MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine • Fall 2020/Winter 2021

Remembering Dr. John W. Stewart Sr. (1928-2020) MONTEVALLO TODAY University of Montevallo Alumni Magazine From Calkins Hall Dear Montevallo family, This issue of Montevallo Today highlights individuals who

PUBLISHERS personify our University’s spirit. In what has proven to be Scott Dillard MBA ’17 a unique and challenging semester, Thomas Dillard, Collin Kira Thomas ’12 Williams, Coty Jones and Dr. Jo Rayfield represent the very [email protected] character and resilience of the UM family. Like so many of EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ALUMNI EDITOR Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt ’00, MBA ’13 our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, the family [email protected] members highlighted in this issue have each risen to the MANAGING EDITOR challenge of the pandemic. Neal Wagner You will also find within these pages a tribute to Dr. John [email protected] Walter Stewart Sr., who passed away on Nov. 4. John entered DESIGN EDITOR his tenure as president during a tumultuous time on campus. Julie Haggard On his first day, he stood in front of the faculty and said, “Good morning, colleagues.” That PHOTO EDITOR simple, yet profound greeting at a sensitive time is iconic in our institution’s history and is a Alyssa Green ’14 welcome reminder today that our University family is, in this difficult time, together. PHOTOGRAPHERS Early in my tenure here at UM, John came to visit me in Calkins Hall to introduce himself Kat Bell ’20 Corey Nolen and offer his support and friendship. We chuckled at the coincidence of our similar names and Michael Wade responsibilities we shared as president. But we were struck, too, at the unlikely passion we shared CONTRIBUTORS for sailing the same small out-island chain in a far-flung section of the northeast Bahamas. Lindsay Barnett Recently I was reading a passage by the writer E.B. White in which he wrote: “If a person Wesley Hallman Carolyn Jones ’11 must be obsessed by something, I suppose a boat is as good as anything, perhaps a bit better Marsha Littleton than most. A small sailing craft is not only beautiful, it is seductive and full of strange prom- Emily Reed ise and the hint of trouble.” ALUMNI ASSOCIATION This reminded me both of John and also the time that we find ourselves in today — there UMNAA President Cynthia Todd ’88 is at the least “a hint of trouble” but also opportunities “full of strange promise.” I loved hearing stories about John’s voyages on his 34-foot sailboat “Lauris” (named for his President-Elect Stephanie Shaw ’93 beloved wife). It occurs to me that celebrating John’s life at such a strange time in our history

Past-President is not at all incongruent with the history we both shared. John brought the calm, steady hand Toni Leo ’80 our campus needed so long ago — the steady hand of a skilled sailor in choppy waters.

Alumni Council Representative Until we see you again, John, following seas, fair skies and tranquil beaches to you and Lauris. Kirk Lightfoot ’76 Admissions Representative Audrey Crawford

Faculty/Staff Representative Dawn Makofski ’00 John W. Stewart III

SGA President President Thomas Dillard ’21

UMNAA Vice Presidents Eddie Baker III ’03, Jean Kline ’77, Greg Lee ’99, We heard you! We care. Dr. Terra Miller ’06, Megan Randolph ’06, Diane Ray ’68, M.Ed. ’74, Christopher Willis ’07 This printed edition of Montevallo Today has been

Members at Large provided by the University of Montevallo National Tracey Morant Adams ’88, Alumni Association. Shana Reach Arnold ’95, Dr. Resia Brooks ’97, M.Ed. ’01, Please let us know whether you prefer to receive a Kay Butts-Pruett ’04, Jan Chance ’72, printed or digital copy at [email protected]. Suzanne Durham ’68, Sandi Falkenhagen ’68, Melissa Garrett ’75, Claudia Harrell ’73, Greg Jones ’85, Stacy Moon ’90, Raymond Rainey Jr. ’88, Pat Scales ’68, Dr. Antonio Williams ’05

Ex-Officio Kacie Kilpatrick ’09 (Junior Board President), Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt ’00, MBA ’13, On the Cover In November 2020, the UM family mourned the loss of former Dr. John W. Stewart III president Dr. John W. Stewart Sr. Read about his impact on page 31. PHOTOS COURTESY OF UM ARCHIVES

2 | Montevallo Today contents

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DEPARTMENTS 7 4 Student Spotlight 18 Athletics 6 Staff Spotlight 20 Foundation News 7 Faculty Spotlight 22 Alumni Profile 8 Founders’ Day 24 Class Notes 9 Campus News 32 Alumni News

FEATURES 12 ANSWERING THE CALL Montevallo students and faculty work together to make face masks for health care facilities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

16 SILVER LININGS Alumni, students and employees share the unexpected 18 positives that came about during a difficult year.

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Montevallo Today Vol. 92, Issue 1, Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Montevallo Today (USPS 005432; ISSN 1052-3634) is published two times a year by the University of Montevallo, Alumni Affairs/University Marketing & Communications, Reynolds Hall, Highland St., Montevallo, AL 35115. Periodicals postage paid at Montevallo, AL, and additional mailing 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. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Side leaders (from left) Lavaun Thompson, Abby Jo Askins, Brey Hamblin and Jonathan Everheart.

Showing Unified Loyalty Sides joining forces for 2021 College Night

In March, College Night will look signifi- This year’s side leaders will review scripts “During these troubling times, the spirit cantly different than it has in the past, as the not chosen for previous College Night perfor- of College Night has continued to shine Purple and Gold leaders have developed a mances to create the untold stories of College through. As far as combining the sides goes, plan to celebrate the tradition while staying Night. From those scripts, the collective sides the unity between the two sides has truly safe during the pandemic. will develop three original songs, three dance been an incredible experience that no other College Night leaders, in coordination scenes and three scripted scenes with a mini- set of leaders has gotten the chance to be a with advisors from the College Night mal number of participants safely distanced. part of,” Askins said. Committee and University administration, The normal one hour and 15-minute produc- The side leaders’ plans have the full sup- finalized the plan in early October. tion will be cut in half to reduce exposure. port of the College Night Committee. During College Night, which will be held Purple Side leaders Lavaun Thompson and “This year’s leaders inherited an unprece- virtually from March 10-13, the Purple and Brey Hamblin said they were determined to dented playing field with challenges unlike Gold Sides will celebrate their 100th year and keep the College Night tradition alive for anything any College Night leader has faced. the 102nd year of the tradition. To honor past 2021 while showcasing the unity the Mon- With the support of other College Night College Nights, the side leaders have chosen tevallo family has displayed while overcom- Committee members and alumni, they spent to return to a modified format from the late ing the pandemic. the summer working out plans that would 1920s. In honor of the University weathering “Going into this, Brey and I both knew allow College Night to continue regardless the unprecedented times of COVID-19, the we had to make sure that College Night of the situation,” said Dr. Kelly Wacker, side leaders have also agreed to play as one side happened this year. During this time of UM professor of art and chair of the College — both Purples and Golds together. No side uncertainty, when no one truly knows what Night Committee. “I’ve had the privilege of winner will be declared. The ultimate winner is going on, we wanted College Night to be seeing them work through the process — an- will be College Night and the University. a constant in all of the students’ lives, some- alyzing the ever-evolving situation, applying College Night and Homecoming are being thing they didn’t have to give up. Keeping critical thinking skills and demonstrating a held one month later than normal in 2021 to College Night alive safely became our biggest remarkable level of emotional intelligence. allow students time to settle into the spring concern,” Thompson said. As a professor, I’m heartened to see them semester, complete necessary COVID-19 Gold Side leaders Abby Jo Askins and apply their liberal arts education in a real and re-entry testing and allow for a safer rehearsal Jonathan Everheart echoed their Purple Side meaningful way.” schedule for the College Night participants. counterparts.

4 | Montevallo Today Uncharted Waters Dillard leads students during challenging times

BY EMILY REED

s the president of the University’s Student Government Association A this year, Thomas Dillard has spent plenty of his time making sure the SGA is giving students at Montevallo the best col- lege experience they can have under the un- usual circumstances related to COVID-19. “In planning events, we focus on first keeping students safe, and to do this we have moved our events to an online format,” Dillard said. “Another way SGA is keeping things running smoothly is by being flexible with everything going on. When we have un- expected meetings, last-second event changes or internet issues, SGA is flexible with any situation that comes our way. I think this idea of flexibility is what keeps each member on their toes and willing to bring new ideas to the table.” Meeting the challenge “Thomas has done a great job keeping a One of the reasons he chose to attend While Dillard admits the year has been positive attitude and setting a good exam- Montevallo was because of its well-rounded different, he said he has been excited to work ple for his classmates during a time when offerings. closely with the administration, faculty and it would have been easy to be discouraged “I came to Montevallo with education in staff on behalf of the students. or feel defeated,” Bell said. “I am extremely mind, but it has offered me so much more,” Dillard said when the spring semester proud of his leadership this year.” he said. “I am truly grateful for everyone at ended, it became more apparent that a “new the University, and they have become my normal” would set in. Finding a new normal favorite part of Montevallo.” Dillard was asked to be a part of the Interacting virtually is something many Dillard said despite the many changes COVID-19 Reopening Task Force, which students have had to become accustomed to, presented to everyone this year, he is grateful was led by Vice President for Student Affairs which Dillard admits can be hard when you for the way everyone has worked to push and Dean of Students Dr. Tammi Dahle ’92. enjoy interacting with people. through all of it together. Dillard said members of the UM adminis- “Not being around others has been the “This was not how I planned for this year tration, faculty, staff and students were a part hardest hurdle for me,” he said. “What most to go, but I am grateful for the opportunity of the meetings, which involved discussions people do not know about me is that I am that my fellow students have given me by to review and present a recommendation at not a very tech-savvy person. I prefer to talk electing me for the job,” Dillard said. “The the August Board of Trustees meeting. face-to-face rather than text or email. So SGA is working to make Montevallo the best Jenny Bell, the director of Student anyone can imagine how different life was it can be in a time of uncertainty. Through Life, said Dillard rose to the occasion and when we had to go all-virtual.” everyone working together, we have made represented the student body with class and Dillard, a junior, is a business management this year successful so far, and I am excited to professionalism this year. major in the Stephens College of Business. see what the coming months will hold.”

montevallo.edu/alumni | 5 STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Jones said. “Another example is that we have always been part of the Emergency Prepared- ness Team, but this team was enhanced and made into a COVID-19 task force so that we could plan, organize and flatten the curve for the pandemic.” Jones was awarded the 2020 Outstanding Staff Service Award, which was presented virtually during the University’s Founders’ Day in October. Dr. Kristy Lee, vice president for admin- istration and liaison to the board of trustees, said Jones’ dedication to his job has never been more apparent than during the current pandemic. “When the campus has experienced any potential COVID-19 hazards, such as individuals on campus testing positive for the disease, Jones has personally cleaned and sanitized the area in question,” she said. Kira Thomas, director of the UM Market- ing & Communications Office, nominated Jones for the award, and Marion Brown, facility and event scheduling director, Lee THE DRIVING FORCE and Mary Ellen Heuton all submitted letters of recommendation. “Rarely do people realize the incredible Jones keeps UM functioning during pandemic workload he shoulders,” Brown said. “On several occasions I have witnessed him work BY EMILY REED through the night, through a weekend and during holidays to keep our beautiful cam- hen things changed this year due When the pandemic presented challenges pus running smoothly.” Wto COVID-19, Physical Plant Director to colleges around the country considering When Jones first learned that he was going Coty Jones was quick to step up with ideas reopening strategies for students on cam- to receive the award, he said a couple of his to ensure students the ability to return to pus, Jones worked to install barriers where nominators and the Alumni Office played a campus. necessary, add hand sanitizer stations and trick on him, presenting him with a project “One of the biggest challenges with help- incorporate electrostatic ionization sanitizing that was going to be a challenge to do. ing students to prepare to come to campus into the University’s daily cleaning routines. “I was up for the task, but as I looked at was balancing everything with the constantly “It was important to ensure that the the details of the plans I saw the congratula- changing realities and understanding of University could resume in-person activities tions on the banner,” Jones said. “It took me COVID-19,” Jones said. while trying to mitigate the virus as best as a minute to see it, they waited and said ‘sur- Through his role, Jones manages, super- possible,” Jones said. “What is great about prise,’ and I was shocked and turned off my vises and provides professional direction of the Physical Plant and the University of Zoom. I do not like being in the limelight. a comprehensive infrastructure management Montevallo is everyone pitches in to help This really took me by surprise, but I was program at the University. each other accomplish a task.” honored and humbled.” Some of his responsibilities include facili- While Jones’ job responsibilities did not Jones said he loves the buildings, history ties planning, space administration, con- change when dealing with issues surrounding and traditions at UM, but overall it is the struction management, facilities maintenance COVID-19, he said everything he worked people that make the University great. and repair, renovations, utilities generation on became more enhanced. “Seeing how people came together to com- and distribution; custodial, landscape, auto “For example, we had to completely re- plete a common goal, and being a part of a mechanical, receiving and related services. work the custodial schedule and outsource team that listens to each other, is compas- Jones has worked for the University for some overnight cleaning to handle all of sionate for each other and works with each almost 11 years. the cleaning and sanitizing requirements,” other is great,” Jones said.

6 | Montevallo Today FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Williams Celebrates Compassion and Creativity Through Art

BY LINDSAY BARNETT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Collin “I believe that we all have a responsibility implementation of social distancing in re- Williams has felt the depth of value that to contribute to our communities within sponse to the pandemic. Although they had his role as an art professor at UM brings to the purview of our individual talents,” he to cancel plans to have a small celebration campus and to society as a whole. acknowledged. With this in mind, he deter- for the participants, a small ribbon-cutting In light of the pandemic, in addition to mined to create a mural for the UM Book- ceremony was held. balancing multiple modalities and signifi- store titled, “Make Your Mark, Montevallo.” Cost, who also teaches special education cantly increasing the amount of content This project was funded by the University at UM, recognizes the value that these per- prepared online, the most substantive change of Alabama Center for Economic Develop- manent art installments bring, not only to that he determined to make to his teaching ment as the first in a series of wayfinding the city but also to the students who worked has been to prioritize compassion. murals across the state. The mural was together to create them. Thus, she and Dr. “None of us asked for this,” Williams supported by the City of Montevallo under Kelly Wacker, professor of art, nominated said. During his acceptance speech for the the leadership of former mayor Dr. Hollie Williams for the prestigious Outstanding UMNAA Outstanding Commitment to Cost, and by UM. The project brought Commitment to Teaching Award. Teaching award, he shared great concern for together artists of all ages including art stu- “During this public art course, he worked the University’s students whose lives were dents and teachers from all of Montevallo’s intently with not only his students but local interrupted by the pandemic. public schools, UM art students, Main Street school children to conceptualize and install Teaching and making art are both highly Montevallo and local artists Patrick Mayton a number of murals throughout the city. His individualized activities, and as such, Wil- ’98, Andrew Cost, Robin Metz ’83 and UM dedication to instruction, quality, community liams always chooses to lead his students from librarian assistant Joel Bullock. and compassion toward his students surpassed a position of compassion balanced by setting Fortunately these artists were able to finish those of any instructor with whom I worked,” high expectations. He recalled someone their mural projects in the spring before the Cost wrote in her nomination letter. recently describing his teaching style as equal “With 18 years of observation, I can speak parts taskmaster and cheerleader, and while directly to him as a highly deserving candi- he had never thought of his teaching in those date for this recognition,” Wacker said. “He exact terms, he found it to be an apt analogy. is always an advocate for students, and I have Williams does not isolate his artistic always been impressed by the time he spends endeavors to the classroom, though. A with his students, talking through ideas and number of years ago, he started teaching a advising strategies.” Community Arts course with the idea of Williams said he feels extremely privileged exploring how art could make an impact on to work with UM students as they endeavor the community outside of the rarefied air of to discover their voices as artists, telling their galleries and museums. truth of what it means to be human.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 7 FOUNDERS' DAY

Virtual Founders’ Day Marks UM’s 124 Years DUE TO THE CHALLENGES PRESENTED “Returning students, we know this was a Founders’ Day also served to honor several BY COVID-19, the format for the Univer- massive upheaval in your college career,” Pres- individuals who have shown exemplary sity’s 124th Founders’ Day on Oct. 8 was ident Stewart said during the ceremony. “One support for the University. unlike any before it. However, its purpose of day, all was as it should be, and the next you Three UM faculty were honored during celebrating this year’s seniors and UM’s more were frantically adjusting to different class- the ceremony: than a century of making a difference in room and living conditions. Even still, you 2020 University Scholar: Dr. Tiffany Wang, students’ lives remained unchanged. succeeded, and that is a powerful testament to associate professor of communication studies The theme of this year’s Founders’ Day your character and your liberal arts training.” was “Building for the Future: Strong and Dr. Mary Beth Armstrong, provost and Faculty Service Award: Dr. Raymond Ozley, Resilient” and focused on everything the vice president for academic affairs, led the associate professor of communication studies Montevallo family has done to overcome investiture of the senior class and invited all Adjunct Teaching Award: Dr. Joseph Or- the challenges of the past several months to seniors to don their robes for the first time as tiguera, adjunct faculty in the Department continue the University’s mission of pro- they watched the virtual ceremony. of Music ducing educated, well-rounded and engaged Seniors were encouraged to visit a large UM National Alumni Association Presi- members of the community. photo frame installed in front of Palmer Hall dent Cynthia Todd ’88 also honored three Because of social distancing guidelines, between Oct. 7-9 and share their snapshots on award recipients selected by the UMNAA the Founders’ Day ceremony was filmed in social media using the hashtag #IBelongAt- Board of Directors: advance in Palmer Hall and across campus Montevallo. following the day’s traditional agenda and Another cherished Founders’ Day tra- Outstanding Staff Service Award: Coty was broadcast on the University’s Youtube dition, the Hiding of the Crook, also took Jones, director of UM Physical Plant channel on the morning of Oct. 8. place virtually. The Founders’ Day Commit- Outstanding Commitment to Teaching tee hid the latest iteration of the Crook, a Award: Collin Williams, professor of art large wooden walking stick carved with the names of students who have found it in past Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumna Loyalty years, somewhere on campus and posted Award: Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield ’62 clues about its location on UM social media To view the online Founders’ Day ceremo- accounts. Students then emailed their loca- ny, visit bit.ly/124FoundersDay. tion answers to the chair of the committee.

Irelan Childress, Abby Jo Askins and Top left: SGA Vice President Natalie Seavers partici- Candler Brown were the first to accurately pates in the robing ceremony from her residence hall; name the location of the Crook, which top right: Montevallo Master Christine Compton poses in the photo frame in front of Palmer Hall; left: (from was in Anna Crawford Milner Archives in left) Finders of the Crook Irelan Childress, Abby Jo Carmichael Library. Askins and Candler Brown.

8 | Montevallo Today CAMPUS NEWS

UM Continues to Climb in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings

For the 12th consecutive year, the University continues to be the top-ranked public re- gional university in Alabama and has earned multiple other accolades in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings. UM was named the best value out of all regional universities in Alabama and ranked in the top 20 in its category in the Southeast. In the Top Regional Universities category, UM ranked in the top 30 in the South while being compared with public and private schools throughout 12 states and was the top-ranked public university in Alabama in the category. In all three categories, Montevallo improved upon its ranking from the previous year.

University Enrollment Up for Fall

During a time when many universities across the nation were experiencing declining enrollment, UM saw an overall increase in its number of students for the fall. The University began the fall semester with a total enrollment of 2,656, which was up about 2 percent compared to the fall 2019 semester. The total number of new students increased to 955 this fall, which was up about 5.5 percent compared to last year. Montevallo’s graduate programs in the Stephens College of Business and College of Education and Human Development saw particularly strong enrollment growth.

Montevallo Named Among South’s Most Beautiful Colleges

The University was named one of the most picturesque college campuses in the South by Southern Living magazine. In September 2020, the publication released its annual list of the South’s Most Beautiful Colleges, which honored institutions in sev- eral states “where both the academics and aesthetics are impressive.”

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

montevallo.edu/alumni | 9 CAMPUS NEWS

UM Earns Military Support Recognition

Montevallo earned the Military Support accolade from Colleges of Distinction for 2020- 2021 for its extensive efforts to serve military-related students. UM, through its Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, works closely with members and veterans of the armed forces, Reserves and National Guard, as well as their dependents and spouses to provide the best educational opportunities and support available. The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs features a computer lab, lounge area, conference room and quiet area for studying, plus free printing services and phone charging stations. The office also provides, facilitates and coordinates programs to meet the needs of the University’s veteran student population.

UM Named to National Colleges of Distinction List for Ninth Consecutive Year

For the ninth consecutive year, Montevallo was named to the prestigious national Colleges of Distinction list, remaining one of only two public higher education institutions in the state to achieve the honor. In addition to again earning the overall Colleges of Distinction designation, UM also achieved program-specific recognition for the Stephens College of Business and the College of Education & Human Development and was awarded for its efforts to prepare students for their careers after graduation. Colleges of Distinction’s selection process consists of detailed interviews and research for each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan, student satisfaction and more.

UM’s Center for the Arts Earns Building Birmingham Award

The University’s Center for the Arts was selected as one of the most important construction projects in the Birmingham metropolitan area. The Birmingham Business Journal honored the Center for the Arts on its 2020 Building Birmingham list which recognizes projects based on their impact, degree of difficulty and unique offerings. The 36,750-square-foot building is located at the intersection of Oak Street and North Boundary Street, also known as the University Promenade, and is unique among collegiate facilities in the state of Alabama. It brings together many academic disciplines previously spread out across multiple buildings on campus and serves as a prime resource for the Montevallo community and Shelby County.

10 | Montevallo Today Department of Theatre Receives National Accreditation

The Department of Theatre has received accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), meaning every visual and performing arts department at the University is now nationally accredited. Montevallo joins only about 190 other schools across the nation in holding the presti- gious NAST accreditation. NAST voted to admit UM as an associate member in August following a comprehensive and rigorous review of the University’s Department of Theatre. Photo by Kat Bell ’20

University Opens New College of Business Building

The Allison and Mike Stephens Hall opened on Aug. 24, 2020, expanding the Michael E. Stephens College of Business, greatly enhancing the college’s offerings. The new home for the College of Business is a state-of-the-art and technology-rich facility. It features a large student commons and event space to facilitate interactions between students, faculty and the business community. Two additional technology-enhanced class- rooms, student team study rooms, professional development spaces and a case presentation boardroom add much-needed expansion spaces for the college.

Outdoor Scholars Program Sees Record Fall Enrollment

The President’s Outdoor Scholars Program saw its highest-ever enrollment this fall, nearly doubling in size thanks to a large incoming class. In the fall, the program welcomed 40 new students, bringing its total enrollment to 83 students. The program now includes students from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The program was created by President John W. Stewart III in 2015 and offers a unique destination for students who have a passion for stewardship and wildlife conservation. It em- phasizes experiential learning for students allowing participants to garner hands-on experience in outdoor careers.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 11 Answering the Call UM faculty respond to COVID-19

group of faculty at the University put A their expertise and resources to work for the state’s health care industry last spring and summer in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Michael Price ’15, the digital media and emerging technologies librarian at UM’s Carmichael Library, heard news reports about hospitals across the nation fac- ing a severe shortage of personal protective equipment such as face shields. After reading about people using 3D printers to create personal protective equip- ment to donate to health care facilities, Price knew he could do the same. He first reached out to Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, and hospital officials said they would be happy to accept the 3D printed Photo taken in 2019 by Corey Nolen face shields.

A widespread effort Price then contacted his colleague Kyle Moore, assistant professor of theatre, who also UM supplies 3D printed face masks had access to a 3D printer. Together, the two used their expertise to create a plan to help to hospitals, first responders Shelby Baptist by 3D printing and donating as many protective face shields as possible. Price and Moore received support from Dr. David Callaghan, chair of UM’s De- partment of Theatre, Dr. Charlotte Ford, Carmichael Library director, and Associate Professor of Theatre Emily Gill, who helped secure material to use for straps on the face masks. Gill was also involved in helping the Birmingham Mask Facebook group, which worked to coordinate a widespread mask-making and distribution effort throughout the metro area. Through the group, Gill used fabric donated from a local volunteer and surplus elastic from the UM Costume Shop to handmake masks and donate them to area health care facilities and first responders. Gill said one of her students, Cason Cooke, was instrumental in handmaking most of the masks donated to the group. “The mask group was a good way to centralize efforts,” Gill said. “They had a very well-organized request and direct-fill system.” The project expands After the group of UM volunteers saw success in helping Shelby Baptist, they expanded their efforts throughout the state. Price reached out to other health care facili- ties and first responder agencies in Alabama and discovered most of them had a dire need for more face coverings as the pandemic took hold in the state. From there, Price, Moore, Assistant Pro- fessor of Art Lee Somers, Carmichael Library Head of Technical Services Amanda Melcher ’03 and a few members of the Montevallo community went to work 3D printing as many face shields as they could over a sever- Opposite page, top: Michael Price spearheaded the University’s efforts to 3D print face masks last spring; opposite page, bottom: Kyle Moore worked with Price to make and donate 3D printed face shields to health care facilities; al-month period. above: Being taught the importance of civic engagement by Emily Gill, right, led Cason Cooke, left, to make cloth Continued on page 14 masks for Birmingham health care workers.

Malone Center Prepares Faculty for Remote Teaching

of consultations with UM faculty over a time period the previous year. The assistive several-month period. technology staff also fulfilled 128 requests for In April 2020, the center created an captioning of digital content.” accelerated training program for faculty The Malone Center has always been to familiarize them with the mechanics of a strong asset for UM faculty, providing online instruction, particularly through support in the use of innovative technology Canvas, which is the software professors use and high-impact teaching practices, but its to administer their courses. Combining the importance was amplified last spring and fall. summer 2020 training with prior trainings, The center also performed one-on-one and 91 percent of faculty teaching at UM during small group consultations, biweekly Zoom In the months leading up to the fall 2020 the fall 2020 semester had received training sessions and worked with the University’s semester, the Malone Center for Excellence in online instruction. Information Services and Technology depart- in Teaching played a major role in equipping “We performed 1,947 consultations from ment to address software and hardware needs the University’s faculty to offer online deliv- Aug. 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020, with for distance education. ery methods for courses. approximately two-thirds of those happen- Because the effects of COVID-19 required ing since March,” said Dr. Heather Tinsley, Left: Dr. Heather Tinsley, right, helps Associate Pro- a hybrid education model, the staff of five Malone Center director. “For comparison, fessor Dr. Claire Edwards to prepare for the fall 2020 in the Malone Center performed thousands we performed 850 consultations in the same semester.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 13 Continued from page 13 When the effort concluded in late August, the group had printed, molded, assembled and distributed more than 2,500 face shields to hospitals, nursing home facilities, dental offices, medical clinics and fire departments in every corner of Alabama. The group also provided face shields to Montevallo employees, particularly to faculty members to utilize when leading in-person classes during the fall semester.

‘Something very special’ Price said knowing Montevallo’s efforts were making a significant difference for those on the front lines of COVID-19 response was a humbling experience. “It felt great to reach out to the community and get a grasp of their needs as the pandemic began to unfold,” Price said. “In my position at the library, I want to help students solve problems. I cannot always do that on my own. It was good to know going in that I had colleagues and even local support that found Above: Lee Somers worked with his colleagues to 3D print and donate hundreds of face shields to me after seeing me on television. We were health care facilities in Alabama; below: Dr. Leonor able to pool our resources and skills to help Vázquez-González handmade more than 100 masks to donate to UM students through a separate UM- bring protective equipment to first respond- NAA mask-making effort. (Read more on page 33.) ers, medical caregivers and even instructors.” “UM was able to go beyond its brick pathways and help people in need,” Price added. “A small group of faculty volunteers met the needs of hundreds of people. There’s something very special about that.” Throughout the process, the volunteers received a steady provision of monetary and supply donations from alumni and members of the community to allow the group to continue its efforts throughout the spring and summer. “I am so grateful for the way our University family has stepped up to help others in a time of crisis,” said President Stewart. “Michael and his colleagues are to be commended for their creativity and leadership related to the mask shortage. I am very proud of them.” M

“UM was able to go beyond its brick pathways and help people in need. A small group of faculty volunteers met the needs of hundreds of people. There’s something very special about that.” — Michael Price ’15

14 | Montevallo Today Student Life Adapts to Overcome COVID-19 Challenges

Although students faced a fall semester different than any other, the UM Office of Student Life kept them connected to campus despite the difficulties presented by COVID-19. The pandemic prevented large in-person events from happening, so Student Life rolled out numerous virtual offerings to keep students engaged while keeping them as safe as possible. Student Life organized virtual trivia nights, a comedian, a mental health town hall, a virtual escape room, a murder-mystery event and more. “More than ever, it’s important for students to take advantage of opportunities to connect through events and student organization meetings. Those opportunities are not going to happen organically like they would in a normal semester,” said Jenny UM Provides Financial Bell, director of Student Life. “It will take more effort, but the end result of meeting others and finding something you are passionate about is worth it!” Support to Students in The office’s efforts in the fall were the latest in its journey to adapt and serve stu- Wake of COVID-19 dents during an unprecedented time. When the effects of COVID-19 began to impact Alabama last spring, Student Life The University took multiple steps to was required to quickly alter its programs to serve current and incoming students in provide financial relief to students who the face of the pandemic. were dealing with the effects of the global In the last several weeks of the spring semester and throughout the summer and fall COVID-19 pandemic last spring. semesters, Student Life made several alterations. In April, the University approved refunds Because new student orientation sessions were not possible in person, Student Life for unused housing and meal plans for stu- worked with the Office of Admissions to hold all orientations virtually. They worked dents who were required to leave campus as a on ways to engage students in orientation groups via Group Me and Zoom. Student result of the pandemic. Life also partnered with Academic Affairs to offer remote advising for new students. In addition, the University distributed During Welcome Weekend in August 2020, Student Life organized socially dis- $1.2 million in federal emergency funds tanced campus tours and outdoor events. All other aspects of Welcome Weekend were directly to students to assist them with held virtually. the hardships they faced as a result of When students returned to campus last fall, the Student Life office coordinated COVID-19. virtual sorority and fraternity recruitment and encouraged all student organizations to Shortly after students were required to hold virtual events whenever possible. leave campus because of the pandemic, “While this was not the original plan we had, we tried to offer the best experience the UM Foundation, also established the for everyone involved to celebrate these women and their new home,” said senior COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, which pro- social work major Carson Turner, a Panhellenic recruitment counselor and member vided limited emergency financial support of the Panhellenic executive team, which to UM students who were unable to meet serves UM’s sororities. “We hope that essential expenses due to a temporary or the women who went through are happy unexpected hardship caused in the wake of in their homes and are having an in- the pandemic. credible semester despite the whirlwind Through donations to the relief fund, changes.” students were able to apply for financial All in-person Student Life events assistance to help with immediate necessities were limited to 20 people, followed such as food and housing, and the funds social distancing, cleaning and contact were distributed on an as-needed basis tracing guidelines and were required to through the UM Grainger Family Center for be approved in advance by the Office of Personal Development. Student Life. “We are immensely grateful to all of those in the UM family who worked diligently Right: The UM Office of Student Life provided to facilitate access to this funding for direct take-home DIY kits such as this one for students to distribution to our students,” said President complete while remaining socially distant in the fall. Stewart.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 15 Silver Linings Positive changes arise during a difficult situation

While most people have experienced some form of hardship as a result of the COVID-19 quarantine, the changes have also brought unexpected positives such as more time spent with family and development of new hobbies. We asked members of the UM family to share the good changes they have experienced despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Teresa Allmon-Tanner the pandemic is significantly under control. The situation inspired the Alumni Af- Alumna ’86 My health is also another top priority of fairs Office and the UMNAA to find cre- B.A., mass communication mine. I know to pay attention to my health ative methods of outreach. Having these and check for symptoms regularly. virtual events has given us the opportunity I have always wanted to start my own to engage alumni who live all across the business. I was furloughed from April to Dr. Mary Beth Armstrong U.S., not just a specific geographic area. June. In that time, I was able to review my Doing so has encouraged us to continue Provost and vice president present situation and had the time to re- some of these virtual endeavors in the for academic affairs search. I then started the process to found- future and motivates us to look for more ing Fast Forward Up, LLC. I now have my One silver lining is that our faculty innovative ways to connect with alumni business license and foundation to start my responded to this challenge by engaging near and far! So proud to be a Falcon! T-shirt business, and I’m also consulting in distance education training to ensure college-bound student-athletes. There is we are delivering as high-quality instruc- Emily Gill always good somewhere in someone and tion as possible. Our Malone Center, the Associate professor of theatre every situation. Look beyond the bad. Distance Education Advisory Commit- and Faculty Senate president tee and faculty colleagues with distance Claudia Bonney Amamoo education experience offered tremendous We’ve been talking in academia for Current student support opportunities for our faculty. Our some time about “disruption,” and it is Major: political science and community rallied in ways that made us an idea central to drama as well — the foreign languages all proud. For some time, we have needed inciting action sets off the hero’s journey, to have our general education program wrecking the stasis, demanding resolution. The pandemic has given me the op- online for recruitment and retention, and Ultimately, I am thankful for the inter- portunity to reset and establish a com- we have made significant progress on that ruption of momentum (although certainly prehensive work-life balance. In 2019, in this context. not the cause for the interruption)! I was always on the go, having to go to In entertainment as an industry, and class and my work-study right after. I also Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt higher ed to an extent, there were a lot of had to allocate 10 hours a week to serving systems that didn’t work for everyone, but Director of Alumni Affairs the Shelby County community through for the sake of momentum, they persisted. and alumna ’00 Falcon Scholars. Although I managed Now we’ve been forced to take a pause, B.A., mass communication; MBA ’13 my time wisely, I set a limited amount of and in that pause good conversations time for myself. I now have enough time While I tremendously miss in-person are happening: how do we evolve? Since to pursue my hobbies and even to start alumni events and visiting with our amaz- we have a minute to really look at what studying for the LSAT. ing alumni, I have been so touched by we’ve got to work with, how can we make The pandemic has also heightened my how our Montevallo family has come to- sustainable changes that benefit everyone? awareness of the most vital things of life. gether during these unprecedented times. I am encouraged by the UM strategic plan My family is now my top priority. I consis- From the COVID-19 Relief Fund to the in development and the special attention tently call my immediate family and my ex- Mask-Making Initiative, our alumni have paid to sustainable equality now and tended family in Ghana to ensure everyone provided vast support for students and the moving forward. is doing well. I plan on visiting Ghana once University.

16 | Montevallo Today Chandler Ingram Michael Lebeau Kim Moon Current student Director of the Career Director of UM Health Services Major: business management Development Center and alumnus ’82 My personal silver lining of the Minor: marketing BBA, marketing; COVID-19 pandemic was the extra time M.Ed., counseling ’93 As a college baseball player, I do not with my family, largely spent enjoying the get to see my family very much during My family and I noticed how delightful beautiful spring weather outdoors. Though the school year other than the month we the spring season was. We actually got to many activities and events we were antic- get for winter break. Most students get pay attention to it, notice it, experience ipating were canceled, we were given that to go home in May and spend time with it. We also took advantage of the time at time back to enjoy each other’s company their friends and family until August when home to address many of our deferred and take a breather from our busy lives. As they have to move back. However, for home maintenance projects. What a a medical professional, the silver lining of most baseball players, this is a time for wonderful opportunity it was to tackle my work has been the flexibility of offering summer ball. So, for the past two years, those tasks that we had always put off. telehealth appointments. Though it was a I have spent about three to four months And, finally, we began really talking and very new and different experience at first, with my family. During quarantine, I listening to each other. it has turned out to be a very comfort- was home from school, both my parents able and convenient way for many of my were working from home, and my sister Clark Maxwell patients to receive health care. was furloughed and spent her time back Alumnus ’13 and president-elect home. This was the first time my entire of the UMNAA Jr. Board Madisen Ricks family had been able to be together for B.A., art and communication studies Current student more than a month at a time since 2012. Major: psychology It might be hard to be grateful in a time An unexpected positive that I have ex- like this, but that quarantine time was perienced is the time to work on creative For me, the silver lining of COVID-19 fun! Just getting the chance to be with my projects. From video editing to crafting — has been that since we are not able to have family again was a great feeling, despite it’s usually rare that I have the availability visitors in our residence hall, it has given the reason for it! for additional artistic expression. It truly my roommate and me the opportunity does calm the mind. Going forward, I to become even closer! The pandemic has hope to make this a habit as we all contin- also allowed me to recognize who and ue learning and adjusting. what is truly important in my life. M

Top row: (from left) Teresa Allmon-Tanner, Claudia Bonney Amamoo, Dr. Mary Beth Armstrong, Tiffany Roskamp-Bunt, Emily Gill; bottom row: (from left) Chandler Ingram, Michael Lebeau, Clark Maxwell, Kim Moon, Madison Ricks.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 17 ATHLETICS

The Decade’s Best UM Athletics finds way to honor Falcons despite COVID-19’s effects

ast March, Montevallo’s spring stu- due to the dangers presented by COVID-19 ball. These 11 teams competed in the Peach dent-athletes experienced an abrupt did not prevent current and former Falcons Belt for seven seasons and the Gulf South L end to their seasons as the Gulf South from earning accolades. Conference for three seasons. Conference canceled all athletic competi- In the wake of the season postponement “We have had so many high-caliber stu- tions and championships as the reality of the announcements, the UM Athletics Depart- dent-athletes call Montevallo their home,” said COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold. ment got to work compiling the University’s Director of Athletics Mark Richard. “We are so The outbreak’s effects extended into the All-Decade teams for the 2010s. Montevallo grateful for their dedication to their sport and fall semester as well. In August, the Gulf head coaches, assistant coaches and adminis- their athletic department. They have paved the South Conference Board of Directors made trators selected teams for baseball, men’s and ways for our current and future Falcons, and the decision to postpone the seasons for most women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross they deserve this recognition. We thank you.” sports until at least Jan. 1, 2021. country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and Each sport’s All-Decade Team is listed in However, the loss of on-field competition women’s soccer, women’s tennis and volley- alphabetical order.

3 1

Photo by 2 Michael Wade

18 | Montevallo Today BASEBALL WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Kyle Butler ...... (2010-2011) Jodi Ann Martin ...... (2017-current) Josh Clemen ...... (2013) Haley Evans ...... (2019-2012) Austin Dubberly ...... (2010-2013) Hannah Evans ...... (2014-2016) Will Fulmer ...... (2011-2014) Justine Glass ...... (2017-current) Matthew Furuto ...... (2016-2017) Kaley Glover ...... (2019-2012) Alex Guilford...... (2011-2014) Taylor Gonzales ...... (2019) 4 Matt Haskins ...... (2014-2015) Anna Leinheiser ...... (2014-2016) Dane Hutcheon ...... (2014-2016) In-Mi Brandsema ...... (2010-2013) Chandler Ingram...... (2019-current) Sierra Millsaps ...... (2014-2017) Steven Knudson ...... (2015) Katie Nelson ...... (2014-2017) Tyler Krabbe ...... (2016-2019) Lauren Recchia ...... (2011-2014) WOMEN’S SOCCER Kale Latorre ...... (2015-2018) Natalie Shoemaker ...... (2013-2016) Caleb Ledbetter ...... (2017-2018) Katherine Terino ...... (2013-2016) Romee Contreras ...... (2018-current) Aron Mcree ...... (2013-2016) Cheyenne Thompson ...... (2013-2016) Allye Darnell ...... (2017-current) Daniel Pardo ...... (2016-2017) Michaila Franklin ...... (2016-2019) Heath Peterson...... (2011-2012) MEN’S GOLF Samara Lino ...... (2017-current) Annie Mason ...... (2018-current) Alex Pondick ...... (2014-2018) Davis Bowyer ...... (2013-2017) Jade Pennock ...... (2012-2014) Wes Rich ...... (2009-2012) Brady Carman ...... (2017-current) Christine Prince ...... (2010-2013) Vinnie Rodriguez...... (2011-2015) Connor Godsey ...... (2012) Tylor Ring ...... (2016-2019) Chris Ross ...... (2010-2012) Paul Murphy ...... (2018-current) Kristen Rosato ...... (2007-2011) Chrit Rudkin ...... (2018-2019) Dalton Skinner ...... (2012-2016) Paige Scott ...... (2009-2014) Michael Shreves ...... (2011-2013) Charles Wood ...... (2016-2020) Cas Silber ...... (2017-2018) Mel Stevens ...... (2018-current) Jackson Slaid ...... (2013-2014) WOMEN’S GOLF Hannah Waki ...... (2017-current) Chris Sosbee ...... (2009-2010) Ashlee Odom ...... (2011-2015) WOMEN’S TENNIS Chad Wagner ...... (2015-2018) Arin Eddy ...... (2015-2017) Taylor Walker ...... (2016) Emily Beatty ...... (2015-2019) Emily Abernathy ...... (2010) Maria Garcia ...... (2017-2019) Emily Romkey ...... (2013-2017) MEN’S BASKETBALL Amanda Gautreaux ...... (2016-2020) Kirstie Saltiel ...... (2013-2017) Allison Howell ...... (2012-2016) Troran Brown ...... (2012-2015) Elaine Wood ...... (2013-2017) Antoine Davis ...... (2011-2012) Alina Munteanu ...... (2015-2018) Javonte Douglas ...... (2016-2017) MEN’S SOCCER Nikola Polcerova ...... (2012-2015) Drico Hightower ...... (2011-2013) Anais Robert ...... (2012-2015) Nate Archard ...... (2010) Terrell Lipkins ...... (2015-2016) Ruben Carvhalo ...... (2018-2019) VOLLEYBALL D.J. Rivera ...... (2011-2012) Ricky Davey ...... (2011-2013) Manyi Ati ...... (2010-2014) Thomas Davis ...... (2011-2012) WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Carissa Bell ...... (2012-2015) Tyson Eyo ...... (2010-2012) Kristy Bohan ...... (2014-2017) Taylor Beverly ...... (2011-2014) Nathaniel Foster ...... (2010) Anna Archer ...... (2008-2011) Shay Bonner ...... (2012-2014) Guiliano Frano ...... (2011-2012) Kaleigh Harvey ...... (2012-2013) Kiya Sain ...... (2017-current) Yannic Horn ...... (2014-2015) Briana Marquez ...... (2012-2015) Morgan Smith ...... (2014-2016) Shane Howard ...... (2011-2012) Rebekah Phelps ...... (2012-2015) Jacquelyn Thompson ...... (2012-2016) Phil Jackson ...... (2010-2012) Brendan Ledgeway ...... (2010-2013) MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY 1 Anna Archer (volleyball) had a brilliant collegiate Austin MacIntosh ...... (2010) career and earned the honor of being named the Donny Barnes ...... (2013-2017) Cesare Marconi ...... (2017) PBC Scholar-Athlete of the Year; 2 In-Mi Brand- Michael Johnson ...... (2014-2017) Pierre Omanga ...... (2012) sema (women’s cross country) shone both in the Joe Leventry ...... (2018-current) Gary Oneil ...... (2010-2013) classroom and on the course while being named Zane Wilson ...... (2016-2019) Milan Pualic ...... (2010) the PBC Scholar-Athlete of the Year; 3 Milan Pualic (men’s soccer) earned All-Peach Belt Conference Mike Rinzema ...... (2010-2012) honors; 4 Troran Brown (basketball) was named a Steven Rocca ...... (2014-2016) two-time NABC All-American.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 19 FOUNDATION NEWS

UM Foundation Provides Student Assistance Fund The University’s Foundation board of helping the University advance its mission in COVID-19,” said Dr. Tammi Dahle. “With- directors took steps to ensure that deserving the immediate future and critical to helping out the generosity of the UM Foundation students who were facing financial hardships make a long-term difference in the lives of in the form of recruitment and retention due to the COVID-19 pandemic were able students. We are very excited to have the funding, many UM students would not have to attend UM this fall, as it approved an ad- opportunity to do so.” been able to begin or continue their educa- ditional $1.25 million in student assistance Recruitment assistance for new students tion. We are extremely grateful to the UM during a May 2020 meeting. were awarded based on need through the Foundation for their commitment to our The additional needs-based funding UM Student Aid Office with assistance from students during this challenging time.” assisted new and returning students who the Office of Admissions. The University of Montevallo’s Foun- were facing financial hardships due to the Retention funds for returning students dation board was founded in 1973. The outbreak. were needs-based and were awarded by the Foundation’s focus is to advance the mission “During these unprecedented times, it Student Aid Office with assistance from of the University, and it accomplishes this by is of utmost importance to offer additional Admissions and the Falcon Success Center. soliciting philanthropic gifts and accepting assistance where possible,” said Karen Kelly The recruitment and retention assistance alumni donations. Those funds are then ’80, Foundation Board chair. “The board was available to cover expenses such as tui- passed directly to the University or invested unanimously agreed that providing funds tion and fees. to earn dividends and interest to support the for current and future students experienc- “Like many universities, Montevallo and Foundation’s mission statement. ing unexpected financial need is critical to its students were hit hard by the effects of

“...providing funds for current and future students experiencing unexpected financial need is critical to helping the University advance its mission in the immediate future and critical to helping make a long-term difference in the lives of students.” — Karen Kelly ’80, UM Foundation Board chair

20 | Montevallo Today Own a Piece of UM History In October 2021, the University of Montevallo will celebrate its 125th Founders’ Day, marking a significant milestone in the University’s history of preparing students for success. To commemorate this occasion, Mon- tevallo alumnus Nelson Grice ’94, M.Ed. ’96 is creating a limited number of cast bronze works of art incorporating the University’s seal, bricks, ginkgo leaf, falcon and Palmer Top left: Artist Nelson Grice ’94 releasing the hoist gates. Each handmade piece will be about 7 mechanism from the crucible; above and right: One side of the art piece depicts an entrance gate, inches tall and 6 inches wide, and produc- a falcon and a ginkgo leaf, while the other side is tion will be limited to just 125 pieces and emblazoned with the University seal. five artist proofs. Grice said the original piece took about four weeks to create, and each subsequent it not for the Art Department,” he said. available, and they must be picked up on piece has taken between 10-12 hours to “Each one of those teachers mean so much campus once they are completed. The price complete. However, the process is a labor of to me even today. I am delighted and hon- of each piece is $250. love for Grice and something with which he ored to be selected to play such a role.” To pre-order yours, complete the order said he is honored to be involved. Pre-order today to secure your reservation form below or visit montevallo.edu/um125. “Montevallo did so much for me and my for one of these unique works of art. Due to For more information, call 205-665-6215. wife. I would not be where I am today were the weight of these pieces, shipping is not

Founders’ Day 125th Commemorative Art Method of Payment ❏ Check (Made payable to University of Montevallo Foundation) Name______❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard ❏ American Express Address______Account No.______City/State/ZIP______Exp. Date______Security Code______Phone______Name on Card______Email______Signature ______Order Information Please return order form and payment to: I would like to purchase ______(quantity) commemorative Founders’ University Advancement Day works of art for $250 each for a total of $______. Meroney House, Station 6215 Montevallo, AL 35115 ALUMNI PROFILE

Microbiologist Maggie Davis works on the front lines of COVID-19

22 | Montevallo Today Q&A with Maggie Davis ’89

Your home: Pell City, Alabama How did Montevallo affect your career Do you have a favorite motto? If so, what path? is it? Your hometown: I am originally from Pell I was introduced to the University of Prayer changes things! City, but my family moved to Gulf Breeze, Montevallo when seeing a booth at my high What is your favorite Montevallo memory? Florida, the summer before my eighth-grade school’s college fair my senior year. I was so I was introduced to College Night by a year in school. I consider Gulf Breeze a excited when I found out that Montevallo fellow Chi Omega, and I have to say that hometown as well. offered a biology degree for medical technol- participating in College Night was one of my ogy. I knew then I could pursue my desired Tell us about your family. I am married to favorites. I played in the Gold Side orches- degree and go to a college I wanted to attend tra for three years. College Night brought Gregory Neal Davis who is a salesman with as well. Douglas Manufacturing in Pell City. I have together many people from different interests Please tell us about your educational one child, Jake Harrison Davis, who graduat- to accomplish a common purpose. foundation. ed from Faulkner University last December The educational foundation What makes alumni of UM unique? I and will be getting married in March. I received was priceless as far as my career. think most who have attended Montevallo Because of the small class size, I was able What is your profession? I am a registered have very fond memories, and that keeps to get so much “hands on” experience and them coming back to support fundraising medical technologist, and I work in the lab one-on-one instruction. I also developed performing high complexity testing. I cur- efforts as well as alumni gatherings including relationships with professors, some of whom homecoming. rently work as a microbiologist at Grandview I still keep in touch with today. Medical Center Hospital. What would you tell a prospective student How did you know you belonged at who was considering UM? If you want to What made you choose this profession? I Montevallo? I really can’t explain it — I just was blessed to have a wonderful chemistry feel at home away from home — this is knew that is where I belonged. I believe God your place. teacher in high school who introduced me worked out a lot of circumstances in my life to the career of medical technology (now that brought me there and made it possible What are your hobbies? I like to spend time known as medical laboratory science). I had for me to attend financially. with family and friends, and I like to walk always been interested in laboratory process- my dog for exercise. What awards/honors have you received? es and was thrilled that I could pursue that Is there a most significant honor? If so, What would you like to add? There isn’t as a career. please tell us about it. I have received a much about my college experience that I How has COVID-19 affected your work? couple of awards over the years for hard would change. I am forever thankful for Because I work in microbiology where work where I was voted on by my cowork- my college experiences, both personally and COVID-19 testing is performed at Grand- ers. It has always meant a lot to me that my academically, that have paved the way for my view, it has affected my work tremendously. coworkers recognized me. professional success. All other processes stop to make sure the What is your secret for success? COVID-19 testing is performed in a There is no timely manner. secret. I believe my job is essential to quality health care for patients, and I work hard to What challenges have you overcome during make sure my work reflects accuracy in the the COVID-19 pandemic? Our department test results that I release to the doctors who has had to learn three different methodolo- make diagnoses based on those results. For more, visit gies for performing COVID-19 testing while montevallo.edu/montevallo-today What is the best advice you have received? working short-staffed and managing the routine work in a timely manner as well. Seek Him (God) in all I do!

montevallo.edu/alumni | 23 CLASS NOTES

Marian Bahr by the Lee’s Summit, Missouri, school soccer coach to be select- sant Bank. As a divisional leader 1941 of Providence, Parks and Recreation Depart- ed for induction into the Ala- and member of the Senior Lead- Utah, celebrated her 100th ment as it renamed its commu- bama High School Sports Hall ers Roundtable, she helps guide birthday on May 26 surrounded nity center in his honor. The J. of Fame in June. Rick has been the company’s diversity and by friends in her assisted living Thomas Lovell Jr. Community coaching soccer at Vestavia Hills inclusion strategy and programs facility in Providence. Center commemorates Tom’s High School for more than 30 for minority and disadvantaged many years as the city’s parks years and has an overall record businesses. She founded The Sara Harris, and recreation administrator. of 633-158-50, making him the Nest, a business initiative for 1942 a resident of all-time winningest soccer coach women entrepreneurs. the Bill Nichols State Veter- Earl Lewis in AHSAA history. ans Home in Alexander City, 1974 M.Ed. of Cynthia Todd of Hoover was reached a major milestone by Sylacauga was honored with the Birmingham named to the Birmingham Busi- celebrating her 100th birthday in Heart of an Eagle Award by the 1983 photographer ness Journal’s 2020 Top Birming- August. Harris served in the U.S. Cheaha District of the Greater Jeffrey Rease was featured in The ham Women list which honors Air Force from 1943 to 1968. Alabama Council of the Boy Birmingham News for his work women who have a long and She retired as a lieutenant colo- Scouts of America during its to take studio portraits of sur- tangible track record of results nel and fought in World War II, 2020 American Values Breakfast viving World War II veterans in and impact in the community the Korean War and the Vietnam in March. Earl is the director of Alabama before the COVID-19 and their industries. Cynthia War as part of the Women’s the Care House of Sylacauga, pandemic halted his work. is an operations manager at Auxiliary of the Air Force. Her which is a non-profit organiza- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of accolades are extensive and tion providing food and clothing Dr. Sandra Sims of Childers- Alabama and president of the include a Bronze Star, a National to low-income families. burg was recognized by the UMNAA board. Defense Service medal, an Air Society of Health and Physical Force Reserve Service medal, a Anne Gray Educators Southern District. Toby Greene Vietnam Service medal, an Air 1979 Hartline M.Ed. The group awarded Sandra the 1990 M.Ed. ’93 of Force Commendation and an of Vestavia Hills is serving as Donna L. Dunaway Medal, the Dothan has been named the head Air Force Standing Unit award. chair of the Surviving Spouse highest award bestowed on a football coach at Headland High Advisory Council to the pres- member that honors the profes- School in Headland, Alabama. Barbara ident of the Military Officers sional and career-long contribu- Toby previously spent 18 years 1958 Bonfield of Association of America. Anne tions to the Southern District as head football coach at Geneva Mountain Brook authored a has taken the lead during the states. Sandra is an associate County, Rehobeth, Cottonwood book titled Knesseth Israel: Over past year to develop workshops professor of education at UAB. and Florala high schools. 123 Years of Orthodoxy. for surviving spouse chapter and state liaisons for MOAA regional Glendora Ste- Jalete Nelms was elected to the Don Armstrong leadership training conferences. 1987 phens became Homewood City Council Ward 1962 of Fourmile was She has presented in Green- the chief school financial officer 4, Place 2. featured in the Shelby County Re- ville, South Carolina; Orlando, for Tuscaloosa County Schools. Dewayne Peevy porter for his many decades of ser- Florida; Portland, Oregon; and She previously worked as the has been named vice to Shelby County including Hershey, Pennsylvania. She facil- comptroller for Birmingham 1996 athletics director at DePaul the past 15 years as the county’s itated a trainer of trainers on the City Schools. University in Chicago. De- property tax commissioner. model for the regional leadership Tracey Morant wayne previously worked at the workshops for SSAC members Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield of Augusta, Adams of University of Kentucky for 12 during the MOAA national 1988 Georgia, received the Alumna Hoover was named to Savoy years where he served as director board meeting in Washington, Loyalty Award from the UM- magazine’s 2020 list of the Most of the school’s media relations D.C., in November 2019. NAA at the University’s 2020 Influential Black Executives in department, sports information Founders’ Day in October. Rick Gram- Corporate America. Tracey leads director for the UK men’s bas- mer M.Ed. of economic, community and small ketball team and deputy athletic Tom Lovell Jr. 1982 Hoover became the first high business development for Rena- director. 1971 was honored

24 | Montevallo Today Tricia Melton Dr. Lesley Ross Joseph Sharp M.Ed. of Sil- as assistant principal at Helena 1987 of Studio City, 2001 M.Ed. ’03 of verhill, Alabama, was named Elementary School. California, was named chief Salem, South Carolina, was re- Administrator of the Year by marketing officer for Warner cently named associate professor the Baldwin County Reading Joel Henneke Ed.S. of McCalla Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and SmartLIFE endowed chair Council. Joseph is the principal has been named principal of and Classics. In this new role, in aging and cognition at Clem- of Robertsdale High School and Homewood Middle School. Joel Tricia will lead the global mar- son University. Lesley previously has improved the school’s grad- has been assistant principal at keting and brand strategy for the worked as an associate professor uation rate by 14 percent and its HMS for four years, and he has new Global Kids, Young Adults at Penn State University and Alabama Report Card grade by more than 22 years of experience and Classics division, which in- assistant professor at UAB. nine points. in education as a teacher and an cludes Cartoon Network, Adult administrator at the middle and Swim and Boomerang. Earnest Wilks Tyler Davis high school level 2002 has been 2005 of Mountain Jason Hill appointed to serve as market ex- Brook was promoted to the Jared Hood M.Ed. of Clanton 1998 M.Ed. of Gulf ecutive for Regions Bank in Fort position of head basketball coach was named head pastor of High- Shores was named the Gulf Myers, Florida. As Fort Myers of the Mountain Brook High land Baptist Church in Clanton. Shores High School Teacher market executive, Earnest will School’s varsity boys basketball Jared previously served as the of the Year by the Gulf Shores work with colleagues and com- team after serving 11 seasons as senior pastor of Thomas Mill School System. Jason teaches AP munity members in support of assistant coach in the program. Baptist Church in Brierfield for chemistry, honors chemistry and Regions’ community engagement almost three years. Prior to that, physical science at the school, initiatives. He joined Regions Lauren Yancey Ed.S. has been he served as youth pastor at Jemi- and has been an educator for the 17 years ago and has served in a named principal of Vincent son First Baptist for four years. past 21 years. number of positions within the Middle High School in Vincent, Daniel Furuto company’s commercial banking Alabama. Lauren has worked in of Birmingham Cheryl Allen group across the Southeast. public education for more than 2008 1999 M.Ed. ’06 was 14 years and previously served as has been named assistant coach named the assistant principal at Christy Mims assistant principal at VMHS and for the UAB baseball team. Dan- Montevallo High School. Cheryl 2003 M.Ed. of as a program area specialist in iel, who was a four-year starter has more than 20 years of expe- Clanton was named principal of secondary education for Shelby for the UM baseball team from rience in public education and Jemison Middle School. Christy County Schools. 2005-2008, previously coached previously served as a guidance previously served as assistant at UM, Abilene Christian counselor at MHS. principal at Jemison High Jake Headrick University in Texas and Georgia School for seven years. Prior to 2006 of Vestavia Hills State University. Carla Dud- becoming an assistant principal, was hired as associate head coach Clent Davis of 2000 ley Ed.S. Christy taught eighth grade sci- and recruiting coordinator for Montevallo was ’11 M.Ed. ’13 of Hoover was ence at Jemison Middle School. the Samford University men’s 2009 hired as the assistant principal basketball program. featured by the Alabama News of Cherokee Bend Elementary Brent Harri- Center in March for fishing School in Mountain Brook. Car- 2004 son M.Ed. of Bo McGuire of Hokes Bluff competitively in the Bassmaster la had spent the past eight years Saraland became the principal wrote and directed the film Socks Classic on Lake Guntersville. teaching fourth and fifth grade at Saraland High School. Brent on Fire for the 2020 Tribeca Film Dr. Keri Johnson M.Ed. was re- at Brookwood Forest Elementary previously served as principal of Festival in New York City. cently named superintendent of School. Enterprise High School. Kara Burleson education for Tuscaloosa County Cheryl Gable Harrison of Kendall Jackson M.Ed. of 2007 M.Ed. of schools. Keri previously served Cullman was elected to Place Thorsby was hired as principal of Pelham was hired as assistant as the coordinator of second- 3 on the Cullman City School Jemison High School. Kendall principal at Helena Intermedi- ary education and exceptional Board during the city’s elections previously served as principal of ate School. Kara has more than education for Alabaster City on Aug. 25. Jemison Middle School. 16 years of experience as an Schools. educator and previously served

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Jonathan Maloney of Wetherby, develop leadership potential dividuals facing crisis situations DEATHS West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, throughout the community. in Shelby County. was voted Gulf South Conference Elizabeth Virtual Competition Champi- Daniel Vest of Birmingham has Christopher Self Ed.S. has been 1938 Sophronia on in a ranking celebrating the been promoted to operations named assistant principal at Martin Allen, 102, of Dothan, league’s most impressive records. manager for Strong Hall and Chelsea Middle School. He has died June 6. Elizabeth’s teaching Jonathan, a soccer player who instructor of video production more than eight years of experi- career included eight years at scored a record 24 game-winning at UM. Daniel previously served ence in public education. Holtville High School in Holt- goals during his career at UM, as video production support ville, Alabama, and two years at Rebekah Koen continuously advanced through technician at the University. Central High School in Phenix accepted a job the bracket thanks to fan and 2019 City. From 1967 to 1980, she Henry Long with the Veterans Services De- alumni support. taught biology at Dothan High M.Ed. of partment and Friendship Place, a 2013 School. Cedric Norman was elected to Alabaster was recently hired as federally funded housing service the Fairfield City Council for the assistant principal at Helena provider, in Washington, D.C. Dorothy T. District 4. Cedric also works as Middle School. Long previous- Stafford, 101, Olivia El- 1939 deputy director of Woke Vote, ly worked at Thompson High of Columbus, Georgia, died dridge has been a non-partisan, non-candi- School and Calera High School 2020 April 10. Dorothy taught at awarded a full scholarship to date-based organization that fo- and has more than nine years of Richards Junior High School in pursue a doctorate in chemistry cuses on long-term engagement experience as an educator. Columbus from 1965 to 1977. at Vanderbilt University. and development of mobiliza- She was an engaged member of Kayleigh tion of historically disengaged Delta Kappa Gamma sorority Funderburk of Waid Jones has been named voters of color. 2014 and a Daughter of the American Vestavia Hills was recently pro- news editor of the Jackson Coun- ty Sentinel in Scottsboro. During Revolution. She was a loyal long- Dr. Timothy Perry M.Ed. of moted to the position of grants his time at UM, Waid spent term member of Wynnbrook Birmingham has been named and federal work study admin- three years on the editorial staff Baptist Church and enjoyed the principal of Fairfield High Prepa- istrator at UM. She previously of The Alabamian and served as senior group of Joyful Servants. ratory School. Timothy had been served as a student aid assistant the newspaper’s editor-in-chief part of the administrative team at the University. Evelyn Salter during his senior year. at FHPS for 15 years, 13 as the Allen, 96, of Christopher 1944 assistant principal and two years Madison, Alabama, died July Myles M.Ed. WEDDINGS as the school’s interim principal. 2015 2. After graduating from UM, of Alabaster was recently named Joann Cook Evelyn served as an educator Dr. Dotti principal at Calera High School. MBA ’13 in Alabama and Florida for 45 Bailey, an Christopher previously served 2007 2011 and Sean St. John were wed years. Alabaster resident and executive as assistant principal at Helena on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at director of SafeHouse of Shelby Middle School. Elizabeth Dubberley Allison, their home in Pelham with close County, earned a doctorate of 97, of Jackson, Mississippi, died Josie Har- family and friends in attendance. social work from the University Sept. 4. She was a stay-at-home- rington of Joann is a product owner at of Tennessee. 2017 mom until her children Cullman has been hired as the Regions Bank. graduated from high school. She Kristen Barnes of Selma wrote assistant director of the Cullman In-Mi Matsu- then began a career as a special and illustrated a children’s book County Public Library System. naga MBA ’15 education teacher and taught in titled Zeeba and the Seizure 2014 UM staff and Edward Brandsema were the Jackson public schools for promoting epilepsy awareness. accountant married on Sept. 5 at the Don- many years. The book is available through 2018 Lizbeth Juarez and Student nelly House in Birmingham. The Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Diversity and Inclusion Coor- wedding party included alumni Bettie Watkins Lewis, 97, of Montgomery, died June 28. Kira Thom- dinator Jason Perry M.Ed. ’20 Kaley Glover ’13, Alex Pondick Bettie worked as chief dietician as, a Calera became members of the Shelby ’18 and Lauren Recchia ’15. 2012 at the VA Hospital. She was an resident and director of UM’s Emergency Assistance Board of In-Mi works as a senior associate active member of her church Marketing & Communications Directors after previously serving with Warren Averett, and Ed- where she led a circle, taught Department, recently completed as founding members of the ward serves as drive manager for Sunday school and played piano the Leadership Shelby County organization’s Junior Board. SEA Blair Logistics in Birmingham. and organ. program. LSC is designed to works to provide assistance to in- The couple resides in Hoover.

26 | Montevallo Today Marjorie Brun- 1945 son Pittman, 97, of Enterprise, died May 22. She served as a charter member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Enterprise, was pres- ident of the Enterprise Music Club and served on the board of directors for both the Enterprise YMCA and the Coffee County Arts Alliance.

Irma Jeanette Webster Shank- lin, 96, of Lumberton, North

Carolina, died March 18. After Photo taken in 2018 graduating from UM, she served her country by working as a map Photo taken in 2017 maker during World War II.

Sarah Snuggs 1946 Whetstone Whitman, 93, of Sylacauga, JOIN AN ALUMNI CLUB! died July 26. Sarah had an out- standing career as a teacher, first Are you interested in being more teaching piano in her own home involved as a UM alum? and later as a teacher at Sylacau- ga High School. Civically, she If you are looking to connect with other UM alumni was a member of many women’s in your area or across the country who may share and community organizations. similar interests with you, check out the UMNAA Nancy Hall regional or affinity-based alumni clubs. 1947 Davis, 95, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, Alumni clubs offer a variety of opportunities for UM alumni died Sept. 2. She was an avid including leadership, networking, community service, bridge player and had many personal development and much more. The UMNAA is friends in the community. She always on the lookout for opportunities to link alumni with was a longtime member of Signal one another and keep your UM connection strong. Mountain Presbyterian Church. Our goal is to expand participation in our existing clubs as Elaine Devaughn Mendenhall , well as to create several new clubs to meet the needs of 94, of Jacksonville, died Aug. 23. She worked for more than our alumni. Email us at [email protected] and 20 years at Jacksonville State we will help you find the club that works best for you so University as an administrative you can find the spot where you belong in the UMNAA! secretary. Learn more at montevallo.edu/alumni-clubs. Mary Elizabeth 1948 Grantham Estess, 92, of Mountain Brook, died March 29. She was a faithful member of Brookwood Baptist Church in Mountain Brook for nearly 50 years, and she served her church in many selfless capacities.

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Vera Nell Hamner, 94, of supervisor and principal until 1951) and Fort Wayne Daisies Doris Ann McGaughy, 84, of Vestavia, died April 7. She had a her retirement in 1984. (1953-1954). Dolly’s baseball Montevallo, died July 24. She lengthy teaching career at Dora career was chronicled in the taught for the Shelby County High School in Walker County, Dr. Virginia movie “A League of their Own,” Board of Education for 30 years Central Junior High in Jasper, 1953 Elizabeth Cau- and she was invited to the White and was a member of Monteval- and Glynn Junior High and ley, 88, of Pensacola, Florida, House by President George W. lo First Baptist Church. Middle schools in Brunswick, died June 18. After teaching Bush in 2003 to serve as a first Georgia. mathematics at Escambia High base coach for a South Lawn tee Barbara Turner, 82, of Elba, School in Pensacola, she served ball game. died Aug. 4. Barbara was a social Nellie Marie as professor emeritus of mathe- worker for the Coffee County 1949 Graham Dow- matics at Pensacola State College Faye Sessions Department of Human Resources dle, 92, of Mobile, died Feb. 26. for 30 years. 1955 Kinstler, 87, of for more than 25 years and served She spent most of her teaching Springville, died June 21. She many years on the Salvation career at St. Luke’s Episcopal Lucy Lee Burge Newkirk, 89, was among the first educators Army of Coffee County Board of School in Mobile where she was of Pensacola, Florida, died Feb. hired at Jefferson State Commu- Directors and the Coffee County also the director of the Lower 1. She was a talented artist, nity College at its founding in DHR Board of Directors. School, head of the reading lab art collector and educator and 1965, and she retired with more and was named the school’s taught elementary school art in than 40 years of service at the Dr. Flora Mae 1995-1996 Teacher of the Year. Escambia County, Florida, for school. 1960 Clark M.Ed. more than 20 years. ’65, 86, of Dothan, died May Joyce Minette Savage Levi, Phyllis Springen, 87, of Mon- 10. She began her teaching 91, of Vero Beach, Florida, Dr. Nancy Madison Fabisins- trose, died Aug. 10. Phyllis spent career at Rehobeth High School died April 14. Joyce was a Cub ki, 89, of Decatur, Alabama, many years at the Art Students where she taught for two years. Scout den mother for eight years died March 2. She served as a League in New York City. Her She also taught for two years in and volunteered at the United professor at Calhoun Commu- works have been shown in nu- Verdun, France, and at Jackson- Nations and Recording for the nity College for more than 30 merous locations including juried ville State University for several Blind. She later worked at Feder- years, and she taught the Blanch entries in New York City, New years. After receiving her doctor- ation of Jewish Philanthropies. Jones Sunday school class at First Orleans and Washington, D.C. ate, she began a 30-year career Presbyterian Church in Decatur. teaching at Columbus University Margaret Joyce Marie in Columbus, Georgia, leading Celeste Kelley, 1950 Dwight Ken- 1956 Kane Warhurst, to her retirement. nerly, 91, of Tuscaloosa, died 1954 87, of Clarks- 84, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Aug. 6. Margaret worked at ville, Tennessee, died June 16. May 9. Joyce worked at NASA Patricia Ann Southern Research Institute in Celeste retired as a home eco- in Huntsville and later owned 1961 Allen Goree, Birmingham and at Wesleyan nomics teacher from Enterprise Rexall Pharmacy in Mobile. 80, of Sylacauga, died May 1. College in Macon, Georgia, for High School and was a mem- Patricia taught business edu- many years. After moving to ber of First United Methodist Mary Helen cation for 25 years at Chero- Montevallo upon her retirement, Church in Enterprise. 1959 Capell, 83, kee High School in Canton, Margaret enjoyed volunteering of Mobile, died Feb. 27. Mary Georgia, and Talladega High Madeline Schueler, 87, of Rich- at American Village before Helen began her long career as a School in Talladega. She spon- mond, Virginia, died June 23. moving to Tuscaloosa to be near math educator in Huntsville at sored Future Business Leaders She was a talented pianist, singer family. Huntsville High School and later of America and helped many and artist and was one of the taught at the University of South business students compete at the first female Marine officers. Betty Phillips, 90, of Sebring, Alabama for 32 years before regional, state and national level. Florida, died Feb. 7. She was a retiring. Delores “Dolly” Brumfield longtime educator and mentor Howell Horn, 83, of Columbi- White, 88, of Arkadelphia, to young people and enjoyed Judith Faye Albright Jones, 83, ana, died April 27. Howell was a Arkansas, died May 29. She traveling the world extensively. of Montevallo, died June 22. She lifelong resident of Columbiana started as a 15-year-old in the was a longtime member of the and served as a police officer and American Girls Professional Martha Alabama State Bar and retired police chief in the city for many Baseball League and spent seven 1951 Watson, 90, in 2003 after serving 33 years years. of Houston, Texas, died June 7. seasons in the league. During on the staff of the Hon. J. Foy Martha enjoyed a long career her playing career, Dolly played Guin Jr., United States district Elizabeth with the Houston Independent for the South Bend Blue Sox judge for the Northern District 1962 Ann Garrett School District as a teacher, (1947), Kenosha Comets (1948- of Alabama. Williams, 81, of Helena, died

28 | Montevallo Today April 25. She was a dedicated other educators to establish the at the Harrison Wellness Center In September 1970, she returned wife, mother, grandmother, Young Authors Conference on in Huntsville. to her family roots in Chelsea great-grandmother, sister, friend the UM campus. and began her teaching career and teacher, retiring after teach- Robert Max- at Shelby Elementary, working ing for many years at McAdory Martha Ellen 1970 well Herring at the school for 16 years. Katie High School in Bessemer. 1965 Harris, 76, of III M.Ed., 80, of Munford, served as the principal of Shelby Tuscaloosa, died Nov. 12, 2019. died March 5. Robert served as Elementary her last two years Darold Dun- Martha moved to Tuscaloosa a football coach at high schools before retiring. Katie was a 1963 lavy M.Ed. ’71, after retiring from teaching in throughout the Southeast and state certified Master Gardener, 79, of Opelika, died May 16. Sebring, Florida, with 30 years won a total of five state cham- the skills of which she used for Darold worked for many years of service as an elementary pionships in Alabama and several years keeping flower beds in higher education, including at education teacher in Highlands Mississippi. He was also awarded around Liberty Baptist Church UM, retiring in 1995 as the vice County, Florida. the Athletic Director of the and Chelsea City Hall neat and chancellor of student affairs at Year for the Southeast United clean and full of blooms. Auburn University at Montgom- Elizabeth Ward McKenzie, 77, States in 1996. He was inducted ery. He founded the AUM men’s of Fairhope, died Aug. 30. She into the Alabama High School Frances Regina Kuzmicki Lokey tennis program and served as taught at Foley High School and Sports Hall of Fame in 2001, the M.Ed., 98, of Wilsonville, died head coach for nearly 20 years. Fairhope High School where she Calhoun County Hall of Fame May 1. Frances taught school at Under his leadership, the team also coached for many years. in 2012 and was selected State Vincent High School and the won the NAIA National Cham- Coach of the Year in Alabama, former Wilsonville Junior High Anne Kemp pionship in 1987, becoming the Mississippi and Georgia at vari- and Chelsea Grammar schools. Embry, 75, of first men’s tennis program in 1966 ous times. She was an active member of Columbus, Georgia, died April Alabama to earn a national title. Wilsonville Baptist Church, 14. Anne was the organist at St. Janice Stowe, 72, of Hoover, working with various committees, Paul Methodist Church in Co- Paul Woolley M.Ed. ’72, of died May 24. She taught in the the Girls Auxiliary and teaching lumbus for 24 years and was an Brantley, died Sept. 13. Coach Mountain Brook and Hoover her Sunday school class. Woolley was a member of the active volunteer in the commu- school systems. She was a Alabama High School Athletic nity for many years. member of Vestavia Hills United Henry Loo Joe, Hall of Fame. In his years in Methodist Church and the Be- 71, of Birming- William F. “Bill” Moseley Jr. 1973 education, he coached at Tusca- comers Sunday school class. ham, died Sept. 21. After serving M.Ed. ’76, 76, of Pensacola, loosa County, Thompson, Hokes in the Air National Guard, Hen- Florida, died March 31. Bill was Bluff, Montevallo, Handley, Charles ry became the third generation an accomplished trumpet player Brantley, Opp, Ft. Dale Acade- 1971 Wendell Evans of the Joe family to own and and composer, Naval aviator, my and retired from Andalusia. M.Ed., 79, of Grant, died Aug. operate Joy Young’s Restaurant officer in charge of the Navy 11. He enjoyed a 32-year career in Birmingham. Dr. Anne Caley Ceremonial Guard in Washing- in secondary education, primar- 1964 Hamilton ton, D.C., British car enthusiast, ily as a teacher of history, civics Audrey Gail Jernigan Matney, M.Ed. ’75 ’85, 78, of Monteval- math and science teacher, triath- and English at Warrior Middle 68, of Hueytown, died March lo, died July 22. She served on lete and animal lover, especially School and Warrior High School 8. Audrey worked for three the UM faculty and taught aspir- his rescue dog, Lucy. where he also coached basket- local CPA firms during her long ing teachers until her retirement ball, baseball and football for professional career. John Albert in the early 2000s. She served many years. Clopton Jr., as a former president of the 1968 Thomas 74, of Hoover, died Feb. 29. Montevallo Branch of the Amer- Ruth Burbank, 1974 Duncan Neill, John taught school in Evergreen; ican Association of University 1972 87, of Columbi- 68, of Birmingham, died April Bessemer; Hoover; Green Cove Women and Friends of the Li- ana, died Sept. 13. After gradu- 8. Thomas was self-employed Springs, Florida; and Bethesda, brary. Anne was instrumental in ating from UM, Ruth taught at for many years as a contractor, Maryland. He served in the U.S. organizing the Centrala Chapter Columbiana Middle School for building homes and apartment Navy as a preventive medicine of the Alabama Reading Associa- 21 years from 1972-1993. buildings. tech at Bethesda Naval Hospital. tion. She was a beloved member Katie Lou Holcombe Griffith Hugh Clif- of the community, as well as a Wanda Lee Foster, 73, of M.Ed., 87, of Chelsea, died Aug. ford Dye, 79, leader in the effort to establish 1976 Huntsville, died April 29. She 26. She joined the United States of Birmingham, died July 17. a public library in Montevallo, worked for many years at Inter- Navy on Aug. 3, 1953, and He worked for 40 years with and she worked with a cadre of graph and most recently worked served for more than seven years. the Jefferson County Sheriff’s

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Department, 31 years with the Denny Wade McCay, 65, of Michalle T. CONDOLENCES 117th Air National Guard and Morris, died May 31. After 1989 Barnett M.A. almost 20 years as co-chair of the college, he became a successful ’90, 53, of Monroeville, died To Barbara G. Bonfield ’58 Bluff Park Art Show. business owner in the automo- June 14. Her 28-year career in and family on the death of her tive industry and continued this education was spent at the Uni- son, Barney Bonfield, April 19. Pennie Wood Manley, 65, career path for many years. versity of Alabama at Birming- During Barney’s sports broad- of Auburn, died June 3. After ham, Alabama State Southern casting career, his many honors graduating from college, she Janet Robin Community College in Wadley included multiple Associated worked as administrative assis- 1978 Huse M.S., and Gulf Coast State College in Press awards and Radio Person- tant for construction compa- 62, of Huntsville, died May 20. Pensacola, Florida. ality of the Year in 1999 by the nies in the Birmingham area. Janet was retired from her pro- Georgia Association of Broad- Pennie especially loved working fession as a family social worker Garlie Calbert casters. Through his website, with Meet the Masters which well-recognized for treating 1991 Davis Jr., 50, of toombsnow1.com, Barney introduced elementary students troubled adolescents. Lyman, Wyoming, died March provided lively coverage of sports to the classic works of great 12. He was a safety specialist for events throughout the county. Conrad Roeder, 76, of Pinson, artists. Union Telephone in Mountain He supported and encouraged died Aug. 14. Conrad served View, Wyoming, and had served young athletes and avidly fol- Jimmy Mayfield M.Ed., 77, of four years in the United States as a volunteer EMT with the lowed their later athletic achieve- Red Bay, died March 28. Jimmy Navy on the USS Observation Uinta County Ambulance Ser- ments and was known affection- was a member of Friendship Island. After military service, vice for the past 10 years. ately throughout the county. Baptist Church in Red Bay and he graduated from UM and served on the Red Bay City then pursued a 30-year career Barbara Ann Hartley, 87, of To Julie Elkins ’00 and family Council for eight years. He in law enforcement with the Pelham, died May 2. She served on the death of her father Jerry was inducted into the Franklin Homewood Police Department. as a substitute teacher for the Wayne Elkins Sept. 24. The County Sports Hall of Fame as During his years on the force, Jefferson County Board of majority of his career was spent well as the Lawrence County he was on the pistol team and Education. underground working as a coal Sports Hall of Fame. was a firearms instructor. After miner. He also proudly served as David Lee he retired, he worked 10 years mine rescue captain for 19 years William Vann, 65, of McCalla, Stone, 50, of for Jefferson County Court- 1992 before retiring. died April 29. He served as the house security. Franklin, Tennessee, died Jan. assistant basketball coach at 25. He worked in the field of To Carolyn Broadway Ewing UM for 15 years. Ronald Crutch- hospice for nearly 25 years. ’58 and family on the death of 1979 field, 70, of her husband, George Edmund Randy Waites, 66, of Calera, Carol van Zalingen, 53, of Syl- Birmingham, died July 20. He Ewing, June 14. George had died June 27. Randy taught mar, California, died April 14. served in the U.S. Army for two worked for UM, Athens State for many years for the Shelby She served as the dean of student years, was stationed in Germa- University and Morton Thiokol County Board of Education, support for the lower and middle ny, and achieved the rank of in Huntsville. He also served retiring in 2014. schools at Westridge School in specialist. He worked at O’Neal as director of publicity and Steel Incorporated for 40 years as Pasadena, California. Virginia Jose- information for the State of Al- a senior financial analyst. 1977 phine Emerine, Michael abama and was a press secretary for two governors. Following 91, of Pelham, died July 31. Joan Barrett Jones, 65, of 1999 “Mumer” public service, he co-founded the She was most proud of her time Huntsville, died Oct. 31, 2019. Brian Martin, 52, of Thorsby, Viewpoint consulting firm and as a nurse in the United States She was a native of Florence, died April 16. He was a police subsequently founded Tel-Ed Navy Nurse Corp. Her rank at South Carolina, but lived in dispatcher with the UM Police Communications. discharge was lieutenant junior Huntsville and worked at Red- Department for more than 15 grade. stone Arsenal for many years. years. He enjoyed reading, food, video games, movies and spend- Jerry J. Fiveash, 75, of Bir- James O’Neal ing time with his friends. mingham, died May 12. Jerry 1982 Cooedy, 60, of was proud to be the leasing Clanton, died May 10. James James Nathan- manager at Steel City Oldsmo- led a successful career in lawn 2000 iel Skinner, 47, We want to hear bile in Birmingham for many maintenance. of Mobile, died April 23. from you! years and was later employed by Send your updates to: Royal Automotive. [email protected]

30 | Montevallo Today Left: Current President Dr. John W. Stewart III, right, presents an award to former President Stewart (no relation) during the 2018 Heritage Luncheon; above: Dr. John W. Stewart Sr. served as the University’s president from 1988-1992. UM Mourns Passing of Former President UM president emeritus Dr. John W. Members of the UM family were effusive the Alumni Board, and I had occasion to re-in- Stewart Sr., who served the University in their praise for Stewart and his commit- troduce myself to Dr. Stewart who was as gra- for more than 30 years from 1961 until his ment to Montevallo. cious as ever in his time for me. In 1999, John retirement in 1992, died Nov. 4 at the age Dr. John W. Stewart exemplified excellence needed to step down from the UM Foundation of 92. in his life — as a performer, as a professor, as Board — he wondered if he could recommend Stewart joined the University of Montevallo a conductor and as an administrator. And his me as his replacement...he did, I accepted and faculty in 1961 as a professor of music. He quiet but strong influence inspired excellence that was the beginning of a 21-year friendship. was promoted to department chair in 1963, in others. He always spoke softly and precisely, Sadly, John’s beautiful adventure in this world serving in that position until 1978. He then but his words had a large impact on all who ended on Nov. 4. The University of Montevallo served as dean of the College of Fine Arts until listened. He was intelligent, exacting, warm lost one of its most proud defenders, humanity his appointment as interim president in 1988. and generous. The Davis Music Building may lost one of the last great gentlemen of our time. Stewart is a past president of the Alabama be his most lasting legacy, but the impact of his I lost a dear friend, and I will miss him. — Joe Association of College Music Administrators, example, his teaching and his leadership on the Howard ’89, UM Foundation Board member the Alabama Association of Music Edu- hundreds of students touched by his life’s work I do not think I have ever known anyone cation Specialists, the Montevallo Rotary is an unmeasurable, but even more important who was so unanimously admired and respected Club and Alabama Chapter of the National legacy. — Julie McEntee ’76, Department of by everyone who knew him. That is due, I Association of College Wind and Percussion Music administrative assistant think, in no small part to the fact that he was Instructors. I met John as he came on board as interim so respectful of other people; he always listened The University named its student retreat president of the University in 1989. I was the carefully and responded thoughtfully, in a way center in honor of Stewart, who oversaw the newly elected SGA president and even though that made you think you had something worth- construction of the building, completed in we only had one year together in that capacity while to say. Among his many talents, one of his 1991. before I graduated, he always had time for us finest traits was that he made people want to Stewart and his late wife, Lauris, endowed students and the issues we thought were im- live up to his good opinion of them. He brought a scholarship for UM music and music portant at the time. Fast forward six years and out the good in us and made us all better than education majors, which has had a lasting I return as a resident of Montevallo and small we thought we were. I am deeply grateful for his impact on Montevallo students, much like town tax professional who was brought back friendship. — Carolyn Duncan ’71 Stewart himself. into the UM fold by Mary Lou Williams and Read more at montevallo.edu/news.

montevallo.edu/alumni | 31 ALUMNI NEWS

Coming Full Circle Rayfield ensures current students have same support she did

DR. JO ANN RAYFIELD’s life has taken her college, and it was just wonderful,” Rayfield assist incoming minority students with the many places in the United States and abroad said. “I learned a lot not only content-wise, transition into college and to offer them since she graduated from Montevallo in but also how to be a good person.” support while they are here. 1962. But regardless of where she has lived Her experiences at Montevallo cultivated Rayfield said scholarships allowed her and worked, UM has never been far from her deep love of learning and served as her to complete her college education and her mind. motivation for giving back to UM. This gen- helped her to lead a successful and fulfilling Rayfield, the recipient of the 2020 Mary erosity, paired with her decades of helping professional career. She is now committed to Lou Elder Williams Alumna Loyalty Award those around her, was touted by members ensuring future generations of students have during Founders’ Day, arrived at the Univer- of the UMNAA as they selected her for the the same opportunities. sity for her freshman year in 1959. After re- Alumna Loyalty Award at the University’s “The University of Montevallo has been so ceiving a scholarship to UM, Rayfield earned 2020 Founders’ Day in October. important to my life, and I am so grateful for her undergraduate degree from the Univer- Rayfield has been a major donor to the everything UM has done for me,” Rayfield sity with a major in history and a minor in University for decades, helping projects said. “The intellectual and personal founda- biology. She then achieved both her master’s such as University of Montevallo on Main, tion I received at Montevallo has helped me degree and doctorate in history at Vanderbilt the Center for the Arts and the M.A.D.E. succeed in life since then.” University — all while on scholarship. (Minorities Achieving Dreams of Excellence) After college, she conducted research in Bo- program become a reality. gota, Columbia, for a few years before going When the University’s students were “I really enjoyed my time on to teach Latin American history at Illinois impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic last State University for more than 30 years and spring, Rayfield generously donated to the at Montevallo... I learned a serving as the ISU archivist for 10 years. COVID-19 Student Relief Fund to help lot not only content-wise, After retiring from teaching in 2010, she students cover urgent, unforeseen financial but also how to be moved to Augusta, Georgia, to become a hardships caused by the pandemic’s effects. a good person.” monastic solitary with the Order of Saint Rayfield is actively involved in support- Helena Episcopal religious order. ing the University’s undergraduate research — Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield ’62 She credits the caring UM faculty who program and regularly visits campus to meet went above and beyond to help her reach her with students and faculty and discuss their potential, and said the same passion is still ev- research goals and findings. Top left: Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield as a freshman at UM ident among the University’s current faculty. Most recently, she has been passionate in 1960 (Montage); top right: Rayfield embraces a sculpture that was made by UM students and presented “I really enjoyed my time at Montevallo. about supporting the M.A.D.E. program, to her during the University’s 2017 Undergraduate It so exceeded any ambition that I had for which was established at UM in 2019 to Research Day.

32 | Montevallo Today Alumni Donate More Than 950 Masks to Students lumni worked to ensure UM nah Kitchens ’09, Dr. Lindsey Sherrill ’07, The group promoted the initiative, took students remained safe and healthy Lauren Murphy ’10, Christine Soria ’12, in donations of materials, made masks, A during the fall semester, as they Claudia Harrell ’73; faculty member Dr. Le- recruited others to make masks, and received donated several hundred purchased and onor Vázquez-González; and Alumni Affairs donations to purchase more cloth masks. handmade masks for student use. staff Tiffany Bunt ’00 and Carolyn Jones ’11 Alumni from across the U.S. contributed to Last summer, the UM National Alumni coordinated the effort. the efforts. Association purchased a total of 5,000 masks “Like a lot of people, the COVID-19 “Our whole committee is committed to for students, faculty and staff members to outbreak left me feeling helpless. I know our students and community. Sharing our use when returning to campus for the fall for myself, and I think for many of us, talents and abilities — both to organize and semester. From there, the University’s alumni finding ways we could help from home was craft — lets us make a small but real differ- stepped up even further to provide additional extremely comforting,” said Sherrill, who ence in keeping the students we love safe and masks to students to ensure they always have made and donated approximately 250 masks. the place we call home open,” Sherrill added. access to a clean mask between washes. “I’m a teacher, and I’ve spent so much time The UMNAA is continuing its mask-mak- UM alumni worked to make and purchase worrying about students in our state over the ing effort throughout the academic year. more than 950 additional masks, which last few months. Doing something with my To learn more about the effort or to were provided to the Student Life office hands to help my Montevallo family let me donate to the program, visit montevallo.edu/ for students to pick up. Alumnae Savan- replace that worry with service.” mask-making.

“Like a lot of people, the COVID-19 outbreak left me feeling helpless. I know for myself, and I think for many of us, finding ways we could help from home was extremely comforting.” — Dr. Lindsey Sherrill ’07

montevallo.edu/alumni | 33 ALUMNI NEWS Virtual Events held from April through October To continue alumni engagement, the Alumni Office and UMNAA started hosting virtual events in April. COFFEE BREAK WITHWITH MONTEVALLOMONTEVALLO ALUMNIALUMNI

Alumni have been invited to join a video conference call where a campus representative(s) shares updates. After updates and a Q&A, alumni have the opportunity to socialize and share ideas. In the spring, it began as a weekly event, but is now held monthly on the fourth Friday of each month at 11 a.m.

TOPICS HAVE INCLUDED: COVID-19 Relief Fund • Admissions • Athletics • Counseling Services • Esports University Update • Career Development • Stephens College of Business • College of Fine Arts College of Education & Human Development • College of Arts and Sciences Falcon Forward Plan • Milner Archives • Peace & Justice Studies • Computer Science

MONTEVALLO MONDAY MOBILITY The UM Junior Alumni Board presents

May 11, 18 and 25 10 a.m. on Zoom Join University of Montevallo alumnus Trent Jones ’05 for a 10-minute mobility/yoga session Donations can be made to the UM COVID-19 Student Relief Fund or MoYo Festival

34 | Montevallo Today      Virtual Alumni    Concert Series #1 JUNIOR BOARD 
    Via Zoom/Facebook Live           May 22    
   8 p.m. 
‡ €€       ­ €‚    
  ƒ Featuring:  
     „  Chris Davidson ’11 Drew Granthum ’11 Chase Stewart ’13


„  ƒ    † Donations can be made to the UM COVID-19 Student Relief Fund.    ƒ ˆ‰Š‹Œ Ž †

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND JR. BOARD PRESENT Other Projects

CULTIVATE ALUMNI SURVEY The Alumni Association wants to hear from you. Complete our CHANGE survey at montevallo.edu /alumni-survey. Thursday, June 11 @ 6:30 p.m. CDT

Panel discussion/webinar featuring: Dr. Andrea Eckelman, UM Asst. Professor of Political Science ALUMNI BOOKSHELF Greg Jones '85, retired FBI Special Agent The UMNAA has started a virtual alumni Cedric Norman '09, Fairfield City Council & Woke Vote bookshelf listing books written by UM Kimberly Williams Pettway '94, Social Work Instructor alumni. If you have written a book, Moderated by Dr. Terra Miller '06 and Cortez Bennett '12 please fill out the Alumni Author form at montevallo.edu/bookshelf.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO JUNIOR ALUMNI BOARD PRESENTS MID-SUMMER'S UMNAA NIGHT DANCE PARTY BOOK CLUB July 11, 2020 • 6:30-8:30 p.m. The January book selection is The Color of Water by James • We provide the Zoom link McBride. Learn more at • You provide food & drinks montevallo.edu/book-club. • Zach Banks '08 provides the beats

montevallo.edu/alumni | 35 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PPCO University of Montevallo Alumni Affairs Reynolds Hall, Station 6215 Montevallo, AL 35115

HOMECOMING 2021 We’re All in This Together! Homecoming is about reconnection — to your fellow alumni and to your alma mater. While we would prefer to host in-person events, we are excited to celebrate with you virtually March 10-13.

■ EVENTS/ACTIVITIES The UMNAA Board, Jr. Board and Alumni Affairs Office are busy planning virtual reunions and other Homecoming celebration activities to be held in conjunction with College Night.

■ HOMECOMING-AT-HOME KIT Alumni will have the option to order a kit to celebrate Homecoming at home. The kit will contain Montevallo gear, CN streaming access, a CN program and more. Additional info coming soon.

■ PALMER CUTOUTS You can’t attend in person, but you can still support College Night by purchasing a personalized cutout PALMER CUTOUT to stand in for you in Palmer Auditorium. You’ll show your school spirit and give the students an audience for the performance.

Learn more at montevallo.edu/homecoming