Connie Doran feels much of her happiness and strength in life come from associations with the University of Montevallo. For this reason, she feels she owes her beloved alma mater much in return.

“I feel strongly that when much is given, much is owed,” Doran, class of 1971, said.

Not only did UM give Doran her husband, Paul, enduring friendships and her teaching career, but the university has a strong pull on her heartstrings.

“It’s those continuing UM ties, like in my family where three generations of Montevallo students including my mother, Marie Gord Osborne, then Paul and I and our daughter, Ashley, continue to feel that it’s the Montevallo people who are the true bricks that pave the campus streets and everywhere else we later travel through our lives that makes the UM experience so special and priceless,” Doran said.

Doran said UM has shaped who she is today, and to help other students discover their potential in life, she plans to keep giving back to the university that has given her so much satisfaction.

“Through your investment in UM, you’ll earn huge dividends as she continues to improve and reach out to coming student generations,” Doran said. “Today, students are often in great need of a stable, nurturing ‘home’ where they can prepare for their futures. No, UM cannot magically wave a golden wand to correct her students' problems, but with your and my donations we can help her develop greater abilities to minimize their weaknesses while maximizing their strengths.”

And with a potential future UM student in the shape of her young granddaughter, Laura, Doran knows that every donation is important to ensure a lasting legacy of greatness.

“Every donation is powerful,” Doran said. “Please do what you can to invest in the UM experience for generations to come.”