Winter 2019 Montevallo Today by University of Montevallo

MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ Winter 2019

Centennial

COLLEGE NIGHT celebration begins

MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine PUBLISHERS Scott Dillard MBA ’17 Kira Thomas ’12 kthomas18@montevallo.edu EDITOR Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt ’00, MBA ’13 bunttr@montevallo.edu DESIGN EDITOR Julie Haggard LAYOUT Walker360 PHOTO EDITOR Alyssa Green ’14 PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Bell ’20, Abbie Bentley, Katie Compton ’18, Wendy Johnson ’17, Corey Nolen, Caroline Summers, Lindsay Vanover CONTRIBUTORS Marion Brown ’03, Joe Crowe ’92, Madison Griggs ’17, Jamie Haas ’19, Wesley Hallman, Carolyn Jones ’11, Waid Jones ’20, Mary Light ’19, Brenda Knight, Marsha Littleton, Lindsay Schluntz, Reed Strength ’16, Dr. Jefferson Walker ’08 ALUMNI EDITOR Dr. Tracy Rockco ’94, M.Ed. ’98 paynet@montevallo.edu ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UMNAA President Toni Leo ’80 President-Elect Cynthia Todd ’88

From Calkins Hall Dear Montevallo family, I am very pleased to report that we have begun our planning process for a new fiveyear strategic plan. Under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Gilbert, Assistant Provost and UM class of ’90, we are hosting town hall meetings with audiences representing our various constituency groups. Dr. Stephen Craft, Dean of the Stephens College of Business, is facilitating these sessions, helping us to determine together what our opportunities are in the future and how best we can serve our students. We need your input concerning the strengths, challenges and, ultimately, the most vital vision for our institution. Please consider participating in any of the “town hall” sessions during the Alumni Board or Junior Board meetings around Homecoming or provide feedback through the survey at montevallo.edu/strategic-plan-2020-2025. It is critical that we hear from as many family members as possible so that we can craft a clear, collective vision of our University well into the future. As always, I would like to thank you for your support of our initiatives that serve the efforts of our faculty, staff and students. I hope this issue of Montevallo Today offers evidence that the enterprise of teaching and learning is alive and well here at the University of Montevallo. My best from campus for a meaningful and exciting 2019!

Dr. John W. Stewart III President

Past-President Laurl Self ’94 Alumni Council Representative Kit Waters ’78 Admissions Representative Audrey Crawford Faculty/Staff Representative Matt Walker ’02 SGA President Tori Irvin ’19 UMNAA Vice Presidents Dr. Lewis Brooks ’88, M.Ed. ’99, Ed.S. ’03, Dr. Terra Miller ’06, Megan Randolph ’06, Diane Ray ’68, M.Ed. ’74, Stephanie Shaw ’93, Christopher Willis ’07, Warwick Woodall ’82 Members at Large Tracey Morant Adams ’88, Shana Reach Arnold ’95, Eddie Baker III ’03, Jan Chance ’72, Suzanne Durham ’68, Sandi Falkenhagen ’68, Melissa Garrett ’75, Claudia Harrell ’73, Joe Hill Jr. ’88, Greg Jones ’85, Jean Kline ’77, Greg Lee ’99, Jeannine McElroy ’53, Pat Scales ’68 Ex-Officio Kristen Dechert ’03, Dr. Tracy Rockco ’94, M.Ed. ’98, Dr. John W. Stewart III

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On the Cover The Centennial Revue cast convinces Felix (Clark Maxwell ’13) that all it

takes is a little inspiration and imagination for acting on the stage. (The Marriage of Pharaoh Goh, Purple 1986). See more about the College Night Centennial Revue on page 10.

contents DEPARTMENTS

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Faculty Spotlight

Student Spotlight

Campus News

Athletics

Donor Spotlight

Campaign Update

Alumni Profile

Class Notes

Alumni Events

18 FEATURE 18

UNDER ONE ROOF

Admissions and Alumni Offices team up to make legacy connections.

Montevallo Today Vol. CVIV, No. 1 Winter 2019 Montevallo Today (USPS 005432; ISSN 1052-3634) is published three 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 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 Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational programs; admissions policies; faculty, staff and student employment policies; financial aid; or other school-administered programs and services.

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

CONNECTIONS BLOOM Kristen Gilbert’s Career Blossoms from Montevallo Traditions BY MADISON GRIGGS ’17 Photo by Katie Compton ’18

ew faculty are as deeply rooted at the University as Dr. Kristen Gilbert, professor of psychology. Her academic journey has taken her across the U.S., but also continuously strengthened her connections at UM and encouraged her to grow. In addition to her role as professor, Gilbert was recently named assistant provost of assessment and accreditation. The Montevallo seeds were planted when Gilbert was in high school and attended the famed College Night. She was immediately hooked.

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“College Night helped me fall in love with Montevallo before I was even a student,” Gilbert said. “I was amazed that a university would create such an amazing opportunity for students.” As an undergrad, she jumped right into the field of psychology. “I was scared of everything about the department, including the professors,” she said. “But I soon learned that, while the classes were challenging, they were also interesting, and the faculty were helpful. The challenges in those classes helped me become a better student and prepared me for graduate school.”

Since returning to the University in 1998, she has worked hard to do what her professors did for her when she was a Montevallo student. “All the research I have done with undergraduates has been the most meaningful for me,” Gilbert said. “When I was an undergraduate, the first research project I completed with Dr. Irene Staik began my career as a psychologist. That work was instrumental in laying a path for me to attend graduate school. Every time I get to pay that back by working with students to help them learn how to do research and explore psychology is exciting and rewarding for me.” One of Gilbert’s favorite things to tell prospective students is what UM alumni are doing now. “I like to ask a prospective student what they are interested in doing with their life, and then I can usually tell them about UM alumni who are doing just that,” she said. Gilbert spent several years as an assistant professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, but when a former professor told her about a job opening at the University of Montevallo, she couldn’t resist. “I honestly am not certain that I would have left Pepperdine for any other institution,” she said. She and her husband, Dr. Gregory Reece, were excited to return home. They have raised two children, Olivia and Sam, in the same town she had fallen in love with as a student. Now firmly planted in Montevallo, Gilbert helps shape and prepare Montevallo students for their academic and professional journeys, walks the same beautiful campus with her children and still participates in her favorite UM tradition — College Night. While she never took the stage as a student, as a faculty member, she’s served on the College Night Committee for several years and most recently on the College Night Centennial Committee. Though College Night was and remains her favorite UM tradition, Gilbert cherishes all the traditions and connections that have molded her, her academic career and now her family. “I am so fortunate to have treasured friendships with alumni and faculty from way back in my undergraduate years, all the way to colleagues and former students I’ve met during my 20 years working at the University,” Gilbert said. “My two children were practically raised on campus. Perhaps more formative than any campus experience was their time as preschool students at the Child Study Center. Parents of those children still gather on a weekly basis even though most of our children are college students now. They are my neighbors, friends and colleagues — all brought together by a UM tradition.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Saluting a Promising Future Mary Light Completes Internship at White House BY REED STRENGTH ’16

Mary Light’s hustle to begin a career in politics started as a pre-teen. In middle school, her extracurricular activities involved serving as a page for various state senators and legislators along with more traditional pursuits like music and athletics. Approximately 10 years later, Light is now in her senior year as a communication studies and political science double major, just recently finishing an internship in the White House. Light has a quiet but consistent confidence. During her freshman year of college, she had the fortitude to call up the office of U.S. Rep. Martha Roby for info for Light’s upcoming

speech in a 101 class. Two years later, those early networking skills landed her an internship in Roby’s D.C. office. Despite her already impressive resumé, Light said she felt a lot of doubt and apprehension when she submitted her application packet to the White House earlier this year. Those initial fears worsened as the summer crept closer, and Light had only received rejection letters from the other internship programs for which she had applied. When an email from the White House landed in her inbox, she almost didn’t open it, fearing yet another rejection. However, her eyes

Photo by Katie Compton ’18

locked onto one key word: “Congratulations.” Only a month later, her morning began with glimpses of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial on her walk to work. “As a political science student, and quite frankly as a tremendous nerd, it was just so cool,” Light said about working on Capitol Hill. “It was never lost on me, where I was and the importance of everything around me.” She worked in the White House’s gift and protocol office — a section of the much larger office of presidential correspondence. While there, she logged constituent policy concerns for reports to senior officials, processed requests for aid from federal agencies and assisted with digitization procedures to improve inventory management. Light credits her experience working within groups and teams in her communication studies courses as an immense help during her day-to-day tasks in the White House. In her downtime, Light even had the chance to connect with UM alumni in D.C., such as Willie Phillips ’00 and Amos Snead ’02. From these alumni, she learned about the long lineage of UM alumni giving fellow alumni a couch to sleep on as they pursued careers in the U.S. Capitol. (See more on page 9.) Light spent three months at the White House furthering her education with handson experience. When her internship ended Aug. 10, she immediately left D.C. to return to campus on Aug. 12 to help her Chi Omega sisters with recruitment. Her campus involvement doesn’t end there. She has been an active member of College Night, honor societies and SGA. Her current position with SGA is student trustee on the UM Board of Trustees. As graduation approaches, Light is busy preparing not only for her final semester, but her path back to D.C. Once she gets there, her next step will be conquering the LSAT, which she hopes will begin the path to the rest of her career in the political realm. While faculty and staff at the University commend Light for her determination and ambition, she says Montevallo is the reason she has assembled such a strong path forward. “I am who I am because Montevallo has helped me put all of the pieces together and make sense of the puzzle,” said Light.

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CAMPUS NEWS

University Further Honored by Colleges of Distinction As a trusted, one-of-a-kind resource, Colleges of Distinction is now awarding further accolades to help prospective students find the best-fit school for them. Already honored as a College of Distinction for its personal approach to education, the University of Montevallo has also received program-specific recognition for the Stephens College of Business and the College of Education. The University of Montevallo’s Field of Study Badges for the Stephens College of Business and the College of Education are true marks of honor in the world of higher education, representing programs that invest in student engagement in fields that demand innovative, critical thinking. Colleges of Distinction has granted these awards after a comprehensive vetting process, individually selecting schools based on such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program and a track record for success.

Montevallo Scores High Marks in U.S. News & World Report’s “2019 Best Colleges” The University of Montevallo continues to receive high accolades in the “Best Colleges,” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. According to rankings for the 2019 edition, released Sept. 10, Montevallo has retained the top spot among public regional universities in Alabama, a distinction it has held for ten years. In the overall rankings for regional south universities, Montevallo remained in the top 50. In addition to the overall ranking, the University of Montevallo was identified in the following categories: • • • • Photo by Corey Nolen

top 15 Best Public Regional Universities in the South. top 20 Most Innovative Schools top 20 schools for Best Undergraduate Teaching top 25 listing for Best Value Schools

Learn more about UM’s accolades from U.S. News & World Report at montevallo.edu/us-news-19

UM Students Rank #1 in Bass Rankings UM students Justin Barnes (left) and Adam Carroll (right) ranked #1 for Bass Rankings’ 2-Year College Team Rankings, which measure a team’s performance over the past two years with a six-tournament minimum and include ACA, BASS, FLW and independent school opens, invitationals or qualifiers. The criteria demonstrate which programs are the most consistent over the course of time instead of high rankings in only one season. “The unique thing about the two-year ranking for the college level is that it allows anglers to see how they rank over half of their careers,” Bass Rankings Editor Sean Ostruszka said.

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UM Administration and Faculty Honored Dr. Tammi Dahle ’92, vice president for enrollment and student affairs at the University of Montevallo was recognized among the 2018 Women to Watch at the Birmingham Business Journal ’s Women’s Summit on Friday, Sept 21.

Dr. Stephen Craft, dean of the Stephens College of Business, and Dr. John W. Stewart III, UM president, were honored in Birmingham Business Journal ’s “Who’s Who in Education.” For this section, BBJ highlights key leaders in Alabama’s academic world who are educating and building the workforce of the future.

Dr. Jim Day, professor of history, has been selected as one of Birmingham Business Journal ’s 2018 Veterans of Influence. He was also recently honored as the first Michael J. Grainger Endowed Professorship in Modern History at UM.

UM Among Top 5 Alabama Universities in WalletHub Ranking

2nd

WalletHub recently announced their 2019 Best Universities Rankings, naming the University of Montevallo to the top 5 universities in Alabama. To determine the top-performing schools at the lowest possible cost to undergraduates, WalletHub compared nearly 1,000 higher education institutions in the U.S. across 30 key measures. The data set is grouped into seven categories, including Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing and Career Outcomes. The metrics range from student-faculty ratio to graduation rate to post-attendance median salary. Recognizing the challenge of predicting future outcomes, WalletHub’s Best Colleges ranking also analyzes post-attendance metrics — the student-loan default rate and other aspects — to show the value of the education students can expect to receive beyond their undergraduate studies.

Montevallo Awarded GEAR UP Grant The U.S. Department of Education has awarded UM a seven-year, $25 million Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. The University will be partnering with five school systems in Jefferson County to serve a cohort of approximately 4,500 students from the following school systems: Bessemer City Schools, Fairfield City Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Midfield City Schools and Tarrant City Schools. Students will begin in either the sixth or seventh grade, and the grant funding will move with them as they progress through and graduate from high school. With the support of U.S. Senators Doug Jones and Richard Shelby and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt and Gary Palmer, the UM College of Education secured the grant. Faculty Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray, Dr. Cassie Raulston, Dr. Amy Samuels, Dr. Greg Samuels and Dr. Alvin Taylor along with Matt Walker, director of sponsored programs, wrote the grant with assistance from Kelli Holmes, director of development, UM alumnus Martin Nalls and Dr. Courtney Bentley, dean of the College of Education. Learn more at montevallo.edu/gear-up-grant

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

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CAMPUS NEWS

Photo by Wendy Johnson '17

University Celebrates 122 Years The University of Montevallo celebrated 122 years as an institution of higher learning on Oct. 11. The annual Founders’ Day ceremony began at 11 a.m. as UM faculty, clad in their processional regalia, led graduating seniors into Palmer Hall. This year’s theme focused on the connections that form through our traditions and friendships while at the University of Montevallo. These traditions reflect our ideals, our priorities and our sense of belonging to create connections that begin on these brick streets but reach far beyond these gates. To demonstrate this theme, alumni Willie Phillips ’00, public service commissioner for the District of Columbia, and Amos Snead ’02, founding partner of S-3 public affairs firm in D.C., delivered the keynote address. Connections Through Traditions One of the most popular traditions among students and alumni is College Night, which officially began its Centennial Celebration on Oct. 13. As a tribute to this milestone, guests enjoyed a short performance by the cast of the “College Night: The Early Years” production during the Founders’ Day Convocation. Another highlight of the ceremony was the Investiture of the Senior Class into the Com-

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munity of Scholars. Seniors officially donned their robes for the first time to signify achieving this rank. Dr. James McDonald, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, led the investiture alongside Abigail Rothfeldt, the senior class president. The Hiding of the Crook was yet another tradition recognized on Founders’ Day. At the beginning of Founders’ week each year, students set out on a clue-filled hunt for the Crook, a large wooden walking stick carved with the names of those who have found it in years past. The original Crook from 1926 is encased in a glass display in the Office of Alumni Affairs in Reynolds Hall. During the ceremony, President Stewart recognized seniors Geordie Kennedy and River Dolan as the finders, presenting them with UM prizes. The finders are also invited to carve their names onto the Crook, becoming a part of one of the oldest traditions on campus. Academic Awards • 2018 University Scholar: Dr. Jason Newell, professor and director of the social work program • Faculty Service Award: Carey Heatherly, associate professor and archive & special collections librarian

• Adjunct Teaching Award: Charlie M. Shah, Esq., adjunct faculty for the Stephens College of Business UMNAA Awards Each year at Founders’ Day, the UM National Alumni Association honors three individuals selected by the Alumni Board of Directors. Toni Leo ’80, president of the UMNAA, presented the following awards: • Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumnus Loyalty Award: Michael Meadows ’79 • Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award: Dr. John Herron, associate professor of mathematics • Outstanding Staff Service Award: Mary B. Horton ’84, M.Ed. ’87, assistant to the provost emerita. Life Raft Debate The 21st annual Life Raft Debate was held at 7 p.m. in Palmer Auditorium to conclude the Founders’ Day festivities. In the debate, the University imagines that the world has been nearly annihilated and that humanity can only carry one more person off to found the new world. The panelists argue that their discipline is the one that will best serve the fledgling society to be built. After lively debate and inter-

Photo by Wendy Johnson ’17

Phillips and Snead Deliver Keynote Photo by Katie Compton ’18

Opposite page: Founders’ Day award winners (front row, from left) Carey Heatherly, Charlie Shah; (middle row) Mary Horton; (back row) Michael Meadows, Dr. Jason Newell, Dr. John Herron; above, top: The faculty and seniors line up for the ceremony processional; above, bottom: Dr. Alex Beringer wins the coveted oar at the 21st Life Raft Debate.

action, the audience (primarily students) votes and the winner climbs aboard the Life Raft. This year’s panelists included: Dr. Courtney Bentley representing curriculum and teaching, Dr. Alex Beringer for English, Emily Gill for costume design and theatre, Laura McMillian representing art and Dr. Scott Turner for political science. Dr. Scott Varagona served as emcee but was not eligible for votes this time. Beringer’s argument that stories and narratives connect us in ways essential to survival won him the coveted oar. As the other panelists wished him well and nervously treaded water, Beringer climbed aboard the raft, oar in hand, to face the challenges of starting the new society. Now all he has to do is come back next year and defend his title.

Willie Phillips ’00 and Amos Snead ’02 took a different approach to their keynote address. Instead of a conventional speech, the two gave brief introductions and then chose to conduct a question and answer style presentation. They went back and forth asking each other questions, soliciting life and career advice. The two advised students to make strong connections during college and stressed how important these connections can be in the future. To illustrate this, the two shared how they had begun a new networking tradition in the Washington D.C., area. Snead used his Montevallo connection with Phillips to sleep on Phillips’ couch for a month to establish himself in D.C. And the “couch chain” began. “You can sleep on someone’s couch, free rent, for one month while you find a job. The only condition is that you let someone sleep on your couch,” explained Snead. What started as an opportunity for UM alumni to jump-start their career in the nation’s capital has now branched out to students across Alabama. Phillips was recently confirmed for a second four-year term as a commissioner on the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. As commissioner, he has led efforts to influence communications and update public-facing platforms. He also has experience leading a team of attorneys, developing media strategies and participating in national and international policy discussions. Snead juggles the roles of founding partner at S-3 Public Affairs and co-founder of FamousDC.com, a website that gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Capitol Hill. Snead also recently co-authored the book Climbing the Hill: How to Build a Career in Politics and Make a Difference. The work is a non-partisan guide on how to lay the foundation for a meaningful career in public service. Together, Phillips and Snead serve as an excellent example of the connections made on UM’s brick streets. Becoming friends in college led the two to help other UM alumni succeed by building networking opportunities in the D.C. area. Learn more at montevallo.edu/phillips-snead

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CAMPUS NEWS

Photos by Caroline Summers

College Night Centennial Celebration Begins

he University kicked off College Night’s Centennial Celebration on Oct. 13 with an evening of theatrical tributes featuring music and memories from the tradition’s past. Festivities began with “College Night: The Early Years,” a formal dinner and musical program in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. An homage to the earliest College Nights, which were held in the old dining hall in Main from 1919-1927, the program included a selection of songs and stories from the tradition’s first three decades. “We performed both Purple and Gold show songs and pep songs, which included war-time patriotism, spirituals, humor and deep love and appreciation for our beloved alma mater,” said musical director Dr. Patrick Evans ’88, who worked alongside writer/director Dr. Jeff Walker ’08, writer Barbara Sloan ’72 and an ensemble of alumni and current students on the program.

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The Centennial Revue, “An Evening to Remember,” an original full-scale musical production, followed in Palmer Hall. Set at the fictitious Waverly Inn Bed and Breakfast, the production saw Purple and Gold alumni gather to reminisce about their favorite College Night experiences. The characters’ memories came to life through more than 25 classic songs from the College Night catalog, along with images from past productions projected onto large LED displays. The cast and crew united dozens of Purples and Golds, including directors Jenna Bellamy ’11, Chris Pattillo ’18 and Dakota Patrick ’19 and musical directors Stephen Elkins ’08 and Dr. Laurie Middaugh ’88. Even former cheerleaders joined in on the fun, leading the traditional College Night cheer before the performance. “Working on the revue was a really rewarding experience,” said Elkins. “In addition to feeling like I was in some magical time warp

and getting to play the game once more, I was re-inspired by the College Night ‘can do’ attitude of everyone working on the project.” Proceeds from the productions benefited the College Night Endowment Fund, which was recently established to provide financial support in perpetuity for this unique tradition, honoring the students past and future who participate in the amazing experience. To donate to the College Night Endowment Fund or learn more about the Centennial Celebration, please visit montevallo.edu/college-night. If you missed out on the Centennial Revue or want to watch a previous year’s College Night, you now have the opportunity to purchase online at montevallo.edu/college-night

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Photo by Michael Wade

5 1 Madison Methvin (Melissa Harbison Stano) falls for Patrick Stevens (B.J. Underwood) as a budding College Night romance begins; 2 Patrick Evans and Barbara Sloan at the conclusion of the Early Years dinner; 3 Barbara Sloan, Jeff Walker and J.B. Brown narrate “College Night: The Early Years”; 4 Doc Freeman (James ‘Happy’ Smith) explains how things “used to be” to his niece, Madison Methvin (Melissa Harbison Stano); 5 The ensemble transports us back to the early days of College Night; 6 Dr. and Mrs. Trumbauer (Eric Browne and Linda Miller), along with Dr. Palmer (Chris Pattillo), give the cast and audience a College Night history lesson; 7 Mary Lou Tipton (Mary Reid Howard) sings “Little Town Down in Alabama”; 8 Trummie’s Wind Krewe, composed of Purple and Gold alumni; 9 The Centennial Revue cast takes center stage to perform “Leave it Behind.”

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ATHLETICS

A Spooky Outreach U

niversity softball student-athletes, coaches and staff members hosted the second annual Halloween Spooktacular event on Halloween night in conjunction with the City of Montevallo’s Hometown Halloween. Children in the Montevallo and greater Shelby County community participate each year as the City of Montevallo and the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce present Hometown Halloween — an event that offers parents the opportunity of a safe trick-or-treating experience with businesses on Main Street handing out candy. “It’s a great opportunity for softball to represent the University as a whole in the community,” junior Mariel Bertossi said. “It gives the community members a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween with their family and friends.” Pairs of student-athletes partnered up to host 15 different carnival games and activities at the Softball Stadium at Orr Park, with candy and prizes handed out to the community.

“We are very active within the Montevallo community, but this event is probably my all-time favorite,” coach Lindsay Vanover said. “Our softball program provides a free opportunity for kids of all ages to come to our field and play various carnival games, get their faces painted, participate in crafting activities and dress up for Halloween. We hand out pounds of candy and give away a ton of hugs and high fives. Each year we have gotten to interact with more than 700 people from our small community.” Throughout the evening, shuttles were provided to transport families back and forth on the block between the softball facility and downtown Montevallo. According to families in attendance, children loved interacting with the softball players dressed in full costume. “It’s an awesome event! The kids around town look up to our girls, and being able to hang out with them off of the field makes their day. It is also a great reminder for our girls to give back to a community that has given our program so much,” Vanover said.

ATTEND A FALCONS ATHLETIC EVENT IN YOUR AREA! View the full calendar at montevallofalcons.com

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The Lemak family receives a commemorative Falcons jersey at the field dedication.

MONTEVALLO ATHLETICS DEDICATES GEORGINE LEMAK SOCCER FIELD

ON OCT. 21, the Athletics Department dedicated the Georgine Lemak Soccer Field at a ceremony prior to the men’s and women’s soccer matches against Delta State. The ceremony recognized Georgine and her husband, Dr. Lawrence Lemak, along with several of their children and grandchildren. The Montevallo men’s soccer team, Falcons cheerleaders and administrative staff were also in attendance. “We are grateful to the Lemak family for their investment in the lives of our students,” said President Stewart. “In an increasingly competitive environment, this kind of philanthropic support is essential to our institution’s ability to provide a top-notch education and student experience. We appreciate very much the Lemaks’ thoughtfulness and generosity.” The relationship between the Athletic Department and the Lemak family dates back nearly two decades and is forever linked with the naming of the complex previously known as Varsity Field. The Montevallo men’s and women’s soccer teams have competed in a revamped facility this

fall, which was made possible due to a generous gift from the Lemak family. Renovation projects included laser grading the playing surface, which allowed for the installation of a new irrigation system and Bermuda grass playing surface. The Georgine Lemak Soccer Field has received multiple improvements to the overall visual branding of the complex over the past few years. A new scoreboard, supported by brick columns, resides at the northwest corner of the field. A beautiful brick and wrought-iron fence running parallel to Campus Drive has improved the facing of the complex and new windscreens highlighting the programs’ accomplishments have improved the end lines. New sideline benches have also been installed. The Montevallo men’s and women’s soccer programs are approaching their 25th anniversary seasons at Georgine Lemak Soccer Field, with the men starting their 25th season in the fall of 2019 and the women celebrating their 25th in 2020.

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

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Photo by Caroline Summers

Connected for Life

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Jeff & Tracey Adams Share a Love for Each Other and for Montevallo

BY LINDSAY SCHLUNTZ

ECHNICALLY, Jeff Adams ’85 and Tracey Morant Adams ’88 were connected as sweethearts before they even knew each other. As a freshman, Tracey pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha. That year, Jeff, a UM senior athlete, was selected as the sorority’s “Sweetheart.” Later that same year, while taking Dr. Gary Rovelstad’s cost accounting class, Tracey requested a peer student tutor. While Jeff was one of the two recommended students, it still wasn’t yet to be. “I chose the other student,” she recalled, shaking her head. “Although the school tried to make ‘the great connection’ for us, it came 20 years later when a mutual friend introduced us,” Jeff smiled. “But after we reunited, it seemed apropos that our engagement photos be taken at the University of Montevallo on Flowerhill.” FEELING AT HOME IN MONTEVALLO Having grown up in Alabama, Tracey was always aware of the University of Montevallo. Her mother, who was an educator, was very familiar with the school and its history of offering a quality liberal arts education as a public institution. “I got a Presidential Scholarship that paid for everything except books. That was a major influencer for me making the decision to attend the University,” Tracey recalled. “I did have opportunities for two other schools, but both were larger. I felt more at home at UM because of the class sizes.” Also, the ability to remain close to home was attractive to both Tracey and Jeff. Declining offers from several community colleges, Jeff chose to follow his brother — and an athletic scholarship for basketball — to Montevallo. “I pretty much already knew the campus before I attended school there. Along with the great academic offerings, it just felt like the right place for me.” GAINING CONNECTIONS ON CAMPUS This opportunity to create fond memories in a place that felt like home was something that deeply resonated with the Adamses. While they may not have romantically connected with each other during their time as students, they still each built solid connections with many other students and faculty.

“When you were walking across campus, the professors all knew you by name,” Jeff pointed out. “Not a week went by that Dr. Harry Hamilton didn’t call out my name and inquire about how things were going.” Tracey agreed, “Dr. Hamilton was a wonderful mentor, as were many of the business professors and others, like my adviser, Mr. Lanny McMinn; Dr. Sarah Palmer, the great English professor; and of course, Mary Lou Williams (former director of alumni relations) and Dr. Linda Mahan (former VP for student affairs),” she paused. “They took the time to get to know you as a student and even more so as an individual.” SHARING A HEART FOR GIVING BACK Jeff and Tracey both credit their degrees from the Stephens College of Business as the foundation that helped catapult their successes in the business world. Jeff now serves as the community relations manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Tracey is the senior executive vice president at Renasant Bank and the chief of corporate social responsibility. Out of gratitude for the investment Montevallo made in them, the Adamses believe in the importance of giving back to the University. “It is important the school continue to do great things for other young people like myself, those coming from a small rural area, or perhaps those not having been blessed with scholarships to help bolster their finances,” Tracey explained. “I find myself earmarking more of my dollars for minority students, African American students in particular, and female business students.” As a former athletic scholarship student and as the current president of the UM Minority Alumni Club, Jeff’s donations are directed toward the Athletic Department and to the work that the minority club does. “We also look at other needs and from time to time, we’ll find a need and try to get behind that as well,” he said. “Since we are both Montevallo grads, when we give, it’s not split 50 percent to one school and 50 percent to another. It just adds up to 100 percent to the same school!” they shared. “We feel satisfaction from helping the younger generation get a leg up on life.”

As of Oct. 31, the Campaign has raised $27.5 million, which is 92% of the new goal. Since Oct. 2012:

4,466 new donors 1,423 major gifts of $1,000 and above

87 new scholarships More than $13 million raised for scholarships

59 new members

joined the 1896 Society

New Goal: $30 million by 2020

montevallo.edu/alumni | 15

ALUMNI PROFILE

Q&A

with Cameron Watson ’83 Your home: Los Angeles, California Your hometown: Shelbyville, Tennessee Tell us about your family: Most of my family is back in the south. After spending several years in New York City after college, I headed west to Los Angeles. I live in the Hollywood Hills with my partner, Steve Cubine, who is a producer and writer. My niece and her children live out here, too, so we have a great family hub in LA as well as back home. What is your profession? I am a director, filmmaker, actor and teacher. I began my professional journey as an actor and have had a nice run of it, working consistently in film, television and theatre for a long time. I expanded my horizons and started directing, writing and creating my own content. My first project was writing, directing and producing the independent film, “Our Very Own.” The film starred Allison Janney, who was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for her performance. That film launched my career as a filmmaker and a theatre director. I now direct plays throughout the Los Angeles area and nationwide. I also have an acting studio in Hollywood where I teach ongoing scene study as well as private audition coaching. What made you choose this profession? I was asked to be in a play at my local community theatre in Shelbyville when I was 11 years old. That did it. I knew immediately that I wanted to be an actor. My high school theatre department was very active, and I was constantly doing plays and competitions. It was at one of those competitions, the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Atlanta, performing in a play, when I was scouted to take a look at UM and offered a scholarship in the Theatre Department. What awards/honors have you received? Is there a most significant honor? If so, please tell us about it. I created, wrote, produced and directed the new hit comedy series “Break a Hip.” It stars Christina Pickles, a marvelous and beloved actress known for her iconic television roles, (Nurse Rosenthal on St. Elsewhere, Mrs. Geller on Friends). Christina just won a 2018 Primetime Emmy Award for her performance as Biz in my show. That honor for her, and the fact that it was her seventh Emmy nomination, and that she won for a show I created for her, is certainly a highpoint of my career. I have received other wonderful awards for my work in the theatre and in film, but I must say, this Emmy win for Christina tops them all.

16 | Montevallo Today

What is your secret for success? Just keep moving. A directing mentor of mine once said, “They can’t hit a moving target. So always keep moving.” How did Montevallo affect your career path? Montevallo was an unexpected and magical journey for me on many levels. I learned quickly that I would get out of it what I put into it. The Theatre Department, at that time, was like a playground of endless opportunities – and I took them all. We were given challenges in every aspect of the theatre. Because of this wide and vast knowledge, I felt very prepared to enter the professional world. What is your favorite Montevallo memory? I have so many wonderful Montevallo memories. I was very involved with College Night as a Purple. I acted in the show my first year, wrote and acted in the show my second year and directed the shows my junior and senior years. Those experiences of creating something from the ground up have stayed with me to this day. I think directing College Night was a major building block of my current directing career. What makes alumni of UM unique? I think because the school is so unique itself — the campus, the location, the outstanding faculty — the experience there is like nowhere else. Once you have experienced it together, you hold tight to it and carry it with you in the palm of your hand. It is always there. I think a lot of people feel that. I know my friends do. What would you tell a prospective student who was considering UM? Walk onto that campus with your arms wide open. Embrace all the opportunity you can. What would you like to add? You can watch “Break a Hip” anytime online at breakahip.com. It is terrific fun, and I hope you enjoy it. We are going to be making a third season very soon. Also, you can visit my website at cameronwatson.com and see more about the work I do. I am very honored to be included in this edition of Montevallo Today, as I have so enjoyed reading it all of these years.

For more, visit

montevallo.edu/montevallo-today

montevallo.edu/alumni | 17

Photos by Katie Compton â&#x20AC;&#x2122;18

Director of Admissions Audrey Crawford and Director of Alumni Affairs Tracy Rockco in the newly renovated Reynolds Lobby.

18 | Montevallo Today

Under One Roof:

Admissions, Alumni Offices Team Up to Make Legacy Connections BY JOE CROWE ’92

Upon entering the gates, Montevallo students forge connections both while they are on campus and beyond — and the offices of Admissions and Alumni Affairs have made their own new connection. Now they are neighbors in Reynolds Hall, working together on a vast menu of projects to share the UM legacy across generations. Connecting in Reynolds After decades in Palmer Hall, the Admissions Office has moved to Reynolds Hall, becoming partners with Alumni Affairs in acting as a welcome center for the University’s new students and alumni. Admissions had outgrown its space in Palmer Hall, and UM’s Executive Cabinet decided that the perfect place for the office was Reynolds. “When you think of Montevallo, there are certain buildings that are just really iconic. Reynolds is just quintessentially Montevallo,” said Dr. Tammi Dahle, vice president for enrollment and student affairs. The old Communication Studies classroom in the back of Reynolds has been renovated into a campus tour room. “It is amazing. It’s something a high school student enjoys walking into,” said Director of Admissions Audrey Crawford. A Montevallo community member played a generous role in the renovations. Montevallo native Pam Phagan and her family provided furnishings in the revamped areas. Phagan’s family is among the oldest families residing in the city of Montevallo. Her parents, J.A. Brown Jr. and Mary Lee Garrett Brown, namesakes of the Alumni Center, were leaders in the community for many years. The Brown family not only contributed to making the community better, their generosity extended to the University as well. Phagan has continued their legacy as an active member of the Montevallo community. While not an alumna, Phagan is well connected to the University from being raised in the community. Her mother graduated from UM in 1952. Teaming Up One of the first events the offices hosted together was in January 2018, the Alumni Legacy Student Reception, a gathering of high school students who have parents or relatives that are Montevallo alumni. A second reception was held in November.

“We were really proud to be able to introduce legacy students to where their parents went to school,” said Crawford. More potential UM legacy students exist than Director of Alumni Affairs, Tracy Rockco, anticipated. “I was just blown away,” she said. Focusing on alumni and their children provides benefits for both parties, Crawford explained. Other collaborative projects have included gatherings at Montgomery Biscuits and Birmingham Barons baseball games along with an event at TopGolf in Huntsville. Because of the new inclusive environment, their collaboration involves tying generations of alumni and students together in unaccustomed ways. Getting personal Both Admissions and Alumni Affairs look forward to their offices working together on additional innovative events now that they are under one roof. “It makes a lot of sense that we pool resources to make things happen,” Rockco said. “It has been nice to partner with them. We’re hoping that us being in the same building will strengthen what we are able to partner and do,” Crawford said. Both offices believe that alumni can play an important role in reaching out to local students as ambassadors for UM.

Alumni who know students who could be great UM prospects should bring those students to an admissions counselor’s attention. Complete the form on the UM website at montevallo.edu/student-referral-form, and an admissions counselor will reach out. Alumni can also sign up to be alumni and admissions ambassadors. Use the link above to connect with an admissions counselor covering your area. Then you can appear at recruiting events and college fairs in your community to share your first-hand experiences of being a UM student. M

Campus Tour Room

Future Falcon Cafe, a lounge area for prospective students and their parents. For alumni, the space is reminiscent of the Reynold’s Tea House back porch.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 19

CLASS NOTES

1973

Gordon Welch recently retired as music instructor for Wallace Community College in Selma after 10 years of teaching music appreciation. He continues to serve as the director of music and organist of Church Street United Methodist Church, a position he has held since 2008. Gordon recently celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary with his wife Elaine Welch ’73. They enjoy spending time with their two children and four grandchildren.

1975

Randy Haught of Warrior, Alabama, was inducted into the Alabama chapter of the Wrestling Hall of Fame and honored with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. During his career, he has officiated 31 Alabama High School Athletic Association championships.

1977

Jo Green recently retired after teaching 31 years in Alabama and Georgia. She married Wayne Farmer on July 7, 2018. The couple lives in Atlanta and enjoys spending time with their combined eight grandchildren.

1983

Jackie Swinford was elected to the legislative committee of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. The association represents all 67 county governments in Alabama to the state legislature. Jackie will represent Talladega County where he is currently a county commissioner.

1988

The law firm of Baker Donelson recently elected Timothy Lupinacci to serve as the firm’s next chairman and chief executive officer. Prior to this role, Tim was chair of the Financial Services

Department, a member of the firm’s board of directors and former managing shareholder of the Birmingham office. He also serves as a trustee for the University. Tim and his wife, Ellen ’88, live in Vestavia, Alabama.

1995

Tom McNeal of Trussville recently started the company, Bring The Message, where he combines his years of human resources experience with his extreme cycling skills to motivate middle and high school students to “overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams.” A piece of artwork by Dirk Staschke was acquired by the Huntsville Museum of Art for their permanent collection. Dirk currently resides in Portland, Oregon, where he works as a full-time studio artist.

1996

We Want to Hear

FROM YOU!

DO YOU HAVE NEWS to share with the Montevallo family? Send your updates to today@montevallo.edu.

20 | Montevallo Today

Stephanie Feist M.Ed. has been

named CEO of the Waldo County YMCA in Belfast, Maine. Stephanie has worked at multiple YMCA locations over the past 19 years.

1998

Stacie Gilmore M.Ed. ’99 of McCalla was named Oak Mountain Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2018-2019. She has taught 7th grade science at OMMS for 20 years.

1999

Connie JacksonGaiter M.Ed. ’01 of Birmingham recently started the nonprofit agency, Positive Movement Inc., which works with foster care youth and at-risk youth in jeopardy of becoming homeless.

2000

Jonathan Sherbert, of Sylacauga, Alabama, was appointed the chief financial officer for the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind. Jonathan has worked at AIDB since 2012.

2003

Kristen Dechert of Starkville, Mississippi, was named director of women in leadership at Ours to Change Mississippi, a nonprofit focused on increasing voter engagement and turnout among 17 to 40 year olds. Kristen also serves as the current president of the UMNAA Junior Board.

2006

Michael Willett’s artwork was featured at Darger HQ, an art gallery in Omaha, Nebraska. Michael created the exhibit titled “SLICE,” with Omaha-based artist Erin Foley. Michael is an associate professor of art at UM and lives in Birmingham.

2007

Scott Bundy was hired as a supervisor at the accounting firm Henry & Peters in Longview, Texas. Scott and his wife, Jessica Wood ’05, live in Flint, Texas. Janell R. Cressman recently became the first network perioperative educator/fellowship coordinator for St. Luke’s University Health Network in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Prior to this role, Janell worked as an operating room nurse for approximately five years. Suzanne Dickinson M.Ed. was recently honored with the Frances K. Kochan Award for Excellence Scholarship at Auburn University as she works on her doctorate in educational leadership, administration of curriculum and supervision. Her dissertation topic focuses on the role of the school counselor in forging and maintaining school-family-community partnerships.

Rachel Baker Parker was named the head girls’ cross-country coach for Foley High School in Foley, Alabama. Parker previously taught business courses and coached the school’s girls’ soccer and volleyball teams.

2008

Perry Barnett and his wife, Jillian Holtzclaw Barnett, have moved back to the Birmingham area from Huntsville to take over the 103-year-old business, Ensley Fairfield Mattress Company. The couple recently opened a new location in Homewood, Alabama. They reside in Helena with their two daughters, Violet and Evie. DeWanda Nelson M.Ed.’15 was named assistant principal at Vincent Middle High School in Shelby County. DeWanda previously taught business at Calera Middle School.

2009

Marvin Price was awarded the 2018 Top Economic Developer in North America by Consultant Connect. Marvin works as the director of business development at Charlotte Regional Partnership in Charlotte, North Carolina.

2011

Hillary Franklin has joined the staff of Shelby Emergency Assistance in Montevallo. In her role as coordinator of Shelby Teens for Effective Parenting (STEP), she will be working with pregnant teens in Shelby County, helping them have healthy pregnancies, guiding them to develop good parenting skills and setting positive goals for their future. Tenisha Hicks was named a featured artist at Birmingham Artwalk in September. Her work was also featured on promotional material for the event.

Michael Jones M.Ed. of Montevallo is the new supervisor of student services for the Shelby County Board of Education. Before this appointment, he was the principal of New Direction in Columbiana. Darlene Wilson was recently appointed to the Birmingham Airport Authority Board. Darlene is owner and managing principal of Relay Accounting Management (RAM), a Birmingham-based firm that provides consulting, business coaching and accounting management services.

2012

Margaret Nicole Blevins was selected as the Leeds Art Council’s featured artist in August. Her work was exhibited at the Arts Center in Leeds, Alabama. Elishua Markham of Alabaster was recently promoted to community services director for SafeHouse. She previously served as the shelter operations coordinator.

2016

Christopher Reed Strength has accepted a position with Shipt in Birmingham. Reed will serve as copywriter for shopper communications.

2018

Haley Nichols was hired as the new teacher for hearing impaired students at Collins Intermediate, Scottsboro Junior High and Scottsboro High School in Scottsboro, Alabama.

WEDDINGS

2010

Amy Snyder Ray married Egan Ray April 27 at the The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. The wedding party included matron of honor Jessica

Zambie ’10, and Mary Margaret Smith ’08 served as wedding photographer. Amy works in retail at the Summit and Egan is a UPS driver. The couple resides in Pelham.

2015

Ashlee Marie Beck and Jacob Carswell Odom ’12, MBA ’13 were married Aug. 18, at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover. Ashlee works as campus visit coordinator at the University, and Jacob works as a project manager at Doster Construction in Birmingham. The couple lives in Trussville.

BIRTHS

2007

Leah Allen and John Allen ’06 are pleased to announce the birth of their son, John David, who was born March 19. Leah serves as the academic secretary for the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega. Gov. Ivey recently appointed John the Talladega County Revenue Commissioner. The family resides in Alpine, Alabama.

2013

Samantha Helms and Jared Helms ’14 welcomed the birth of their first child, Adalynn, on April 7. The family lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

2014

Alyssa Luna Green and husband Clint Green ’03, M.Ed. ’16, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Atlas Shepherd Green, Oct. 4. Alyssa works as UM’s university photographer, while Clint is the art teacher at Vincent Middle High School. The family resides in Montevallo.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 21

CLASS NOTES

DEATHS

1947

Evelyn Kaylor, 94, of Guntersville, died Aug. 31. Known affectionately by those closest to her as “Lady,” Evelyn was an active garden club member and volunteer for PEO and AAUW. She loved adventure and traveled the world. Sara Gladys Glass Robinson, 84, of Montgomery, died June 12. Sara was an avid gardener and enjoyed membership in the Garden Club. An active member of the community, Sara was also involved in the Women’s Club of Montgomery, Frazer United Methodist Church and Montgomery’s New Comers Club.

1949

Katherine Hale North, 90, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died July 19. Katherine spent her professional life teaching. She was active in her community including the Knoxville Women’s Club, Music Club and Garden Club. She also loved playing piano. Betsy Stephens, 91, of Bessemer, died July 15. She taught fourth

grade at Hueytown Elementary for 25 years and was well known for her musical talents and dedication to her family.

1950

Catherine Roper, 91, of Huntsville, died Aug. 10. Catherine was a teacher for 38 years, most of which were spent at Butler High School, before retiring as an educator. She then worked at Sterling Travel Agency until the age of 85. Grace Watson, 90, of Daphne, died July 17. Throughout her career, she worked in medical laboratories at numerous area hospitals.

1951

Martha Allen, 88, of Greenville, Mississippi, died Aug. 2. Martha was a member of First Baptist Church in Greenville, serving as Sunday school teacher, choir member and a member of the Woman’s Missionary Union.

1952

Phoebe Hollimon, 88, of Tallahassee, Florida, died July 19. She spent 20 years as a home economics professor at Pensacola

State College. Phoebe was very active in her community, often participating in church activities and playing bridge.

graduating from UM, he began working in Atlanta for Wausau Insurance. He relocated with the company to Wausau in 1972.

1961

Peter James Victor “Vic” Zannis, 66, of Birmingham, died Sept. 17.

Corinne Loy Miller, 92, of Montevallo, died July 25. Corrine delivered food for Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years, until she was 91. Some of her favorite hobbies were playing bridge with her bridge club and going on walks.

1965

Fred Reynolds Cooper, 74, of Birmingham, died Aug. 14. Fred had a variety of professions throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as a probations officer in family court, served as a health department spokesperson and ultimately joined the dean’s staff at UAB’s School of Health-Related Professions. Throughout his career, he remained active with his alma mater, especially with the Men of Alabama College alumni group. Ronald Fisher, 76, of Wassau, Wisconsin, died July 25. After

1967

Hortense “Horty” Jones, 95, of Birmingham, died July 26. Horty loved traveling, tennis and bridge. She was also an active member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

1974

George Boyd, 67, of Bessemer, died Aug. 13. George enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing and watching his grandson play baseball and football. Linda Dial, 69, of Birmingham, died July 20. Linda taught for 36 years at Irondale Community School, where she had the opportunity to love, nurture and educate hundreds of students.

1978

Randy Alexander, 62, of Pelham, died Sept. 12. Shortly following his graduation from UM, Randy went to work for Alabama Power Co. and stayed with the Southern

Prefer digital to print? Go green — sign up to receive your copy of Montevallo Today digitally!

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22 | Montevallo Today

CLASS REPS WANTED Ignite your connection to UM with your time, giving and participation

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Alumnus Offers Students Guidance

Serve as a spokesperson to fellow classmates Inspire fellow alumni to reconnect with UM Raise awareness of philanthropic activities IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SERVE your alma mater in this way, please contact Jacob Gordon at jgordon6@montevallo.edu or 205-665-6220

Photo by Kat Bell ’20

Company family for 40 years until his retirement on Sept. 6, 2018. Randy loved Alabama football, tailgating, barbecuing, vacationing with his family and playing golf.

1997

John Shirah, 55, of Lakewood, Colorado, died July 30. John enjoyed road trips, photography and cooking. He is survived by his partner of more than 24 years, Joseph Jordan.

CONDOLENCES To Mattie Lee Dickey Golden ’53 and family on the death of her husband, Herman Golden, who died Aug. 16 in Mentone, Alabama. He is also survived by son Keith Golden ’81 and granddaughter Jessica McCole ’08. To Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Carolyn Jones ’11; daughters Briana Brown ’18, Britany Brown and Alyse Jones; and family on the death of Albert P. Jones II on Oct. 27. Albert worked as the

fire and safety officer for the UM Police Department for 13 years. His smile and encouraging nature will be missed on the UM campus. To the family of Lori Lancaster of Jemison, Alabama, who died Sept. 15. Lori worked in the Student Aid Office at the University for 11 years where she served many students and their families until her retirement. To Dr. Laurie Middaugh ’88 and family on the death of Dr. Bennie Middaugh on Oct. 20. Bennie taught voice and related classes at the University from 1963 until his retirement in 2001. Following his retirement, he continued to teach voice to private students for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed portraying Thomas Jefferson at the American Village and singing concerts of Frank Sinatra’s music. His all-time favorite role was that of Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha,” in which he appeared in five separate productions over a 40-year period.

ON THURSDAY, SEPT. 27, University of Montevallo alumnus and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Joey Bunch ’85 gave a lecture and Q&A session in Strong Hall. As a veteran journalist of 32 years, Bunch possesses a vast amount of knowledge and was eager to share his experiences with the aspiring journalists. Throughout the event, Bunch offered tips for students on becoming a better writer, getting an internship, landing a first job and other life lessons. He also reflected on the connections he made on campus. Bunch shared how The Alabamian staff and his ATO brothers became his family. “There was a sense of camaraderie that I never got from my own family, and I think that you get that from a shared sense of purpose,” he said. As a former editor-in-chief of The Alabamian, Bunch spoke about his experiences, explaining that the campus newspaper gave him a lot of confidence. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities they are offered at UM. “Montevallo is the place with fertile soil for growing into the person you want to be,” Bunch said.

Photo by Kat Bell ’20

montevallo.edu/alumni | 23

College Night by the Numbers 51 The Purples currently lead the series with 51 wins to the Golds’ 48. This count credits both sides with wins in 1927, when College Night was held and judged twice and won first by the Golds and second by the Purples.

7 The Golds hold the record for the longest winning streak at seven consecutive victories (1961-1967). Before the “Golden Chain” of the 1960s, the Purples held the record with six successive wins (1945-1950).

262 There have been a combined 262 musicals,

dramatizations and stunts performed for College Night, featuring more than 900 original songs.

Fairytales are among the most frequently visited themes for College Night productions, with at least 18 shows featuring established fairytale characters. Other popular themes include war (13 shows), Shakespeare (nine shows), Westerns (eight shows) and the circus (seven shows). Angels, devils and demons are also frequent College Night characters, having appeared in at least 12 productions.

1 College Night has been decided by only one point on at least four occasions: 1969, 1981, 1987 and 2006.

Learn more fun facts about College Night by ordering the commemorative book,

College Night: A Centennial Celebration

Within this beautifully designed hardcover book, more than 200 pages of photographs, plot synopses, cast and song lists, and set and costume illustrations pay tribute to College Night’s productions. Introductions to each decade of the event’s history, along with special features interspersed throughout the book, offer historical and cultural context for College Night, describe its major developments and highlight its most influential figures and beloved customs.

Reserve your copy through University Tickets for $50. Visit: montevallo.edu/cn-book for more information. All proceeds benefit the College Night Endowment Fund.

ALUMNI EVENTS

2019 HOMECOMING SCHEDULE — CREST OF THE WAVE Friday, February 8 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Preview and Early Bidding of Art Auction...........................The Gallery at Bloch Hall 12-2 p.m. UMNAA Board of Directors Meeting............ Wallace Speech & Hearing Center 100 2 p.m. Falcons baseball vs. Trevecca Nazarene University...................Kermit Johnson Field 2:30-3:45 p.m. Centennial College Night Parade.................................................Campus and town 4-5 p.m. Class of 1969 Registration.......................................................... Ramsay Hall 121 5-6 p.m. Class of 1969 Reception.......................... Montevallo Room, Anna Irvin Dining Hall 5-7 p.m. UMNAA Distinguished Alumnus Reception (by invitation)........................................ ................................................................ Montevallo Room, Anna Irvin Dining Hall 6-7 p.m. *Class of 1969 Dinner............................................................Reynolds Hall Lobby 7 p.m. *College Night productions.........................................................Palmer Auditorium Saturday, February 9 8-11 a.m. Alumni Coffee & Registration; merchandise available...............Reynolds Hall Lobby 9 a.m. Junior Alumni Board of Directors Meeting................................................................ ............................................................... Farmer Hall Conference Room, 2nd Floor 9-10 a.m. Behavioral and Social Sciences Reception............University of Montevallo on Main 9 a.m.-6 p.m. UM Bookstore open (25% discount for alumni on a single logo item)...Main Street 10-11 a.m. *Minority Alumni Club Brunch & Award Presentation.......... Stewart Student Retreat Family and Consumer Sciences Coffee............................ Ackerly Room, Bloch Hall Department of Music Reception......................................... Fraser Room, Davis Hall Exercise and Nutrition Science Brunch...................................................Myrick Hall 10-11:30 a.m. *Vintage Purples Alumni Brunch.......................................................Wills Hall 201 *Old Golds Alumni Reunion................................................................Location TBD 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Library Open House to view yearbooks and College Night material.......................... .................................................................................................Carmichael Library 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 23rd Annual Alumni Art Exhibition, Silent Auction, Reception................................... ........................................................................................The Gallery at Bloch Hall 11-11:30 a.m. Special event: presentation of centennial time capsule.......................Location TBD 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Department of Theatre Reception..................................................Reynolds Theatre 12-2 p.m. *Homecoming Awards & Recognition Luncheon................... Anna Irvin Dining Hall 1 p.m. Falcons baseball vs. Trevecca Nazarene University...................Kermit Johnson Field Falcons men’s lacrosse vs. Mars Hill University..................................Lacrosse Field 2-3:30 p.m. *Alabama College Society Reunion and Class of 1969 Reunion............................. ...............................................................................................Reynolds Hall Lobby 2 p.m. Falcons women’s basketball vs. UAH....................................................................... .............................................. Trustmark Arena, McChesney Student Activity Center 2-4 p.m. Purple & Gold Basketball Game....................................................Myrick Hall Gym 4 p.m. Falcons men’s basketball vs. UAH........................................................................... .............................................. Trustmark Arena, McChesney Student Activity Center 4-5:30 p.m. *Class of ’X9 Reunions & Photo and/or Affinity Groups................Various locations Art Auction & Bloch Party..................................................The Gallery at Bloch Hall 5-6:30 p.m. *Young Alumni Reunion........................................University of Montevallo on Main 7 p.m. *College Night Productions.........................................................Palmer Auditorium

Wave the f to s re

HOMECOMING 2019

TICKET PRICING Class of 1949, 1959: No charge Alabama College Society Meeting: No charge Class of 1969 50-Year Grand Reunion Reception and Dinner: $25 Class of 1969 50-Year Medallion: $10 Class of 1979, 1989, 1999: $15 Class of 2009 Reunion and Young Alumni Reception: $10 Minority Alumni Brunch: $10 ($5 benefits Minority Book Scholarship) Vintage Purples Brunch: No charge Old Golds Brunch: No charge Homecoming Luncheon: $15 for former College Night Leaders; $20 for general admission Reunion Photo: $10 University of Montevallo Charm Bracelet: $25 UM Charm Bracelet Individual Charms: $5

Please check montevallo.edu/homecoming for additional updates. Register by Feb. 1 to receive printed name badge and recognition ribbons for Homecoming events. Tickets may be purchased at montevallotickets.universitytickets.com or by calling 205-665-6223.

QUESTIONS? Please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at 205-665-6223 or email umalumnioffice@montevallo.edu.

* Event requires ticket purchase. Please note: alumni event registration is not considered a tax-deductible donation. Schedule subject to change. Learn about disability-related accommodations at montevallo.edu/disabilityaccess.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 25

ALUMNI EVENTS UMNAA Board Retreat, Aug. 3-4 1 Jeanie Martin Kline ’77, Jean Rother Speyer ’78; 2 Kristen Dechert ’03, Junior Alumni Board president; Dr. Stewart; Toni Leo ’80, Alumni Board president; 3 Rita Eads Milazzo ’81, Warwick Woodall ’82; 4 Greg Jones ’85, Eddie Baker ’04; 5 The UMNAA Board collected food to donate to the Counseling Center’s Campus Food Pantry. Hope Bryant Smith Memorial 5K & Fun Run, Aug. 18 6 Diane Pippin, Barbara Haynie ’80, Deborah C. Stokes; 7 Dr. Jermaine Mitchell, assistant professor of Exercise & Nutrition Science, runs past the horses at Reafaire Farm; 8 From left: Matthew Bass, Tan Phillips, Bijou Phillips, Felecia Williams ’93, Jerry O. Smith, Mindy Harris, Paul McElroy ’02, Keith Shoemaker ’98, Dan McBrayer ’08, Wren Hopper, Tom Hopper, Cameron Strouss ’11.

Greek Alumni Reunion and James Wilkinson Greek Hall of Fame Induction, Oct. 13 9 Dr. Stewart, along with his wife, Cindi, and Jonathan Nelson ’93 provides the champagne toast to kick off the Centennial College Night celebration; 10 Members of Chi Omega pose with their letters; 11 The Greek Alumni Committee — Matt Arnold ’93, Shana Arnold ’95, Salem Boots ’08, Christine “Spring Garden” Logan ’93, Stephanie Shaw ’93, Susan Barclay ’95, Betsy Hoffman '94, Megan Randolph ’06, Tracy Rockco ’94 and Zachary Banks ’08 — prepare for the toast; 12 Members of Alpha Delta Pi show their spirit. College Night Centennial Celebration Tailgating, Oct. 13 13 Student assistants man the merchandise table; 14 Purple Side alumni join for the centennial tailgating; 15 Alana Barranco ’06 has family fun time with her husband and sons. West Alabama Alumni Club Pre-game Reception, UM vs. UA basketball, Oct. 30 16 Director of Student Aid, Bob Walker, Paul Doran ’68 and Mike Malone ’69 gear up to watch the basketball game; 17 Terry Hughston ’10, Candyce Hughston ’10, Jeff Purvis ’02, Lindsey Sherrill ’07 and Jordan Hutchinson ’10 (in front) enjoy the reception prior to the game.

26 | Montevallo Today

Photo by Katie Compton ’18

Photo by Abbie Bentley

Alumni spotted at events held from July through October

Photo by Abbie Bentley

Photo by Caroline Summers

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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PPCO

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

Mark Your Calendar EVENTS

Alumni event tickets may be reserved at montevallotickets.universitytickets.com or by contacting the Alumni Office at 205-665-6223 or umalumnioffice@montevallo.edu.

March 2

Gulf Coast Area Alumni Club Mardi Gras Party and Parade Viewing, Oakleigh Ballroom, Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, Mobile, 5-8 p.m. $25 per adult includes food and one drink ticket with cash bar available, $10 per child (12 and under) includes separate activities and snacks. Parking is additional and on your own. Arrive early for parking as streets will be blocked off for the parade.

April 25

Shelby County Alumni Club Benefit Bash, Stewart Student Retreat, 6-8 p.m. $20 per adult includes dinner, dessert, adult beverages and eight game cards;

$10 per child 12 and under includes dinner, dessert and beverage. Proceeds benefit the Emma Dean Nathews Shelby County Scholarship Fund.

May 8

Military Alumni Appreciation Brunch in Recognition of Military Appreciation Month, 9-10:30 a.m., additional details to be determined. If you are aÂ UM military alumnus, please email umalumnioffice@ montevallo.edu with your contact information and brief details of your service so we can invite you to the brunch.

May 10

Junior Alumni Board Spring Soiree, 6-9 p.m., additional details to be determined. Save the date to come out and support the Junior Alumni Board for their premiere fundraiser of the year! Funds raised during this much-anticipated silent auction benefit the Junior Alumni Board Leadership Scholarship.

June 13

Montevallo Night at the Ballpark with the Montgomery Biscuits, Locomotive Loft at Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery, 5-8 p.m. Jointly sponsored by River Region Alumni Club and UM Office of Admissions. $20 per adult includes dinner and game ticket, $15 per child (12 and under). Check in at alumni registration at group ticket entrance.

June 27

Montevallo Night at the Ballpark with the Birmingham Barons, Party Patio atÂ Regions Field, Birmingham, 6-9 p.m. Jointly sponsored by Jefferson County Alumni Club, Junior Alumni Board and UM Office of Admissions. $20 per adult includes dinner and game ticket, $15 per child (12 & under). Check in at alumni registration at group ticket entrance.