By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo plans to highlight its proud past and look to its bright future during Homecoming 2013.

“The way we’re trying to showcase that is through the use of our buildings,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Dr. Tracy Payne-Rockco. “We want to show the historical nature of the campus and all of the progress we’re making, including the addition of Montevallo on Main. There’s a lot of construction going on right now, a lot of renovation.

“We want to maintain our proud heritage, but look at the progress we’re making,” she added.

Homecoming events will be held Feb. 5-9. One highlight is the Homecoming Awards and Recognition Luncheon Feb. 9 at noon.

The university will recognize three alumni in particular. Veterinary Karen Snowden, a 1973 graduate, will receive the Distinguished Alumna Award. Snowden has been recognized numerous times for her contributions to the field of veterinary parasitology.

Martin Nalls, who earned his master of education in secondary education from UM in 1997, will receive the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award. Nalls is the principal of Homewood Middle School.

Terra D. Moody, a 2006 graduate, will receive the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award. Moody is currently working on her doctorate in mass communications and specializing in children and the media at the University of Alabama.

A number of reunions were added to the calendar this year, including a previously well-attended minority reunion.

“In the last couple of years, I don’t think they’ve been doing a 10-year reunion because a lot of times that’s lumped in with the young alums,” Payne-Rockco said. “We have several ladies from the class of ‘43 that are coming back.”

Twelve UM student groups will compete to paint the windows of businesses on Main Street and Alabama 25. The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce is working with the university to provide prizes to the top three winning window paintings, Payne-Rockco said.

“It’s a good way we’re getting students involved, along with alumni and downtown (businesses) through the chamber,” she said.

For a complete Homecoming schedule or to register for events, visit Montevallo.edu/alumni.