Alumni Events

Upcoming Alumni Events

*Register for upcoming Alumni Club events

Founders’ Day

Celebrated the second Thursday of every October

In 1896, the community of Montevallo was selected as the site for a new state educational institution. The school opened on October 12 in Reynolds Hall, an 1851 building that still houses classrooms and offices. Each year, the second Thursday of October is still celebrated on campus as Founders’ Day.

The focus of this annual event is the convocation, during which the robing of the seniors and the Omicron Delta Kappa tapping take place. Additionally, awards are presented, including the University Scholar Award, the Faculty Service Award, the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, the Outstanding Staff Service Award, and the Alumnus Loyalty Award.

The day concludes with the annual Life Raft Debate, an event that pits faculty member against faculty member— with occasional staff and administrators in the mix — in a debate for survival as the recipient of the last seat on the raft following an imaginary nuclear war. The audience members are in the boat, and they decide by voting who gets to join them and who is left to sink or swim at the end of what is always a lively debate by the panelists.

Founders’ Day also is the date for the first business meeting of the fiscal year for the UMNAA. It is followed that evening by a celebratory dinner for the Association’s award recipients.

2016 Founders’ Day Alumni Award Recipients: Outstanding Commitment to Teaching – Dr. Sally Bennett Hardig, Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumnus Loyalty – Mel Robinson, and Outstanding Staff Service – DeAnna Smith (accepting – Chris Smith)

Olympics Day

Begun in 1968, Olympics Day is a significant tradition for University of Montevallo alumni. Many events and activities have changed and evolved throughout the years, but one thing has remained the same: it is a special time for alumni and friends to join together in athletic and social events, reminisce, and make new friends. Traditionally, athletic events have included golf, tennis, and a 5K run and were held the first Saturday in August. In 2013, it was moved to October to accompany Founders’ Day and other athletic events such as racquetball and disc golf were added. In 2016, the UMNAA made the decision to turn over the golf tournament to the Department of Athletics. Join us on October 13, 2017 to celebrate the 50th Annual Olympics Day Golf Tournament to be held at the Montevallo Golf Course.

Download Olympics Day Golf Tournament Registration Form: Olympics Day Golf Tourn Registration

Special Events

Greek Alumni Reunion

Greek alumni are invited to participate in the fourth annual Greek Alumni Reunion. The tailgate-style event will be held at the University Lake on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 2-5 p.m.

Greek Alumni Reunion 2016

 “The Greek Alumni Reunion is a great event. The reunion gives you a chance to catch up with Greeks, that you have so many great memories with, and share in stories and shared experiences with Greeks from every generation at Montevallo. The bond you make as a fraternity/sorority member is one that lasts a lifetime. Venues like the reunion allow that love for each other and the University of Montevallo to be renewed all over again.”

Jonathan Carr ’01 | Alpha Kappa Lambda

Tailgate/Cookout 

• Each Greek organization is encouraged to set up a “tailgate” area.
• Bring a table, chairs and hang out.
• Bring tailgate food. Alumni club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, fixings and drinks.
• Loyalty Award will be presented to the Greek organization with the most members in attendance/participation.
• A Spirit Award will be awarded to the organization with the best tailgate décor/best UM Spirit
• This year’s inductee’s into the Jim Wilkinson Greek Loyalty Hall of Fame will be honored at the reunion.

 Alumni Art Auction

2018 Alumni Art Auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 10

The Alumni Art Auction is the major fundraising event to benefit the Art Department. Organized by the Art Alumni Board since 1996, it takes place annually on Homecoming Saturday in mid-February and features over 100 donated works in all media by art alums, faculty and current students. The show is on display Friday and Saturday and the silent bidding concludes during the Bloch Party reception, an event that is anything but silent! Proceeds from the auction are used to fund equipment and special projects for the benefit of our current students. Invitations to participate in the auction are mailed each year to art alums; please let the Art Department know if they need to add you to their list or if you wish to help with the event or join the Art Alumni Board.