FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo will hold its 123rd Founders’ Day and Fall Preview Day events this month.

The theme of the Founders’ Day celebration on Oct. 10 will be “A great institution is born of its time” and will focus on how the university has evolved since its founding.

The theme was taken from the book “Alabama College, 1896-1969” written by former UM professor of history Lucille Griffith.

In the preface of the book Griffith begins, “A great institution is born of its time. There must be a need, a demand, that brings it forth. If that institution lasts, it must change with the times; otherwise, a changing society moves on and the institution is left to wither away, unnecessary, unwanted, unsupported. Adaptation becomes the key to life and growth.”

UM has undergone multiple name changes since it was founded as Alabama Girl’s Industrial School in 1896, and changed its name for the final time 50 years ago from Alabama College to the University of Montevallo.

Throughout its history, the university has shown its willingness to adapt to the needs of students and retain its identity by continuing to be the only public liberal arts college in Alabama.

The day’s main focus will be a formal ceremony in Palmer Hall beginning at 11 a.m. University faculty and senior class will march into Palmer Auditorium for the annual convocation.

This ceremony celebrates the founding of UM, the robing of the seniors and the honoring of outstanding faculty, staff and alumni.

Dr. Lonnie Edwards, a 1971 graduate of UM and notable educational consultant, educator and CEO of Edwards and Associates in Atlanta, will be the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

Edwards was one of the first two male African American athletes at the university and helped to pave the way for other African American students and athletes.

He is a member of the UM Athletics Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards for his teaching and service throughout his career.

He has served as assistant superintendent of Dekalb County Schools and superintendent of Jackson County Schools in Georgia along with other roles in the Georgia Department of Education.

The ceremony in Palmer Hall will be followed by a luncheon for all guests in Anna Irvin Dining Hall at 12:30 p.m.

The UM National Alumni Association will then present its annual awards at 5 p.m. in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. These awards will recognize outstanding members of UM’s alumni, faculty and staff who have dedicated themselves to service to the University.

The day will conclude with the 22nd annual Life Raft Debate in Palmer Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Two days later, on Oct. 12, UM invites prospective students and their families to Fall Preview Day.

Activities for the day begin at the McChesney Student Activity Center at 8:30 a.m. and conclude in the early afternoon.

Preview Day gives high school and transfer students an up-close, realistic look at everything Montevallo has to offer.

Preview Day offers prospective students and parents a firsthand experience far beyond a standard campus visit.

During Preview Day, prospective students have the opportunity to meet students, professors and admissions counselors prepared to answer questions about the University, the admissions process, financial aid, student housing and academic programs.

“Preview Day gives you the chance to walk our beautiful campus, meet our professors and students and get a feel for what life at the University of Montevallo is like,” said UM Admissions Director Audrey Crawford. “We’ll pair you with one of our student Mavens who’ll take you around and show you our beautiful campus, walk you through our student resources fair and give you a feel for everything that makes life at Montevallo so special.”

To register for Fall Preview Day, visit Montevallo.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/campus-visits/preview-day/.

Fall Preview Day schedule

• 8:30-9:30 a.m.- Check-in begins in the McChesney Student Activity Center
• 9:30-9:45 a.m. – Welcome/Overview of the Day
• 9:45-10:40 a.m. – Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Life and Housing session
• 10:50-11:50 a.m. – Academic Interest session
• 11:50am-12:30 p.m. – Campus Tour led by a Montevallo Maven
• 12:35 p.m. – Lunch