Montevallo Today, Spring 17

MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine • Spring 2017

Graduate students provide free community counseling clinic

MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine

PUBLISHERS Scott Dillard Kira Thomas ’12 kthomas18@montevallo.edu EDITOR Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt ’00, MBA ’13 bunttr@montevallo.edu WRITER AND COPY EDITOR Reed Strength ’16 cstreng1@montevallo.edu ALUMNI EDITOR Dr. Tracy Rockco ’94, M.Ed. ’98 paynet@montevallo.edu DESIGN EDITOR Julie Haggard PHOTO EDITOR Alyssa Green ’14 PHOTOGRAPHERS Katie Compton ’18, Wendy Johnson ’17, Jasmyne Ray ’18, Drew Studdard ’17, Art Meripol, Michael Wade CONTRIBUTORS Wesley Hallman, Carey Heatherly, Marsha Littleton, Melanie Poole ’86 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UMNAA President Laurl P. Self ’94 President-Elect Toni Leo ’80 Past-President Dr. Michael E. Malone ’69 Alumni Council Representative Kit Waters ’78 Admissions Representative Audrey Crawford Faculty/Staff Representative Matt Walker ’02 SGA President Hunter Huie ’17 UMNAA Vice Presidents Dr. Lewis Brooks ’88, Megan Randolph ’06, Diane Ray ’68, M.Ed. ’74, Stephanie Shaw ’93, Keith Shoemaker ’98, Christopher Willis ’07, Warwick Woodall ’82 Members at Large Tracey Adams ’88, Joanne Atchison ’69, Eddie Baker III ’03, Rolland Casey ’77, Sandi Falkenhagen ’68, Tiffani Humphries ’98, Jean Kline ’77, Patrick McDonald ’01, M.Ed. ’03, Jeannine McElroy ’53, Dr. Terra Miller ’06, Cynthia Todd ’88, Dr. Susan Vaughn ’71, Cornelia Watts ’77, Virginia Young ’84 Ex-Officio Jeffrey Purvis ’02, MBA ’16, Dr. Tracy Rockco ’94, M.Ed. ’98, Dr. John W. Stewart III

From Calkins Hall Greetings from campus, For countless reasons, the University of Montevallo is considered a home away from home for so many of our cherished alumni and friends. This year’s homecoming theme, “Home is where the bricks are,” truly embodied the Montevallo spirit. For those who returned, thank you for celebrating the rich history and culture of campus life here at UM. For those who could not, I hope you will make plans to join us next year. In this issue, we highlight some of the ways Montevallo is “home” to experiential learning and a genuine philanthropic spirit.

I am also very pleased to share some exciting news with you. On Feb. 10, our Board of Trustees approved the construction of a new, one-of-a-kind Center for the Arts! This facility, unique in design and purpose, will provide our faculty, staff and students with a first-rate performance hall/theater, coupled with a black box theater, studios, shops and other spaces dedicated to the enterprise of teaching and learning. It will offer more collaboration opportunities for all programs in the College of Fine Arts: art, communication, music and theatre.

Many decisions associated with the final design and site location remain, and we will be interested in the ideas our students and alumni have to offer. As I mentioned in my email to you in March, it is the vision of Dean Steve Peters and the exploratory committee of faculty and staff (who put so much time and thought into the initial concept) for the facility to serve the entire campus and community. The main theater is slated to seat an audience of 350-400, and construction should begin early in 2018.

Please consider sending a gift now to make this facility everything our students deserve. We are reserving initial naming opportunities at the following levels: • Bricks at the entrance or courtyard — $250 • Named seats in the main performance hall or black box — $500 • Naming on the Recognition Wall in the lobby — $2,500 ($500/year for five years) Any size gift counts toward the Annual Fund and is important and transformative. You may give online at www.montevallo.edu/giving or mail your check payable to the University of Montevallo Foundation to: Office of University Advancement Station 6215 Montevallo, AL 35115 Other significant naming opportunities are available. Please contact Scott Dillard at 205-665-6221 for information.

As we progress through the year, I hope you will find an opportunity to make your way back “home” to Montevallo.

Thank you for all you mean to the wonderful students we serve!

facebook.com/goMontevallo facebook.com/UMalum

Dr. John W. Stewart III President

twitter.com/Montevallo

On the Cover Graduate student Nick Fasanello offers couples counseling at the newly established free clinic on campus. See page 8. PHOTO BY ART MERIPOL

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contents DEPARTMENTS

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Faculty Spotlight

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Student Spotlight

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Campus News

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Athletics

12

Campaign Update

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Donor Spotlight

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Alumni Spotlight

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Alumni News

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Class Notes

30

Alumni Events

FEATURES 8

COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY

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COLLEGE NIGHT

New College of Education clinic provides free counseling for citizens of local communities who may not otherwise have access. It also gives graduate students the opportunity to gain experience working with clients.

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Alumni return to the brick streets for reunions and activities with the theme, “Home is where the bricks are.”

Montevallo Today Vol. CVII, No. 1 Spring 2017 Montevallo Today (USPS 005432; ISSN 1052-3634) is published three times a years by the University of Montevallo, Alumni Affairs/University Relations, Reynolds Hall, Highland St., Montevallo, AL 35115.

Periodicals postage paid at Montevallo, AL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, send address changes to Montevallo Today, Station 6215, P.O. Box 6000, Montevallo, AL 35115. To contact the Alumni Affairs Office, 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/affirmative 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; financial aid; or other school-administered programs and services.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Criminology Professor Chris Bounds

Talks TOUGH TRUTHS in the Classroom

DR. CHRIS BOUNDS CLAIMS A LOVE/HATE relationship with the South. The newly hired criminology professor said despite the region’s spotty history with civil rights, he’s still never found a place with friendlier people.

These paradoxical ideas form the basis of his research into the motives and realities of tough topics like deviancy, substance abuse and incarceration.

As the University’s first criminology professor, Bounds weaves broad questions into the classroom to teach his students to avoid taking assumptions about criminal behavior at face value.

Bounds was born in Durham, North Carolina, but spent much of his childhood growing up in Jackson, Alabama. According to the professor, the cultural hypocrisies of the small town, located in the heart of the economically

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downtrodden Black Belt Region, made him question early on why things are the way they are.

“There are these important race and class differences we take for granted a lot of the time here in the South. When we go away and come back, we see it with new eyes. We realize this is a really unique, and kind of curious situation we live in,” said Bounds.

When he began his doctorate, he became especially interested in substance abuse issues.

This focus was molded by his years growing up during the Reagan era’s war on drugs. He called the common refusal “Just say no,” a “simplistic answer to such a complex problem.”

His dissertation focused on the cultural and social differences between those who were able to overcome a substance problem and those who weren’t.

In his new role, the professor will distill his years of experience grappling with these issues into a new criminology concentration for the UM sociology program.

He takes pride in the role and hopes his lessons can contribute to healing the paradoxes of the region he calls home. “I think, as someone who is aware and has received an education about these problems, we have a responsibility to do something,” he said.

With a sociology degree concentrated in criminology, Bounds said his UM students can go on to become better informed lawyers and law enforcement officials or find careers in the Department of Human Resources.

Regardless of whether his students are sociology majors, Bounds aims to be a part of the “illuminating, eye-opening” college experience.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Walter Price Mile-Long Smile

Unlike most UM sophomores, Walter Price can claim nearly six years of experience on campus. Price first stepped on the brick streets a few months before his freshman year of high school to begin participating in the Upward Bound program.

A federal TRIO program, Upward Bound serves as a college preparatory course for economically disadvantaged or potential first-generation college students. Beginning around their freshman year of high school, these students visit the UM campus once every two weeks during the school year and for six weeks during the summer to participate in academic developmental and skill-building classes.

It wasn’t long before Price began to view the supportive and encouraging Upward Bound staff as a new family. This sense of familiarity and comfort greatly influenced his decision to attend UM for college.

Since becoming a full-fledged student, Price has participated in a diverse range of organizations. He ran track during his freshman year and now holds positions on justice council, the Minority Student Union and, his favorite, as an orientation leader.

He described being an orientation leader as the “best job ever” because of the opportunity to help prospective students find their new home.

Price’s winning personality and perpetual good mood have not only gained him a plethora of friends, but also the admiration and respect of UM faculty and staff.

One of his biggest fans is Director of Student Life Jenny Bell, whom he first met during an interview for orientation leader.

“One of the most special things about Walter is that he always has a smile on his face,” said Bell. “He’s just joyful all the time, which makes him great for that job, because it’s just contagious.”

For now, the sophomore with a mile-long smile plans to earn a degree in biology and pursue nursing. Regardless of what happens in the future, Bell believes Price won’t find much trouble along the way.

“He’s just a genuinely kind, good person whom people are always going to be drawn to,” said Bell. “It won’t matter what he decides to do. He will be successful, no matter what, because of those characteristics.”

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CAMPUS NEWS

Montevallo Students Win United Way Social Media Challenge

From left: Kit Naramore (from blr/further agency), Dr. Amiee Mellon, Matthew Crowson, Madden Saverse, Mollie Wyatt, Taylor Teems, Christel Barnett (from blr/further agency), Chip Graham (United Way); (not pictured) Emme Long.

On Jan. 13, a team of University students accepted a $2,500 check from Birminghambased marketing firm, blr/further for winning United Way of Central Alabama’s social media challenge.

The competition challenged five University teams to create a successful social media campaign utilizing the theme #ThisUnitesUs to broaden United Way of Central Alabama’s reach to the millennial generation.

The UM team, the Falcon Five, highlighted the work of local non-profits like Shelby Emergency Assistance, The Arc of Shelby County and Owens House, which all directly benefit from donations to United Way. The Falcon Five later presented their successful campaign at the United Way annual meeting.

New Board of Trustees Members Confirmed

From left: (front row) Wynelle Sewell ’75, M.Ed. ’77; Beth Chapman ’84, Libby Queen ’59; (back row) University President John W. Stewart III, Sen. Rodger Smitherman ’76, Hon. Todd Strange ’66, David Wheeler ’72, Brian Hamilton, Gary Ellis ’73, Matt Arnold ’93; (not pictured) Tim Lupinacci ’88, Leroy Nix ’03

The Alabama Legislature confirmed the appointment of four new University of Montevallo Trustees. The Trustees are appointed by the governor and approved by the state Senate to serve a staggered term of 12 years.

Matt Arnold ’93 is the president and CEO of the Marshall County Economic Development Council. Leroy Nix ’03 is the manager of corporate and constituent affairs at Alabama Power Co. in Birmingham.

Gary Ellis ’73 is the president and CEO of Compass Media, which specializes in leisure tourism marketing for the Southern United States. Finally, Tim Lupinacci ’88 is a shareholder of Baker Donelson law firm and member of its board of directors.

UM Recognized for Assisting Freshmen with Financial Need According to a recent report, the University of Montevallo is one of the most affordable colleges for incoming freshmen with financial need. This analysis was determined by Student Loan Report, a website covering the latest in higher education financial aid.

Student Loan Report analyzed more than 1,000 institutions to determine which schools offered “the most need-based scholarships and grants to incoming freshmen.”

The site found its results by multiplying the percent of college freshmen with financial need by the average amount of aid they are given.

Of the top 250 culled from that analysis, UM ranked 91st, marking it the third highest in Alabama and landing in the top 10 percent of schools analyzed for providing financial assistance to freshmen.

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Board of Trustees Approves New Center for the Arts The UM Board of Trustees approved the proposal for a new multi-million dollar Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 10.

The estimated 36,000-square-foot facility will include a 350-seat theater with state-of-the-art acoustics and technology for music concerts and theater performances, a 100-seat black box theater and a courtyard suitable for outdoor performances and receptions.

These additional resources will allow UM to add up to 150 students in the arts programs over the next five years. Additionally, the building will provide a more comprehensive teaching space to allow for more cross-discipline collaboration between the four Fine Arts programs.

Groundbreaking for the Center is expected within the next year.

UM Students Campaign for Higher Education Funding in State Capitol On Thursday, Feb. 23, approximately 60 UM students traveled to Alabama’s state capitol, alongside representatives from 13 of the state’s other public universities, demonstrating the need for more funding for higher education.

According to Jenny Bell, director of Student Life, the University had the largest Higher Ed Day participation in three years thanks to faculty support and encouragement.

“I believe now more than ever students are feeling the pressure to make their voices heard,” said Abigail Rothfeldt, the SGA’s Higher Ed Day coordinator. “It has been such a privilege to organize students to stand up for something they feel personally convicted about.”

Photo by Jasmyne Ray ’18

City of Montevallo Celebrates its Bicentennial Anniversary Originally founded in 1817, the city of Montevallo is celebrating its 200th year with a variety of events and activities highlighting its unique history.

A few of the larger events included a city-wide volunteer clean-up that occurred every Saturday in March and a Birthday Bash replicating a celebration that occurred when the first 55 miles of the Tennessee and Alabama Rivers Railroad was completed in 1853.

The Bicentennial committee is also currently collecting letters, photos and other significant memorabilia to be placed in a time capsule set to open in 2117.

For more information on other Montevallo Bicentennial celebrations, visit www.cityofmontevallo.com.

Photo courtesy of UM Archives

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No One Can Make it Alone: UM Clinic Offers Free Community Counseling

Dr. Latofia Parker observes Marcellus Thomas conducting a counseling session.

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wice a week, a small group of students volunteer their time to help complete strangers with complicated life issues. The people sitting across from them could be several years older or younger. Most are not students, but everyday parents, spouses, sons or daughters seeking help they can’t afford elsewhere.

These people are clients in one of UM’s latest projects: a free community counseling clinic run by the University’s graduate counseling program.

The goal of the clinic is to provide free mental health care to those in surrounding communities who can’t afford it. It also acts as a training ground for counseling students to gain valuable experience working with clients.

An Enduring Idea The seeds of the clinic were planted 10 years ago during conversations between Dr. Charlotte Daughetee, professor of counseling, and former colleague Dr. Stephanie Puleo.

“We realized, and this is probably true in many places across the state and the nation, there’s very little access to mental health care,” said Daughetee. “We knew there were underserved populations, we knew there were people in Montevallo who needed mental care but couldn’t find it.”

After a decade of tossing the idea back and forth, it finally gained traction in the fall of 2015 with support from Dr. Anna McEwan, dean of the College of Education, and top-level administration, including President Stewart and Provost Suzanne Ozment.

With administrative backing, Daughetee reached out to her colleague Dr. James Jackson, assistant professor of counseling, for help in implementing the clinic. Jackson had previous experience with similar projects while teaching at The University of Texas at Brownsville and as a doctoral student at The University of Alabama.

While students from the program would provide the counseling, a director was needed to oversee the volunteers and ensure the sessions went smoothly.

This responsibility eventually fell to the newly hired Dr. Latofia Parker, assistant professor of counseling. The young professor had been aware of the developing project during her time at UM as a doctoral intern from The University of Alabama.

While Parker immediately set to work recruiting student volunteers, the other professors reached out to Kelli Holmes, director of the

Office of Partnership and Outreach, to spread the word to the community.

Lastly, a suitable space was needed for clients and counselors to have sessions privately and comfortably. Dr. Linda Murdock, chair of the Department of Communication Science and Disorders, offered to let the program use the Wallace building’s small clinical observation rooms on select evenings.

Inside the Sessions The students meet with between one and three clients for hour-long sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. twice a week.

Before each session, Parker greets each new client and introduces them to their assigned student counselor. The students and clients then enter one of the rooms to begin the session.

While the students have complete control over the sessions, Parker observes through a two-way mirror in each room, jotting notes about what is discussed and how her students are handling the situation. After each session, the students meet with her to debrief and review how the session went.

In the fall, Parker had six students representing all three tracks within the counseling program: couples and family, school and clinical mental health.

The experience especially had an impact on student Nick Fasanello, who began working in the clinic with the intent of becoming a school counselor but switched to clinical mental health after a few sessions.

Fasanello said he gained a better understanding of his own personal vulnerabilities. “I think what I learned about myself is I’m not bulletproof,” he said. He soon started seeing a personal counselor from the University’s counseling services to talk through the occasionally intense experiences he faced with clients week after week.

“One of my favorite things about counseling is that we’re able to lean on each other in the field. Every good counselor has a counselor,” he said.

“The essence of counseling is being able to get in the room, be aware these differences exist and not allow these differences to hinder progress,” she said.

Some clients found the clinic’s cost-free services almost too good to be true. One client was in such disbelief that she made the clinic director reassure her three times it wouldn’t cost her anything.

Parker was also well aware of the perception that a free college clinic’s services might lack the quality of a professional practice, a notion she works hard to dispel.

“We don’t have all of the resources we would like to have, but that’s not going to stop us from being professional, being on time and providing quality services to our clients,” she said.

Marcellus Thomas, set to graduate from the program in May, called his time working with these in-need clients, “a humbling experience.”

“I believe that it’s fair to give everyone the resources they need to be happy in life,” said Thomas.

Preparing for the Future The clinic has been a runaway success, and the program predicts it will continue to build momentum. Parker said her ultimate vision is for the clinic to have its own facility open four nights a week, which will allow practicum students to earn all of their required hours on campus.

She said the clinic’s success has a lot to do with the positive mental health culture promoted by the University’s students, faculty and staff.

“We understand that if students aren’t well, they can’t do well academically. They can’t do well in their relationships with their peers and their classmates. Having that awareness is beneficial. Mental health and wellness impacts all areas of our life,” Parker said. M

Dr. Parker debriefs counseling students following an evening at the clinic.

Serving a Need Between September and December, the clinic served 19 clients ranging in age from 10 to 79 years old.

Parker said despite the sometimes large generational gaps between her students and their clients, finding the necessary common ground to perform the important work is far from impossible.

“I believe that it’s fair to give everyone the resources they need to be happy in life.” — Marcellus Thomas, Class of ’17

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ATHLETICS

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Falcons Celebrate Successes at Hall of Fame Dinner T

he UM Athletics Hall of Fame inducted six new individuals and one team as part of the Class of 2017 induction ceremony Jan. 28 in Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Included in the inductions was the meritorius service selection of Dr. Lawrence J. Lemak, founder of Lemak Health, which serves as the sports medicine partner for the Falcons. He helped launch the department’s athletics training staff and has financially supported sports medicine initiatives at the University throughout the years.

He also founded the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) in 2001 after identifying the need to decrease the number and severity of injuries to youth, recreation and high school studentathletes across the country. The NCSS educates youth and high school coaches on the prevention and care of athletic injuries and has worked with more than 20,000 coaches since its inception.

In addition to the class of 2017 inductees, former UM men’s basketball and baseball standout Herman Watts was presented with the Dr. Leon G. Davis Award at the ceremony.

Watts, an avid supporter of the athletic programs at UM, was a member of the Falcons men’s basketball team from 1968-70 and a member of the baseball team in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UM in 1970 and a master’s degree in School Administration in 1972.

During his career, Watts served as a high school basketball coach for eight years at Shelby County schools Calera, Thompson and Pelham, before earning numerous company and industry awards during his time as an executive vice president for marketing at Alfa Insurance.

THE CLASS OF 2017 INCLUDES: Michelle Durham ’90 (volleyball) Adam Frazer ’08 (men’s soccer) Corey Gros ’09 (women’s soccer) Earl Ike-German ’00 (men’s basketball) Melford James Jr. ’08 (men’s soccer) 1988 volleyball team — the University’s first team to advance to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Final Four Meritorious service selection Dr. Lawrence J. Lemak

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7 1 Noelle Haas, Hall of Fame member Sheila (Young) Haas, Bobby Haas, Virginia Haas, Dr. Bob Haas; 2 Dr. Houston Byrd, Hall of Fame inductee Corey Gros and Dr. Cynthia Tidwell; 3 Dr. John W. Stewart III, Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Lawrence Lemak and Mark Richard; 4 Montevallo women’s basketball coach and Hall of Fame member Gary Van Atta with his wife, Courtney; 5 Hall of Fame inductee Earl Ike-German; 6 1988 Volleyball Team inductees; 7 Dr. Leon G. Davis and Leon G. Davis Award winner Herman Watts; 8 Dr. Harry Hamilton and inductee Melford James Jr.

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COMING IN SPRING 2018

Hook, Line and Sinker: Davis Reels in Success A DAY AT THE OFFICE for professional angler Clent Davis ’09 normally begins around 4 or 5 a.m. He’s not rolling out of bed to get his first cup of coffee, mind you.

He’s skimming off the top of lakes at speeds up to 75 mph, trying to find where fish are congregating as quickly as possible.

This goes on for as long as there is daylight, which can stretch from 12 to 16 hours in some areas.

These long practice days ensure that Davis is poised and ready to emerge victorious in various fishing tournaments across the country.

The Montevallo native fished his first tournament when he was just 10 years old.

Nearly a decade later, Davis and classmate Casey Crumpton were inspired to start a bass fishing team at UM. In its debut year, the team managed to reel their way to the National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship.

Now the team has grown, competing in multiple competitions throughout the southeast.

The UM Bass Anglers Association not only allowed Davis to leave a mark on his alma mater, but also provided him with

valuable networking opportunities that led to eventual sponsorships.

After a few years assisting pros as a co-angler, Davis decided to cast his chances as a solo angler in 2012. That year, he was named the Rookie of the Year by Fishing League Worldwide for placing impressive numbers in several competitions.

This year, Davis competed in 10 events during the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series, which aired on ESPN2 in March.

While Davis continues to hook larger and larger accolades, he cites his time at UM as formative. “My life could’ve gone in a million different directions without collegiate fishing,” he said.

Despite a life of constant competition on some of the country’s most beautiful lakes, the pro angler said he cherishes his time at home in Shelby County with his wife Ashley and their daughter, Kayt.

Men’s Lacrosse and Men’s Tennis

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CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Donor Scholarship Helps Student Pursue Research and Career Opportunities JUNIOR AMY WILSON’S GOAL of one day becoming a clinical psychologist requires a lot of hard work, dedication and funding.

After doing well in a statistics class, her professor and advisor, Dr. Gregory Longo, encouraged her to try her hand at undergraduate research.

She quickly fell in love with the practice, but felt uncertain whether to pursue it since the cost for taking the undergraduate research course would be added on top of her other required classes.

These concerns subsided after she was awarded the Drs. Jim and Judy Rogers Scholarship in Psychology, named for two former faculty members. From her many years of teaching at UM, Dr. Judy Rogers wanted to give back in a way that would impact students. “Many of our

students here are scraping to get by. They can use all the help they can get,” she said.

Wilson had the opportunity to meet Rogers when she returned to campus to present Wilson with the scholarship bearing her name at Behavioral and Social Sciences Honors Day in spring of 2015.

Rogers appreciated the opportunity to meet the recipient. “She is a very fine student, very dedicated,” said Rogers.

Wilson said that without the award, she would be forced to spend less time studying and more time working to pay for her courses.

“It may not have been a huge sacrifice for her, but it meant so much to me to have it,” said Wilson.

Now more than ever, the bright minds of the future need donor support to make their academic dreams a reality.

A recent report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities shows that the state of Alabama is spending $4,500 less per student, even though state institutions have only increased tuition on average by $3,500.

Wilson said Rogers’ selfless contribution has already inspired her to pay it forward and donate after she graduates. “The University’s psychology department and Judy have given me so much.

It would be selfish not to give back to future generations of UM students,” said Wilson.

To donate to scholarships, contact University Advancement at 205-665-6220.

60 new scholarships established during the campaign

2,741 new donors to UM

Amy Wilson is the recipient of a psychology department scholarship due to the generosity of Dr. Judy Rogers.

Make your gift TODAY! www.montevallo.edu/giving

888 major gifts of $1,000 and above

CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

8.3 million raised

National Co-Chairs Sandra Bond Bowers ’66 and Richard Bowers • Tim Lupinacci ’88 Mike Strong ’72 and John Paul Strong ’02

for scholarships

Honorary Co-Chair Cassandra King Conroy ’67, M.A. ’88

1st UM Distinguished Professorship endowed

Lynn England ’81 and Donna England ’78 • Mike Grainger ’73 and Donna Grainger ’74 Brian Hamilton and Leslie Hamilton ’00 • Jeanetta Keller ’75 and Bill Keller Kathy King • Mike Meadows ’79 and Sue Meadows • Kay Miller ’64 Libby Queen ’59 • Donna Smith-Senter ’82 • Todd Strange ’66 and Linda Strange ’67 Barbara Bonfield ’58 • Caroline Aderholt • Ronnie Jackson ’73 • Laurl Self ’94

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

From left: Gold leaders Blane Freeman and Amanda Swift, Karen Kelly and Purple leaders Giselle Casadaban and Eliah McCutchen

All Roads Lead to Montevallo Growing up in Montevallo, Karen Kelly’s connection to UM began at a very early age. She attended the Child Study Center on campus at age 3. When she was only 5, her mom, Ann Kimbrough Kelly ’57, a Purple alumna, began taking her to College Night shows. She has only missed one College Night performance since.

Karen recalls attending her first Saturday night performance at age 8. Purple alumna Mary Frances Tipton, a good friend and college roommate of Ann’s, received the dedication that year. Of course, during the evening, the purple cow (Purple Side mascot) had to come by and visit. From that moment on, Karen was sold — she was a Purple.

When it came time for college, Karen wanted to branch out and make her own path, so she chose to attend college outside of Montevallo.

But her UM story does not end there. Within a few months at a larger institution, she realized it wasn’t a good fit.

At the end of the year, she had two finals scheduled at the same time. While one professor wouldn’t budge, the graduate student teaching her accounting class was more accommodating. He ensured that she could take the exam early and offered help if she needed it.

This graduate assistant would years later become an iconic accounting professor at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Jimmy Martin went on to teach at UM for 29 years, demonstrating how UM seeks out the highest caliber of faculty.

After freshman year, Karen’s path led her back to Montevallo. Karen informed her parents that she wanted to transfer to UM, but only if she could live on campus. Scholarships paved the way for her to do so. At UM, she immediately became involved with campus organizations such as Alpha Gamma Delta, Phi Chi Theta business fraternity, the Montage staff, honor societies and naturally, the Purple Side.

After serving as a cowtail and cabinet member, Karen became a Purple leader her senior year, clinching a PV in 1980. From being a leader, Karen gained self-confidence and learned to value diversity. These skills were vitally important in her career path.

After a successful career in human resources and working on boards and programs at UM, she wanted to give back in a significant way.

Karen established a scholarship for the leaders of College Night. The endowed fund is split between the leaders during the spring semester.

This fund was an opportunity to fuse her

passions: College Night, student leadership and scholarships.

“Certainly, College Night leaders are student leaders: they are accountable for one of Montevallo’s most beloved traditions. When you think about what they do, it is a huge responsibility to build and lead the diverse teams. It’s an exercise like no other in project management. You’ve got all these tasks that have to be accomplished with a very small budget in a very short amount of time with a whole bunch of people who may or may not know each other. And the leaders are responsible for making sure that it all happens. It’s almost like an unpaid internship,” she explained.

She informed this year’s leaders that they wouldn’t get an opportunity to lead a project like this in corporate America for many years, never immediately out of college. She agreed when one of the leaders compared it to working as a CEO of a small company. This scholarship is a way for her to say, “Thank you,” to the College Night leaders and recognize their effort. She hopes it will make life a little easier for them.

“I was the beneficiary of scholarships when I was in school, so scholarships are near and dear to my heart. This was a nice way to merge all of those avenues,” she said.

“I WAS THE BENEFICIARY OF SCHOLARSHIPS WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL. SO, SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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McNair Scholars Program leads first-generation student to become faculty.

Q&A

with Dr. Tina Thomas ’06 What is your name?

My name is Martina Thomas, but I go by Tina.

Where do you call home?

I currently live in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

Where are you from?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but I have lived in various places on the east and west coasts. Alabama has been a second home to me.

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Calvin Thomas, is also an alumus of the University. The McNair Program on campus introduced us and was successful (unbeknownst to them) at a love match. He was awarded an MSW from The University of Alabama and is currently the director of social services at a hospice care facility in Huntingdon. My oldest daughter, Katrina, is an eighth grader who excels academically and is currently playing basketball — a sport that she hadn’t tried but one in which she is doing well. During my time at Montevallo, Katrina accompanied me to many events on campus and attended the Child Study Center. Naomi is my younger daughter, and she is kind, smart and artistic. Her goals include becoming a veterinarian, a chef and an artist.

the McNair Program as a transfer student to UM. Prior to the introduction to this program, all I wanted to do was get a bachelor’s degree.

However, through the McNair Program, I was able to work with Dr. Casey Bassett in biology on Alzheimer’s Disease research. And taking Dr. Jill Wicknick’s ecology class helped me to think through scientific research, as well as the ups and downs associated with collaboration. It was in those early days that I thought that maybe I have what it takes to attend graduate school.

What is the best advice you have received?

I would say that one of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to find mentors that can speak to the various facets of your life. You can’t just have one mentor.

Do you have a favorite motto? If so, what is it?

It is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Enjoy the journey. (I try to take this advice.)

What is your favorite Montevallo memory?

I think my favorite memory (among too many to name), is attending College Night for the first time right before I graduated. It was an amazing experience, and I remember thinking, “Why didn’t I come to this sooner?”

Purple Victory!

What is your profession?

I am currently the consortium for faculty diversity postdoctoral fellow in anthropology at Juniata College. I teach classes in anthropology and health.

How did Montevallo affect your career path?

How didn’t Montevallo impact my career?! As a first-generation student, I was introduced to

For more, visit

www.montevallo.edu/montevallo-today

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 15

It’s Good to be Home

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Photo by Michael Wade

1

2

Photo by Michael Wade

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Photo by Michael Wade

16 | Montevallo Today

ocused on the nostalgic theme, “Home is where the bricks are,” homecoming provided the perfect setting in which to reminisce with classmates and friends. The spotlight was focused on the stage in Palmer Auditorium for the College Night productions, which culminated Saturday night in a Gold Victory.

With “A Very Notti Musical,” the Gold Side retold the story of Robin Hood with a new twist. According to the Merry Men, they were setting the record straight with the true tale of Robin Hood. It turns out Robin Hood was not the actual hero of the story. Robin’s interest in being a hero was simply for fame and attention from ladies. It was instead Maid Marian who saved the people of Nottingham from the evil sheriff.

In the Purple Side’s “Showtime,” characters from many different tales were magically transported to modern-day New York City. The characters, which included princesses, cowboys, nuns, a witch, an evil king, cats, sailors and others, were forced to navigate this foreign land. Through the course of the production, the main characters, two princesses and two cowboys, fell in love and had to decide whether to remain in NYC or return to their former lives.

Also as part of the homecoming tradition, Mr. and Ms. Montevallo were crowned during Friday evening’s intermission. This year’s recipients were David Pohler and Spencer Anglin. College Night 2017 was dedicated to Marcus Lane, associate professor of theatre, for all his contributions to the College Night productions.

“Home is where the bricks are” brought reunions for the classes of 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007, Alabama College Society, young alumni and more. As many alumni said over the span of the weekend, “It’s good to be home.” M

4

Photo by Michael Wade

1 In the Gold Side retelling of Robin Hood, Maid Marian is the true hero; 2 Gold Victory!; 3 SGA president Hunter Huie recognizes Mr. & Ms. Montevallo, David Pohler and Spencer Anglin; 4 With the cats’ help, the evil king kidnaps one of the princesses and a nun in the Purple Side’s “Showtime;” 5 Marcus Lane receives the 2017 College Night Dedication; 6 Alumnae reminisce at the FCS Coffee; 7 Mel Robinson ’52, Joyce Greathouse ’58, Dr. Jason Newell, Dr. Brendan Beal, Jeannie Duke ’76 and Dr. Susan Vaughan ’71 enjoy the BSS department reunion; 8 Ted Metz and Jon Meacham ’83 are recognized for the development of new scholarships at the Alumni Art Auction; 9 Dr. Patrick Evans ’88 peruses the art available for auction; 10 Diane Ray ’68, Ron Moon ’67 and Robert Vann ’67 at the Homecoming Luncheon; 11 Leta Hannah Johnson and Deanna Garrett celebrate at the Class of 1967 reunion; 12 Former winners of the Distinguished Alumnus Award join this year’s awardee, Jim Methvin ’73, for recognition at the Distinguished Alumnus Dinner.

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Photo by Wendy Johnson ’17

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Photo by Katie Compton ’18

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Photo by Katie Compton ’18

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10

Photo by Wendy Johnson ’17

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Photo by Drew Studdard ’17

Photo by Katie Compton ’18

Photo by Wendy Johnson ’17

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Photo by Amy Baldis ’10

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 17

ALUMNI NEWS

Foundation of Excellence: Minority Alumni Honor Two of Their Own with Inaugural Award

Dr. Lonnie Edwards Sr. ’71 and Tracey Morant Adams ’88

On Saturday, Feb. 11, the University’s Minority Alumni club gathered for a homecoming brunch to bestow the organization’s inaugural award, the Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Distin-

guished Minority Alumnus Award, to Tracey Morant Adams ’88.

Cynthia Todd ’88, Minority Alumni club president, welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. She then invited Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Sr. ’71 to the podium to speak on the award bearing his name.

Edwards came to UM in 1969 as the University’s first African American male athlete.

In 1992, UM Athletics inducted him into the Athletics Hall of Fame for his impressive accomplishments on the court.

Edwards compared the decision to attend the newly integrated University to the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I took the one less traveled. And it made a valuable difference in my life,” he said Concluding his speech, Edwards stated he was honored to have the award bear his name.

After Edwards’ introduction, Todd presented the award to Morant Adams. She graduated with a degree in management, later earning her MBA from Samford University. The alumna is also a proud lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Morant Adams currently holds the position of executive vice president of small business and community development at Renasant Bank in Birmingham.

She spoke on how humbled she was to receive the inaugural award and recognized the many people who shaped her throughout her life, including her husband, Jeff Adams ’85, and her mother, who urged her to consider Montevallo.

She praised the University for its “history of uniqueness and foundation of excellence,” saying she hoped other small town men and women were as transformed by the education UM offers as she was.

College of Education Recognizes 13 Alumni at Annual Dinner

T

he College of Education at the University of Montevallo recently honored a number of alumni at a dinner held in conjunction with homecoming activities. At the annual dinner, the College of Education recognizes one alumnus in each area of study. The following professionals have distinguished themselves in their fields:

• • • • • • • • • • •

Elementary Education: Donna Perry ’87, M.Ed. ’94, Randolph Elementary in Bibb County Elementary Collaborative: Catherine DeWitt ’13, Montevallo Elementary School Secondary Education: Jordan Pritchett Brantley ’09, M.Ed. ’10, Ed. S. ’16, Montevallo High School Traditional Education: Mark Gray M.Ed. ’98, Alabaster City Schools Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Renee Wiley Payne M.Ed. ’94, Alabama School for the Deaf Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Marissa Holland M.Ed. ’13, Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services Couples and Family Counseling: Ellery Berryhill M.Ed. ’09, Berryhill Wellness & Counseling School Counseling: Cheryl Allen ’99, M.Ed. ’06, Montevallo High School Family and Consumer Sciences: Christine Formby Logan ’93, Wood Fruitticher Grocery Company Kinesiology: Kimberly Allen ’14, Ph.D. candidate for University of Southern Mississippi Teacher Leadership: Kara Bullard Forbus Ed.S. ’12, Central Elementary School in Coosa County, Alabama • Instructional Leadership: Don Hulin Ed.S. ’05, Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama • Instructional Technology: Adrianne McKinney Ed.S. ’16, Forest Oaks Elementary School in Chelsea, Alabama

18 | Montevallo Today

Dr. Anna McEwan, dean of UM’s College of Education, and Randy Fuller

Lifetime Commitment to Teaching Award The top honor, the Lifetime Commitment to Teaching Award, was presented to Randy Fuller M.Ed. ’79, Ed.S. ’93, superintendent of Shelby County Schools. This award recognizes Fuller’s service as an educator in the state of Alabama for 39 years. Throughout his career, he has served in many capacities including teacher, coach, administrative assistant, assistant principal and principal.

For more, visit

www.montevallo.edu/coehonors_17

Award winners Stephanie Comer Newton ’03, Jim Methvin ’73 and Jason Styres ’06

UMNAA Honors Alumni Achievement Each year, the UMNAA recognizes three exceptional alumni during the annual Homecoming and Awards Luncheon.

The Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achievement Award is given to an alumnus under the age of 35 whose early career and community contributions have reflected positively at the local, state or national level.

This year’s recipient was Jason Styres ’06.

While at UM, Styres worked in several theatre productions, choreographing the mainstage productions of “Godspell” in 2004 and “Side Show” in 2006. He was also involved in College Night, leading the Purple Side to victory as male leader in 2006.

Following graduation, Styres moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater.

After landing a staff position at Jay Binder Casting in 2011, Styres worked his way up to a full casting director with credits in the Tony Award-winning “Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” the HBO documentary “Six by

Sondheim” and the popular TV show “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Stephanie Comer Newton ’03 received the esteemed companion to Styres’ award, the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award. Newton graduated from UM with a degree in Mass Communication. She led an active campus life, serving as president of her senior class, a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta, a Housing and Residence Life assistant and a staff writer for the The Alabamian.

A few years after graduation, Newton began the first of many fruitful years in the publishing business. Now the marketing director of Backlist Publishing for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Newton has worked as the publicist for 16 New York Times best-selling books including Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was bestowed on Jim Methvin ’73. This recognition is given to an alumnus who has reached major

milestones by achieving significant accomplishments in his or her career.

This mark of achievement is reflected in Methvin’s work with the Alabama Office of Disability Determination Services. He began working for the state DDS office in 1974 as a counselor.

More than 40 years and six promotions later, Methvin now serves as the office’s director, leading more than 500 employees to examine and process thousands of disability support requests.

Despite demands of his job, Methvin has also acted as a consistent proponent of public education through membership on numerous local school boards and committees.

For more, visit

www.montevallo.edu/news

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 19

CLASS NOTES

Alabama College Society From left: (front row) Della Scott ’53, Ann Mathison Davis ’48, Marie Zanis ’56, Miriam O. Finch ’56; (second row) Martha Ann Ellis Edwards ’58, Jo Rayfield ’62, Libby Queen ’59, Carol Slaughter White ’56, Anne Kuers Martin ’56, Mary Louise Dabbs ’56; (back row) Barbara Bonfield ’58, Joyce Greathouse ’58, Anita J. Giordano ’56, Dean Drake Green ’56, Mel Robinson ’52, Sue Faulkner ’56

CLASS NOTES

1964

Julia Dockery Smith’s latest book, Something to Prove: A Biography of Ann Lowe, America’s Forgotten Designer, is now being considered for movie production by three producers. She resides in Tallahassee, Florida.

1967

Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor of Troy University, was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor on Oct. 24 during a ceremony at the state capitol.

1969

Glen Eldon Hale M.Ed. ’72 of Vestavia received the highest Masonic honor of Shriner in November 2016.

20 | Montevallo Today

1970

Gayle Lees Sandlin of Wetumpka was inducted into the 2016 Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame.

1971

Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards is the namesake of the Minority Alumni Club’s award, the Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Distinguished Minority Alumnus Award (see page 18).

1974

Jim Methvin, of Homewood, Alabama, is the recipient of the 2017 Distinguished Alumnus award (see page 19).

1975

Malcolm Steiner of Mobile recently published a new book titled Old Mobile Trivia: Facts, Trivia, & Stories About Alabama’s Port City.

1976

Kathy Landers of Sylacauga recently left her role as the special projects coordinator for the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE). SAFE Executive Director Margaret Morton honored Kathy with kind words and gifts during the organization’s Christmas party.

Steve Ricks M.Ed. ’83 of Montgomery has retired from the Alabama State Department of Education after serving as the director of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI).

1979

Annette Brewer of Guntersville, Alabama, has returned home to establish a new art studio. Her work was recently featured as a

part of a dual exhibit at the Guntersville Museum.

Randy Fuller M.Ed., Ed.S. ’93 of Birmingham was awarded the Lifetime Commitment to Teaching Award by the UM College of Education at homecoming (see page 18).

John Martin of Cincinnati has been appointed to the position of assistant dean of Preparatory and Community Engagement at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.

1980

Bruce Martin Smith was recently promoted to detective sergeant with the City of Fultondale Police Department. On March 30, Bruce observed his 30th anniversary in law enforcement for his

Class of 1957 From left: Margaret Jacobs Pope, Dot Scarbrough, Rosa Sullivan, Ann Kimbrough Kelly, Mary Nell Glasscock, Marian Talley, Myra Gene Kennedy

Class of 1967 From left: (front row) Robert Vann, Ron Moon, Bill Heron; (second row) Jim Hargrove, Betty Little Horne; (third row) Jenny Milwee Sims, Marilyn Reynolds Calvert, Janice McEntene Martin; (fourth row) Leta Hannon Johnston, Deanna Hoagland Garrett, William R. Garrett, Jimmy W. Martin; (fifth row) Cheryl Bryant Dockery, Betty Deuel; (sixth row) Julia Gibbs Matson, Sandra Boykin Nelson; (back row) Thomas Ronald Harris, Doug Burnham

combined service in the cities of Birmingham and Fultondale.

1981

Thom Gossom Jr. M.A. recently spoke at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library’s Lunch at the Library series. Thom discussed his newest book series, The Slice of Life collection, as well as his athletic and acting career.

Margaret Morelock Arnold recently retired from the Santa Rosa School District after 35 years of service in music education.

Margaret has joined the music community of A Joyful Noise Music Store in Milton, Florida, teaching private voice lessons.

1982

Karen Willingham MBA ’12 has been promoted to director of

student conduct at UM. She has maintained her title as deputy Title IX coordinator and previously served as the coordinator of student affairs and student conduct.

1983

Larry Gibson M.Ed. ’88 of Vestavia is the 2016-17 Alabama Art Education Association’s Art Teacher of the Year. He has taught art at Pizitz Middle School for more than 30 years.

The Rev. James Watkins recently became pastor of West End Baptist Church in Clanton. Previously, he served as the pastor for First Church in Leroy, Alabama, for 25 years.

1984

Caron Riley was recently named Teacher of the Year at Pelham Oaks Elementary School. She currently

teaches kindergarten and has been teaching for nearly 30 years.

1988

Tracey Morant Adams of Birmingham was recently promoted to chief community development and corporate social responsibility officer of Renasant Bank.

Tracey is also the recipient of the inaugural Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Distinguished Minority Alumnus Award (see page 18).

Peter Braasch of Vestavia was among 12 coaches selected for induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame.

1989

Mei Koh, winner of CineAsia’s Exhibitor of the Year Award, is CEO of Malaysia’s largest cinema chain, Golden Screen Cinemas

(GSC). Mei serves as head of corporate affairs at Malaysian stock exchange-listed PPB Group Bhd (PPB) and serves on the boards of all of the conglomerate’s leisure and IT businesses.

1991

Douglas Uhler has been named partner in the firm Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore P.C. in Birmingham. Douglas has been with the firm since 2008 and specializes in tax, business valuation and litigation support.

Wyatt Pugh is now leading the city of Homewood’s Building Inspections department. Previously, Wyatt worked for nine years as the commercial and residential building inspector for Birmingham.

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 21

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1977 From left: (front row) Melissa Bass Smith, Sandy Hayes Novak, Becky Ward Burns, Tom Phelps, Margarete Arthur Roser, Kathy Nelems; (back row) Tammy Conners Powell, Marsha Mims Troy, Kathy Sinclair Geesey, Cornelia Wingate Watts, Lou Ann Buzbee Hood, Anita McDaniel Brueck, Jeanie Martin Kline

entities, public finance, economic development and litigation.

1996

Peter Panizzi was promoted and tenured as associate professor by the Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn University in fall 2016.

1998

Russ Bryan M.Ed. has retired after 15 years as the principal of Thorsby High School in Chilton County. Prior to that position, Russ spent three years as assistant principal and one year coaching football.

After five years of teaching in Abu Dhabi, Katherine Turnbow Sharpe and her husband have relocated to Hanoi, Vietnam.

She is teaching at the Concordia International School Hanoi.

April Stone was spotlighted by 280 Living in December for her accomplishments as the executive director of South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. April often plays the role of an essential connector in the business community, facilitating new relationships and partnerships.

1999 1992

1993

Tammi Stewart Dahle M.Ed. ’95 has been promoted to vice president of enrollment management and student affairs/dean of students at the University of Montevallo.

Elisabeth French has been elected to the 10th judicial circuit, place 17. She was previously a circuit court judge in Jefferson County, Alabama.

Kevin Townes has been appointed chair of the Liberal Arts program at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham.

22 | Montevallo Today

Matt Arnold, UM trustee, was recently named to the board of directors of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC).

Tom Kenley was recently elected to serve as president of the Nash-

ville chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. He has served on the board in other roles for two years.

1994

Raymond L. Bell Jr. joined the law firm Adams and Reese as special counsel in the special business services practice group for its Mobile office. Raymond focuses his practice primarily in government relations, counsel to public

Bryan Marcus will begin his 15th year in the Foreign Service this May. He is currently chief of the political and economic section at the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname.

DeAnna Smith is an instructor of accounting in the UM Stephens College of Business.

Amber Mullins Willis was recently named Teacher of the Year at Thompson’s Sixth Grade Center in Alabaster.

2003

Melody Greene was named the 2016-17 Elementary Teacher of

Class of 1997 Amy Wagoner Owens (left) and daughter, Lillie, pictured with Tracy Rockco ’94, M.Ed. ’98

Class of 1987 From left: (front row) Elaine Rogers Pearson, Lea Webb Williamson, Ginger Thomas Bendal; (back row) James “Jim” Parker, Melissa Matthews Smith, Danny Gamble

the Year by Hoover City Schools.

Before her current position at Greystone Elementary, Melody taught for 10 years at Berry Middle School.

Vicki Jackson was recently recognized as the Middle School Teacher of the Year for Shelby County Schools. Vicki currently teaches eighth grade algebra and pre-algebra at Oak Mountain Middle School.

Stephanie Comer Newton of Brentwood, Tennessee, is the recipient of the 2017 Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award (see page 19).

2004

Amanda Fox M.Ed. ’10 was recently announced as the University’s new registrar. Amanda has worked as a UM staff member for more than a decade. Most recently, she served as the director of Student Success.

Elizabeth Lee Short was named the 2016 Pelham High School Teacher of the Year and the Secondary Teacher of the Year in her district. Elizabeth is in her 13th year as Pelham High School’s biology and earth/space science teacher. She is also a proud aluma of PHS, graduating in 1999.

2005

The works of Jo Worrell Taylor of Selma were featured in the exhibit “Transformations” at Judson College’s Marian Acree Tucker Gallery from Oct. 25 through Nov. 18, 2016.

2006

Whittney McPherson was recognized as the Gainesville City Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2016. Whittney has been a teacher for more than a decade and currently leads the Florida school’s culinary arts program.

Jason Styres of New York City is the recipient of the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Alumni Achievement award (see page 19).

Michael Willette of Birmingham recently had a gallery of mixed media paintings called “Space and Order” shown at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art from September to November. Michael is currently an assistant professor and director of foundations at UM.

2007

Jenna Garber Campbell M.Ed. ’08 has been named Teacher of the Year at Montevallo Elementary School.

Colby Conklin recently opened an Asian fusion restaurant called East West on Second Avenue North in downtown Birmingham.

Colby was previously an operations manager for the restaurant group that owns popular dining spot Chuck’s Fish and Five.

Anne Herbert’s work was recently featured in the University of Mobile’s Marilyn Foley Art Gallery in an exhibit titled “Ghost Skins.” Anne works as a visual arts instructor for the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham.

Jennifer Morris M.Ed. ’09 is now part of the faculty at LeCroy Career Technical Center (LCTC) in Clanton. It is Jennifer’s fourth year working in the Chilton County school system.

2008

Dennis Hall is now an assistant professor of math at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.

His wife, UM alumna Holly Warman Hall ’08, also accepted a position at Santa Rita Elementary in San Angelo as a fourthgrade teacher.

Megan Scofield Michaelson M.Ed. ’10 was named Gulf

Shores Middle School’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. Megan has been teaching art and coaching cheerleading at Gulf Shores Middle School for five years.

2010

Zachary Clemons of Atlanta performed as an extra in Dolly Parton’s NBC holiday special, “Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.” It was Zachary’s second role in a Parton movie after he appeared in 2015’s “Coat of Many Colors.”

Kelly Shannon’s art was featured in her recent MFA thesis exhibition at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center in Tuscaloosa.

Jacqueline Trimble participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Baja, Mexico. She currently lives in Gulf Shores and is an environmental assistant at the City of Foley Environmental Department.

2012

Dennis McCay MBA of Birmingham completed and successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at the UAB School of Health Professionals on Nov. 4.

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 23

CLASS NOTES Kira Minnick Thomas was recently named director of University Relations at UM.

2013

Stephen Billy will direct the 2017 performances of To Kill A Mockingbird in Monroeville, Alabama.

Austin Dubberly, along with two other coaches, will head up the new Iron Tribe location in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, inside the old Franklin Fire Hall.

Austin was hired by Iron Tribe in 2014 and coached in Nashville at Iron Tribe Fitness Belmont.

2014

Heather Buckner has accepted the role of managing editor at Atlanta magazine. Heather will oversee editorial content, fact checking and research.

Leah Smith Klimchak was named Teacher of the Year at Elvin Hill Elementary in Columbiana, Alabama.

William Fullington has been hired as the men’s golf coach for Vestavia Hills High School.

2016

Kiera Hood is a morning producer for WSFA News 12 in Montgomery.

Corey Johnson is a master control operator for Sinclair Broadcasting group in Birmingham.

Ashley Lester currently works as a high school history teacher for Alabama Virtual Academy through the Eufaula City Schools District.

Emme Long is a public relations specialist with McComm Group Inc., a creative communications company based in Decatur, Alabama. Emme had interned with the company in the fall.

Haley Brooke Smith has returned to UM as an undergraduate admissions counselor.

WEDDINGS

2012

Barbara Czeskleba and Nicholas Holcombe ’11 were married July 9, 2016, at Montevallo First Baptist Church with a reception following at the American Village. Montevallo graduates who

were involved with the wedding include: the bride’s parents James (Eddie) Czeskleba ’75 and Karen Nix Czeskleba ’71; bridesmaids Mary Jane Czeskleba Clark ’10, Anna Nix ’15, Jessy Alfonso ’12, Katie Dale ’12 and Jackie Morlan ’12; groomsmen Don Slee ’14, Mark Czeskleba ’05, Keith Czeskleba ’03 and Jared Clark ’10. The couple resides in Columbiana, Alabama.

Natalie Ann Roig M.Ed. and Michael McKnight were married Dec. 30, 2016, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Anniston, Alabama. The couple now resides in Tuscaloosa where Natalie is an art teacher at Paul W. Bryant High School.

2013

Breanna Yancey and Keenan Carson ’12 were married Aug. 12, 2016, in Montgomery. The couple now resides in Gardendale, Alabama. Breanna works as an accountant for UAB, and Keenan works as an occupational therapist.

2014

Rebecca Anne Hart and Christopher David Harris were wed April 22 at First United Methodist Church in Eufala, Alabama.

Alyssa Luna and Clint Green ’03, M.Ed. ’16 were wed Jan. 5 in Ouray, Colorado. The couple resides in Montevallo.

BIRTHS

2001

Monquelle Shamburger Ed.S. ’09 gave birth to her fourth son, Deion Joelle Shamburger, on Nov. 7. Monquelle lives in Helena with her husband, Eric, and their older sons, Devin, Darion and Dylan.

2007

Eve Black Freeman and husband Rashad welcomed the birth of baby boy Elliott Leige Freeman on Aug. 30, 2016.

2013

Kendra Cherry Lawley and Jacob Lawley welcomed their daughter, Amelia, on Jan. 24.

Class of 2007 From left: Ryan Jefferson, Lindsey Sherrill, Tara Haywood, Caroline Cody, Rev. Brandt Montgomery, Brandi Pate Hill, Portia Ann Mason, Cecily Lawrence Collins, Eve Black Freeman, Kim Couch Chance

24 | Montevallo Today

Genessa Lang Bivins MBA and husband Jason welcomed the birth of their first child, Carter, Jan. 21.

Genessa is a senior accountant at TekLinks in Birmingham. The Bivins family resides in McCalla.

2015

Ryan Marshall celebrated the birth of son Levi Thomas Davis Aug. 24. Levi was welcomed to the family home in Helena by brothers Payton, Parker and Jackson.

DEATHS

1934

Evelyn Calhoun Youngblood, 104, of Selma, died Nov. 28. Evelyn taught science, math, home economics, piano and art to many in Selma and Dallas County.

She played her favorite hymns on piano in her last week.

1939

Edna Weaver Carmichael, 99, of Salisbury, North Carolina, died Oct. 15. Edna was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Cover to Cover Book

Club for more than 50 years.

1941

Mary Margaret Cochran, 97, of Mobile, died Dec. 17. She worked as a supervisor in the personnel department at Brookley Air Force Base for several years before becoming a stay at home mom.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing golf and bridge.

Frances Hodge Coxwell, 96, of Monroeville, Alabama, died Nov. 10. Frances served as a home demonstration agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service in 1941. She also taught home economics and physical education at Monroe County High School, and later worked as a supervisor with the Monroe County Department of Human Resources.

Lucille Scott Farris, 97, of Alabaster, died Dec. 14. She and her husband, William, opened and ran numerous businesses in the Alabaster area. She also served on the University’s Foundation Board.

Laura Ella Durant Ford, 97, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, died Jan. 19. She held a devout faith that she always shared with her family, friends and church community.

1942

Beulah Gullage Stone, 97, of Mobile, died Nov. 11. Beulah was a long-time member of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church.

1943

Elsbeth Ivey Barrick, 94, of Dothan, Alabama, died Nov. 25.

Virginia Spann Bedwell, 95, of Mobile, died on Oct. 20. Virginia taught English and Spanish at Selma High School before raising three children with her husband, Norman, a professor at The University of Alabama. Virginia played violin in The University of Alabama Symphony for several years.

Doris Payne Davis, 95, of Montgomery, died Nov. 21.

1945

Martha Frances Stephens, 93, of Elba, Alabama, died Jan. 1.

Martha was formerly a consultant

with the Department of Human Resources in Montgomery.

Sarah Weems Kerr, 93, of Town Creek, Alabama, died Sept. 25.

Sarah taught junior high school for 35 years in Town Creek and Hatton, Alabama, as well as schools in Tennessee.

1946

Annette Hixon Salter, 92, of Albany, Georgia, died Nov. 2.

Annette received her M.Ed. from Troy University.

1947

Sybil Murphy Durant, 91, of Duluth, Georgia, died Oct. 22.

She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker.

1949

Joanne Phillips Knight, 86, of Blue Springs, Alabama, died Oct. 29. Joanne taught high school Spanish and history for nearly 40 years in Lafayette, Tuscaloosa and Ozark, Alabama. She loved to travel and visited nearly all of the United States as well as six continents.

Minority Alumni Club

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 25

CLASS NOTES

1951

Laura Jean Worthington Berry of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died Nov. 3. She was a devoted wife and mother as well as a talented cook and gardener.

Estelle Penry Johnson, 95, of Arvada, Colorado, died Dec. 18. Estelle taught first grade in Siluria, Alabama, in 1954, and taught in public schools in Colorado, California and Illinois. She spent more than 40 years teaching second grade and art education for Boulder Valley Public Schools in Broomfield, Colorado.

1954

Barbara Duffy Garner, 83, of Birmingham, died Feb. 9. Barbara was a long-time member of Huffman United Methodist Church where she devoted much of her time to the United Methodist Women organization supporting the group’s mission work through meaningful projects.

1955

Ila Fay Clemons Hildreth, 85, of Opelika, Alabama, died Nov. 10.

Ila taught public school in the state of Alabama for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1993.

1958

Mary Ann Peters Nash, 80, of Athens, Georgia, died Nov. 7. Mary Ann earned a Ph.D. from Georgia State University and served for more than 30 years as a teacher. She was especially honored to be selected as a STAR teacher four times.

Beulah Whaley Ormond, 96, of Atlanta, died Nov. 2. Beulah worked as a chemist for U.S. Steel, was a chemistry and biology professor at UM and was dean of women and professor of chemistry and mathematics at the University of West Alabama.

1959

Terry Joy Langford, 79, of Foley, Alabama, died Sept. 28. She had a career with the U.S. Postal Service Data Processing Center in Washington, D.C. While in Foley, she held several positions with the Republican party at both county and state levels.

26 | Montevallo Today

1960

Thomas Walton, of Irondale, Alabama, died Nov. 19. He was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Montevallo while in his twenties and continued to serve as a deacon in other churches.

Adah Troup Jervis, 79, of Decatur, Alabama, died Dec. 29. Adah worked as a teacher for Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, Maryland, the Decatur City school system and Calhoun Community College.

1961

Janice Edwards Baker, of Prattville, Alabama, died Aug. 7. Janice spent 30 years as an independent sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics and was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Prattville.

Charles Howard Fowler M.A. ’64, 83, of Clarkston, Georgia, died Dec. 1. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

1964

Nancy Woolley Clark, 73, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 5. Nancy taught history at several schools in Mobile County.

1966

world working with Link flight simulators.

1975

Donald Eugene Hamilton M.Ed., 80, of McCalla, died Oct. 15.

Don retired from the Jefferson County school system after teaching mathematics for 34 years.

Polly Wooten Duke, 63, of Mobile, died Oct. 24. Polly taught school for the Mobile County school system for 25 years. She was a long-time teacher and coach at Davidson High School.

Betty Jo Nash, 86, of Trussville, died Jan. 20. Betty Jo was a beloved teacher at Leeds and Erwin High Schools. Betty also served on the board of directors of the Shepherd Center East senior center and the Chalkville Girls’ School. She was the first nationally certified gymnastics judge from the state of Alabama.

1977

Mary Christine Goodin Dobson, 77, of Wetumpka, died Dec. 21.

She was known to friends and family as “Mama Chris” and had an affinity for gardening.

Larry Wade, 61, of Pelham, died Nov. 23. Larry was in the Army Band at West Point for most of his career until retirement.

Gail P. Lovejoy, 71, of Florence, Alabama, died Dec. 21. Gail was a Montevallo native who retired as the supervisor of the child support unit at the Department of Human Resources in 2005. She used her experiences to keep the nursery at Highland Baptist Church.

1978

Paul McAleer, 75, of Fairhope, Alabama died Nov. 26. Paul was a teacher in the Mobile County school system. Later, he started his own landscaping business.

1979

1967

Richard Michael Kellum, 71, of Birmingham, died Oct. 11. Richard was the director of physical therapy for UAB Hospital for 25 years.

1969

Euell Nixon, 73, of Birmingham, died Nov. 14. Euell was a member of the team that launched the first space shuttle, STS-1, for NASA. He also worked many years with Singer Link, traveling around the

John Galbreath, 59, of Birmingham, died Nov. 25. John worked for his family business, ABSCO Fireplace & Patio. He was also president of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

Mitchell Spears, 64, of Montevallo, died Oct. 12. Before entering UM, he served in the Marine Corps for four years. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Mitchell went on to obtain a juris doctorate.

He practiced law in Montevallo for 34 years and served as president of the Shelby County Bar Association. He also served in the community on the Montevallo Zoning Board and Montevallo Park and Recreation Board. He was inducted into the Montevallo Business Hall of Fame Class of

2016 by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce.

1980

James Hall, 92, of Tuscaloosa, died Nov. 25. James was principal for 10 years in the Tuscaloosa County school system including Brookwood High School and Holt High School. Later, he served as assistant superintendent in the Mobile school system, superintendent of schools in Anniston, and superintendent of the Jefferson County school system where he was named superintendent emeritus.

Hubert Neal, 70, of Alabaster, died Jan. 21. Employed 21 years

by Vulcan Engineering Company as purchasing director and service and parts manager, Hubert was a member of the American Foundry Society.

Cyndy Strange M.Ed. ’84, 63, of Childersburg, died Sept. 18. Cyndy taught at Lincoln High School for six years and taught English at Central Alabama Community College for nearly 25 years.

1981

William Borgini, 59, of Birmingham, died Sept. 30. William loved repairing older model VWs and owned a prized black convertible.

1984

Valerie Maize, 55, of Birmingham, died Dec. 12. Valerie was a music major who lived to sing, and touched the lives of many people who heard her voice in churches in the Birmingham area, most notably St. Mary’s Episcopal in Birmingham.

Starling Earwood, 65, of Birmingham, died Dec. 16. During his career, Starling was a teacher, coach and administrator in the Birmingham City, Jefferson County and Tarrant City school systems. He served as an assistant football coach at the University of West Alabama. He also worked in the Birmingham Youth and Education division of Coca-Cola.

2003

Jay Downey Morgan, 55, of Gardendale, died Oct. 5, 2016.

Cynthia Taylor Moseley, 66, of Birmingham, died Feb. 8. She was a founding member of a community theater in Selma. Cindy was also a counselor in substance abuse and sexual abuse programs in several Birmingham churches.

2004

Elizabeth Mitchell, 50, of Helena, Alabama, died Jan. 17. Elizabeth was in her 10th year of teaching at Evangel Classical Christian School where she was head of the Literature Department, director of Writing Across the Curriculum, and director of the Formal Rhetoric program.

CONDOLENCES Christopher Griffin, 51, of Homewood, Alabama, died Jan. 13. Chris served as piano accompanist at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Boys’ Choir, the University of Montevallo, Birmingham Southern College and The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Former assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at UM, Dr. Shirley Jackson, 79, of Chicago, died Feb. 3. She taught

history for more than 30 years.

Shortly after her retirement in 1997, she received the rank of professor emeritus.

Dr. Shari Boruvka-Roth, 83, of Brierfield, died Feb. 19. Shari was an associate professor of music and taught vocal performance from August 1978 before briefly retiring in May 1998. She returned to UM as an adjunct faculty and staff accompanist until 2004. She later earned the rank of associate professor emeritus.

To Katherine Turnbow Sharpe ’98, on the death of her father Frankie L. Turnbow, July 15, 2016.

We want to hear from you!

Send your updates to:

today@montevallo.edu

2016

James Ray, 21, of Hartselle, Alabama, died Feb. 20. He was known as an independent thinker and intellectual.

Young Alumni

PURPLE SIDE

GOLD SIDE

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 27

CLASS NOTES

UMNAA Board

From left: (front row) Joanne Atchison ’69, Jeannine McElroy ’53, Cynthia Todd ’88, Laurl Self ’94, Stephanie Shaw ’93, Diane Ray ’68, M.Ed. ’74, Ann Kelly ’57, Kit Waters ’78; (second row) Fred Crawford ’68, Melanie Poole ’86, Tiffani Humphries ’98, Warwick Woodall ’82, Megan Randolph ’06, Cornelia Watts ’77, Rolland Casey ’77, Susan Vaughn ’71, Sandi Falkenhagen ’68, Tracy Rockco ’94; (back row) Terra Miller ’06, Virginia Young ’84, Lewis Brooks ’88, Jeffrey Purvis ’02, Patrick McDonald ’01, Toni Leo ’80

Junior Alumni Board From left: (front row) Brandt Montgomery ’07, Zachary Banks ’08, Jeffrey Purvis ’02; (second row) Emily Page ’17, Clark Maxwell ’13, Lindsay Moore ’13; (third row) Megan Davis ’11, Kristen Dechert ’03, Lindsey Sherrill ’07: (fourth row) Jacob Gordon ’16, Quincy Hall ’15, Candyce Hughston ’10; (fifth row) Jahzmin Young ’09, Joann Cook ’07, Christina Powell ’10; (sixth row) Kacie Kilpatrick ’09, Joel Harris ’04, Matthew Phillips ’06; (back row) Jordan Hutchison ’10

Prefer digital to print? Sign up to receive your copy of Montevallo Today digitally! www.montevallo.edu/montevallo-today

28 | Montevallo Today

Tom Walker Appointed to National Committee Charged with Planning U.S. 250th Commemoration Tom Walker ’75, founder and CEO of Alabama’s American Village history and civics education center in Montevallo, has been appointed as one of only 16 citizens to serve on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appointed Walker to serve on the new commission, which will make recommendations and plans for the country to commemorate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Its work will be similar in scope to the planning of America’s Bicentennial in 1976.

The Commission was created by public law and is comprised of 16 citizens appointed by the majority and minority leaders of each house of Congress, four U.S. Senators, four U.S. Representatives, as well as several ex officio non-voting members including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Education, Secretary of the Interior,

the National Archivist, the Librarian of Congress and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Commission will meet in Independence Hall in Philadelphia and will also hold hearings around the country.

Walker is a native Alabamian who holds undergraduate degrees in history and political science from the University of Montevallo and a master’s in political science from Mississippi State University. He is the former vice

chair of the UM Board of Trustees and was its National Alumni Association president.

In the early 1990s, Walker first advanced the concept of the American Village as a campus to teach and inspire young people in a better understanding of the foundations of American liberty and self-government.

The American Village Citizenship Trust was chartered by a special legislative act in 1995 and the American Village opened its 183-acre campus in 1999. It has taught and inspired more than 600,000 young people throughout Alabama and the Southeast in its interactive history and civics programs.

Walker is the previous recipient of the American Bar Association’s highest national award for Excellence in Law-Related Education. Two years ago, he was named by the Birmingham Women’s Committee of 100 as Citizen of the Year and he has received numerous other national, state and local awards.

Pictured top: UM alumni gather to congratulate Tom Walker on his national appointment including (from left) American Village Citizenship Trust (AVCT) Board of Trustees Chair, Fred Crawford ’68, M.Ed. ’72 ; Sen. Shay Shelnutt ’90, M.Ed. ’96; AVCT Vice Chair, Dr. Jack Hawkins ’67, M.Ed. ’71; Sen. Slade Blackwell ’91; Sen. Priscilla Dunn M.Ed. ’72; AVCT Founder and CEO Tom Walker ’75; AVCT Communications Officer Melanie Poole ’86 and Mike Murphy ’75, public information officer for the Alabama state senate.

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 29

ALUMNI EVENTS Junior Board at the Montevallo Artwalk 1 Reese Payne, the cute devil, helps Terry Hughston ’10, Candyce Hughston ’10, Joel Harris ’04, Jeff Purvis ’02 and Quincy Hall ’15 man the Artwalk booth. Montevallo Artwalk is a collaborative event presented by the University, the city and Montevallo Arts Council.

Alumni spotted at events held from October through February

AU vs. UM Basketball Game 2 Fans from both Montevallo and Auburn enjoyed the pregame festivities that included BBQ and tailgating sides.

Chilton County Meet and Greet with Softball team 3 From left: (front row) Kendra Buckley, Asst. Coach Sydney Aguilar, Marisa Sosa, Celestia Davila, Hope Finley; (back row) Christine Brown ’15, Elizabeth Byrd ’97, Cassie Popwell ’15, Coach Lindsay Vanover, Martha Gothard ’81, Carol Crawford, Fred Crawford ’68, Tracy Rockco ’94.

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Shelby County Alumni Club Hosts Fish Fry 4 From left: (front row) Bob Walker, John McKinnon ’66, Kirk Lightfoot ’76; (back row) Sarah Walker, Jan McKinnon, Carol Lightfoot ’76; 5 Ann Griffin ’76, Dean Nathews ’62 and Loretta Cobb ’67 enjoy the fish fry with proceeds benefiting the Emma Dean Nathews Shelby County Alumni Scholarship.

Chilton County Alumni View Christmas Parade 6 Elizabeth Byrd ’97 and Christine Brown ’15 wear their UM best during the parade.

Gulf Coast Alumni at Mardi Gras Party 7 Gulf Coast alumni and friends let the good times roll atop The Battle House in downtown Mobile; 8 Elizabeth Blanchette ’99 and her family won a door prize for having the most attendees; 9 From left: Michael and Ashley Dunklin ’90 with their children (center), Ashton and Sydney.

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Taking the Lead: Student Alumni Ambassadors Serve as Campus Leaders at Alumni Events

T

he UMNAA established the Student Alumni Ambassador program to foster connections between alumni, students, parents and the campus community. Ambassadors serve at a number of functions throughout the year including Olympics Day, Homecoming and Alumni Club events.

Alumni Director, Dr. Tracy Rockco, is very appreciative to the Alumni Board of Directors for recognizing the need and supporting the creation of this group of student leaders. They are instrumental in assisting the alumni office in successfully executing the UMNAA sponsored events. She believes this experience will keep them connected to their alma mater upon graduation and into the future.

Emily Page, a speech-language pathology major who serves as the coordinator, decided to become an ambassador because she was blessed with a generous scholarship from the alumni association. “I thought serving on SAA would be the best way for me to give back a small portion of what the alumni association had given me,” said Page.

Family and consumer sciences major Amber James agrees.

“SAA has given me an amazing opportunity to connect with the heart of the University. Alumni are the ones who continue the legacy through more than giving. Their time, wisdom and physical support show students that Montevallo is more than just a school, it’s also a family,” said James.

Students interested in applying to be an ambassador should contact Carolyn Jones, assistant alumni director, at jonescl@montevallo.edu or 205-665-6223.

These student representatives offer assistance during various alumni events throughout the year. From left: (front row) Kayla Pilkington, Paris Nelson, Claire Chesnut and Amber James; (back row) Alaynna Pruitt, Hope Finley, Emily Page (coordinator), Brittany Campbell; (not pictured) Jo’leshia Simpson.

www.montevallo.edu/alumni | 31

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PPCO

University of Montevallo Alumni Affairs Reynolds Hall, Station 6215 Montevallo, AL 35115

Mark Your Calendar April 28

River Region Alumni Club at Montgomery Biscuits Game Pre-game reception at 6 p.m., game starts at 7:05 p.m.; tickets are $20, which includes game and dinner in City Suite.

May 6

Commencement Reception for graduating seniors and guests on King Quad; 7:30 a.m., Commencement begins at 9 a.m.

May 12

Junior Board Spring SoirĂŠe & Silent Auction Cahaba Brewing Co.; 6-8 p.m.; proceeds benefit the Junior Alumni Board Leadership Scholarship

June 10

TVA Alumni Club Summer Social (in conjunction with Belmont Stakes Horse Race); held in the home of alumnus in Huntsville

June 29

Jefferson County Alumni Club and Junior Alumni Board Night at the Ballpark, Birmingham Barons at Regions Field Party Patio; 6 p.m.; tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-12, children under 2 are admitted free: includes food and game ticket.

June 23

Chilton County Alumni Club at Peach Jam Clanton City Park; 5 p.m. Visit our alumni tent.

July 1

Deadline to apply for: Alumni Legacy Book Scholarship Visit www.montevallo.edu/alumni-scholarships to view details and submit an application.

Deadline to nominate for: Outstanding Staff Service, Outstanding Commitment to Teaching and Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumnus Loyalty Awards Visit www.montevallo.edu/advancement-awards for details and submissions.

August 11

TVA Back to School Kickoff Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment in Huntsville; time TBD

Alumni event tickets may be reserved at

montevallotickets.universitytickets.com