FOUNDERS’ DAY
University of Montevallo Celebrates Quasquicentennial Anniversary
Te University of Montevallo celebrated 125 years on Founders’ Day Oct. 14 on Main Quad. Founders’ Day is an occasion to not only honor the founding of the University but also to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves. Te sun shone on the procession of UM faculty members, followed by the graduating seniors, as they advanced under the arch-
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way of Bowers Colonnade and took their seats for the ceremony. After an invocation by Anakate Andrasko, president of UM’s Student Government Association, and the singing of the National Anthem by music student Elicia Freeman, President John W. Stewart III welcomed administrators, faculty, staf, alumni, families and friends to the outdoor location, a departure from the traditional Palmer Hall Auditorium, due to concerns related to COVID-19. Stewart refected briefy on the history of the University from its origin to the present with emphasis on the past two years. “Tis institution was born of challenge, born of progress and change, and it is our adaptability that continues to ensure success in both the classroom and later for our students in society,” Stewart said. “I stand here today, both grateful and proud.” Dr. Mary Beth Armstrong, provost and vice president for academic afairs, presided
over the traditional investiture of the senior class, personally robing Heather Collier, senior class president, who led the senior pledge. Following tradition, in the days leading up to Founders’ Day, an ornamental “crook,” (a walking stick) is hidden somewhere on the UM campus, and the student or students who follow publicized clues and locate the crook receive an award. Tis year’s successful sleuths were Katy Barnes, Lucy Frost-Helms, Rachel Johnson and Cole Swain. Te 2021 President’s Award, presented by the Hon. Todd Strange ’66, chair of the UM Board of Trustees, went to Dr. Carl A. Stockton, chancellor of Auburn University at Montgomery. Stockton was recognized for his eforts to make the COVID-19 vaccine available to UM faculty and staf in the early months of the pandemic, thus enabling the University to continue its mission to educate its students.
