed Potter, of Bir- to being an educator, he was when he met the love of his life, eb. 22. After a also a certifed public accounJeremy. Eglin Air Force Base. After brief career with a pharmaceuti- tant and held a certifcation as a completing his tour, Pryor cal frm, Karen became a stay-at-

that kept growing over the years.

1996

Aileen

Setsuko Chartered Global Management worked for Pan-American at the home mom and devoted her life

Fukuda Hill, Accountant. Prior to joining the Atlantic Missile Range, where to her husband, kids and dogs. of Honolulu, Hawaii, died May faculty at UM, Jim taught at

Shorter University and Mercer He taught mass communication University of Montevallo, and University. Jim’s highly re- and journalism at Jeferson State Jeanne took advantage of the nowned research was published Community College, the Uni- educational enrichment available across several professional busi- versity of Montevallo and UAB to University family members. ness journals, and he presented before retiring. She was a serious reader all her at business conferences across life, always eager to discuss To the family of L. Spencer the world. books and writing. It was Jeanne Shaw, of Montevallo, who died who frst suggested that her To the family of Robert Holmes July 2, 2022. Spencer taught at husband’s searing World War II Cowan, 91, of Montevallo, who UM from 1971 to 1994 as direc- combat experiences, which he died Nov. 10, 2022. In 1963, tor of bands and head of instru- was writing down for the family, Robert joined the music faculty mental activities and achieved might be of interest to a broader at Alabama College. He was professor of music emeritus. audience. Her instincts were also an artist faculty member After retirement, he founded and subsequently confrmed by the for many years at Brevard Music conducted the Montevallo Com- worldwide fame of the resulting Center in North Carolina. munity Band and also conducted memoir, “With the Old Breed During retirement, in addition the Birmingham Community at Peleliu and Okinawa.” She to continuing his piano practice Concert Band for years. not only gave her husband the and private teaching, he was To the family of Jeanne Marie emotional support he needed involved with Civitans and First Arceneaux Sledge, of Vestavia to complete that book as well United Methodist Church of Hills, who died Nov. 21, 2022. as serving as his frst reader and Montevallo. Jeanne and Eugene Sledge editor, but also encouraged him

To the family of Allen W. Phil- attended First United Meth- to write yet another describing lips, 84, of Birmingham, who odist Church of Montevallo, his postwar experience, “China died Dec. 1, 2022. Allen was a where she was active in the Marine,” which was published talented and gifted writer and women’s church circle. She also after his death. speaker who could take complex participated in the Montevallo

To the family of Russell Glen issues and interpret the exact Study Club and a bridge club. Warren, 80, of Richmond, meaning in a single sentence. Eugene taught biology at the

UPGRADE

Virginia, who died Jan. 17. After serving his country as an Army captain at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, Russell returned to the University of Richmond to teach economics. He later served in the position of vice president of academic afairs at UM from 1978 to 1984. While at Montevallo, he transformed the academic program and focused on creating a great environment for students, which was a consistent mission throughout his career as an academic administrator. Russell made a huge diference in the academic, operational and student-focused programs at each institution he served.

VINTAGE PURPLES OLD GOLDS

FROM THE UMNAA PRESIDENT

Alumni friends,

Not only did our legacy continue, but our Homecoming at UM was action-packed and full of fun events. (See pages 18-23.)

It was great to see so many alumni back on campus and celebrating our alma mater. For those of you who couldn’t make it or who haven’t been on campus in a while, why not plan a trip over to your favorite campus soon? Can’t make it to campus? Plan a lunch or phone call to catch up with an alum friend. You won’t be sorry that you did!

In the next few months, you will begin to see more alumni club opportunities become available. We are trying to rebuild our alumni clubs following the global pandemic and hope to fnd new ways to serve our alumni communities with both in-person and virtual clubs.

If you would be interested in helping lead a club or have an idea for a new alumni club we could start, contact us at alumni@montevallo.edu

We encourage you to connect with the alumni association via social media, through events and other ways to get involved. Remember, you belong at Montevallo! Reach out to a member of the UMNAA Board of Directors if you have any questions.

Stephanie Baugh Shaw ’93

UMNAA President

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Te UMNAA Board welcomed the following new members during the UMNAA annual business meeting at Homecoming:

Dr. Dessilyn Chappell M.Ed. ’09, ’13, Ed.S. ’15

Julia House ’75

Jane McClanahan ’61

Te UM National Alumni Association would like to thank the following alumni who have volunteered over the last year!

Olivia Ard ’12

Justin Averette ’06

Jenna Bellamy ’11

Anita Brueck ’77

Robby Brueggeman ’06

Carla Handley Clemons ’01

Kristen Dechert ’03

Andrew Fancher ’14

Emily Fancher ’16

Judge Matt Fridy ’98

Melinda Gargiulo ’86

Ann Grifn ’76

Claudia Harrell ’73

Andrew Heaton ’04

Betsy Weese Hofman ’94

Barbara Holcombe ’12

Hannah Irvin ’21

Karen Kelly ’80

Destiny Keracher ’10

Kacie Slaughter Kilpatrick ’09

Kerry Komai ’05

Kirk Lightfoot ’76

Christine “Spring Garden” Logan ’93

Julie McEntee ’76

Libby Medicus ’04

Fred Miller ’04

Dr. Terra Miller ’06

Bill Nathews ’75

Karen Pendleton ’77

Jason Perry ’18, MBA ’20

Teresa Pritchett

Catherine Renda ’19

James Happy Smith ’92

Christine Soria ’12

Betty Walker ’75

Dr. Jeferson Walker ’08

Pam Young ’79

Learn ways you can get involved: montevallo.edu/alumni

UMNAA Board members at the Homecoming Luncheon

From the Junior Board President

Fellow alumni, Homecoming has come and gone, and it was great to see our beloved alumni back on the bricks. Te Junior Board also enjoyed seeing many new and familiar faces at the Young Alumni Party as we reconnected with Falcons near and far.

Congratulations to the recent graduating class, our newest members of the alumni family! Tere are a multitude of ways to stay involved as alumni and one of the easiest ways is to attend our events throughout the year.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Summer Soirée & Silent Auction later this summer, which is another wonderful time to connect, while also raising scholarship funds for current students. All alumni are invited.

If you have anything you’d like to see from the UMNAA Junior Board, please feel free to send me a message. We always enjoy connecting with fellow Falcons, and we are excited to see you at our upcoming events. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest news and updates!

Forever a Falcon, Clark Maxwell ’13 Junior Board President

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram

Want to host your own alumni event?

Throw a fock party!

Want an alumni event in your area or for a specifc group of UM alumni, but only have a few people? Plan a UM alumni gathering with our new event kit, Flock Box, and throw your own fock party!

Requests should be made 4-6 weeks prior to the event. Each request will be carefully considered. Priority is given to current alumni clubs and those interested in starting an alumni club.

montevallo.edu/fock-box

JUNIOR ALUMNI BOARD

President .............................................................. Clark Maxwell ’13

President-Elect ................................................... Christina Powell ’10

Social Chair .........................................................Rebecca White ’15

Treasurer, Finance Cortez Bennett ’12

Secretary, Comm. ........................................

Lindsey Underwood ’10

Professional Dev. Chair Danielle Parks ’19

Members at Large

Morgan Alford ’18

Cowan Angell ’17

Torian Blackburn ’20

Amanda Currie ’16

Tori Cranford ’19

Stacy Daniels ’16

Jacob Guyton ’15, MBA ’18

Brian Hatcher ’17

Dr. Terry Hughston ’10

Breana Mahafey ’18, MBA ’22

Ashley Malone ’13

Jennifer Nelson ’09

Lindsay Shippey ’13

Jennifer Steele ’11

Korey Wilson ’14

David Wright ’20

Alumni spoted at events held from October through March 1

Shelby County Alumni Club Fish Fry

1 Karen Czeskleba ’75, Eddie Czeskleba ’75, Jan McKinnon, John McKinnon ’66, Martha McMinn and Lanny McMinn at the Fish Fry held in the Stewart Student Retreat; 2 From left (front row)

Ann Nathews Griffn ’76 and Emma Dean Nathews ’62; (back row)

Terry Griffn and Bill Nathews ’75. The Nathews family has served the Shelby County Alumni with great fsh at this event for many years;

3 Claudia Harrell ’73 and Zach Banks ’08.

FAM Chili Cook-Of Fundraiser

4 Students from the Future Alumni of Montevallo (FAM) organization

Jordan Dacus, Mary Katherine Bryant, Journey Jacobs, Erik Bazan and Connor Simms serve chili at their annual fundraiser.

FAM Window Decorating

5 FAM students Angel Martinez, Katie Rosato (FAM president) and Jordan Dacus in front of the window they decorated as part of Montevallo Main Street’s holiday decorating contest. FAM students won the People’s Choice Award.

Alumni Faculty/Staf Reception

6 Tonja Battle ’05, Dr. Linda Murdock ’98 and Carley McCune Kirkland ’17 at the reception held in Reynolds Hall; 7 Danielle Parks ’19, Dawn Makofski ’00 and Barbara Holcombe ’12; 8 Dr. Jeff Walker ’08 and Dr. Bruce Finklea ’07; 9 Mollie Sawyer ’20, Haley Smith ’16, Kacie Kilpatrick ’09 and Camryn Denver ’21.

Breakfast Honoring Blake Hudson 10 Alumni lawyers and University leaders join for a breakfast to honor Blake Hudson ’02 on being named dean of the Cumberland School of Law; 11 Matt Fridy ’98 presents Hudson with a commemorative UM brick.

Junior Board Christmas

12 Members of the UMNAA Junior Board of Directors after their December board meeting.

Young Alumni Jingle & Mingle

13 Clark Maxwell ’13, Ed Brandsema ’14, Stephen Bulger ’14 and Chris Waites ’10 at Brock’s Gap Brewing Company; 14 Paul Dompierre ’99, Ali Bulger ’14 and In-Mi Brandsema ’14; 15 Junior Board members Cortez Bennett ’12 and Rebecca White ’15; 16 Barbara Sloan ’72, Danielle Parks ’19 and Roger Conville ’74; 17 Daneveya Burrell ’20 and Eron Burrell ’20.

Senior Day 18-19 Soon-to-be alumni celebrate with lunch and alumni goodies prior to Fall Commencement.

Tennessee Valley Alumni Club, Falcons Basketball game at UAH 20 Huntsville area alumni (TVA) at the Furniture Factory in Huntsville before heading to cheer on the Falcons basketball team.

Mass Communication Media Day

21 Alumni in broadcasting, flm, journalism and other communication felds return to UM to talk to students.

Mark Your Calendar

AWARD DEADLINES

More to come!

Please visit montevallo.edu/alumnievents and UMNAA social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) for updates.

Please consider nominating deserving individuals to receive one of the Alumni Association’s awards at montevallo.edu/alumni-awards

July 1

Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award

Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award

Outstanding Staf Service Award

Nov. 1

Distinguished Alumni Award

Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award

Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award