University of Montevallo Celebrates 129th Founders’ Day

October 17, 2025

The University of Montevallo celebrated an eventful 129th Founders’ Day with the annual investiture of the senior class, the launch of the “Remembering the War in the Pacific” exhibition, a newly renovated bottom floor of Carmichael Library, the 100th anniversary of its Social Work Program and a dinner recognizing outstanding alumni, faculty and staff at Anna Irvin Hall.

The celebration began Oct. 7 with UM hosting acclaimed author Henry Sledge as the first event in a series of talks as part of the “Remembering the War in the Pacific” exhibition at Carmichael Library. Sledge, the son of former UM professor Dr. Eugene Sledge, authored the book “The Old Breed… The Complete Story Revealed: A Father, A Son, and How WWII in the Pacific Shaped Their Lives.” Sledge spoke about growing up in Montevallo with his family and how his father’s experience in the Pacific theatre shaped their lives.

“This book was born in the streets of this town,” Sledge said.

Founders’ Day started with the annual investiture of the senior class Oct. 9 during Convocation in the Palmer Hall auditorium. Dr. Clark Hultquist, UM professor of history, was recognized as the University Scholar for the current academic year. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Courtney Bentley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

“The education you’re receiving here is preparing you to be resilient, adaptable and timeless,” Bentley said to the seniors who donned their graduation gowns for the first time.

The day continued with an event to debut the newly renovated bottom floor of Carmichael Library and the “Rise” statue, a Falcon created by artist and UM alum Nelson Grice ’94, M.Ed. ’96 to welcome visitors. The renovation was largely funded by EBSCO Information Services, headquartered in Birmingham, which became a million dollar donor to the UM Foundation with the completion of the project. The renovated floor will become the new home for the Falcon Success Center, which provides additional support and services to help UM students thrive.

“This is a vital space for studying, tutoring, collaboration and engagement,” said Dr. Terry Roberson, UM’s interim president. “It’s also a key touchpoint for prospective students during campus tours, making sure this space reflects the welcoming spirit of the University of Montevallo. We want to thank our gracious donors, who were really the changemakers here.”

The day ended with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of UM’s Social Work Program at its new home in the Wallace Speech and Hearing Center. The program also held a Social Work Alumni Club inaugural reception on Founders’ Day.

“We have years and years of dedication to the University,” said Dr. Mathew Vansant ’01, M.S. ‘04, UM associate professor of speech-language pathology and chair of the department of social work and speech pathology. “I’m an alum, twice over, so I love the place and I happily call it home.”

The celebration wrapped up Oct. 10 with a University of Montevallo National Alumni Association dinner recognizing the Founders’ Day award recipients at Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Lindsey Song ’06 was received the Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award in recognition of her countless contributions that have benefitted students, faculty and staff at the University. Lindsey and her husband, Alan, are the namesake of the Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts on the UM campus.

“As I read about Mary Lou Williams, I saw that we have so much in common,” said Song. “We were both active in girl scouts and we both have a love of Montevallo. This award means so much to me,” I will continue to honor Mary Lou Williams and the University. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Dr. Kelly Wacker, professor of art, received the UMNAA Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award. Kim Miller ‘12, director of the Office of Student Aid, received the Outstanding Staff Service award.