Upcoming Alumni Events
Aug. 17
Alumni Book Club
Book: Kindred
Discussion led by alum Terry Hughston ’10
7 p.m. (Central)
Aug. 27
Alumni Coffee Break
Topic: University Updates
President John W. Stewart III will provide updates and share information about welcoming students back to campus.
11 a.m. (Central)
For the safety and well-being of all of our alumni, staff and supporters, the University is temporarily requiring masks for in-person events. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
—SAVE THE DATE—
Oct. 14
Founders’ Day
Celebrating the University’s 125th Birthday
Feb. 16-19
Homecoming
ANNUAL EVENTS
Founders’ Day
Celebrated the second Thursday of 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 reception for the Association’s award recipients.
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 and in 2017 together celebrated the 50th Olympics Day.
Greek Alumni Reunion
“All Greek Alumni are welcome to come out and enjoy our 5th Greek Alumni Reunion. Let’s show our Greek Unity and kick off the Centennial College Night Celebration.”
-Stephanie Shaw ’93, VP of Alumni Clubs & Chair of Greek Alumni Club
Sponsorship Opportunities
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- Sponsor Level Alpha $250: Business logo or name prominent on t-shirt; Event stake sign; Name at registration table; 2 champagne glasses; and 2 reunion tickets. (Logo must be received by October 8.)
- Sponsor Level Beta $100: Name on t-shirt; Event stake sign; Name at registration table; 1 champagne glass; and 1 reunion ticket.
- Sponsor Level Gamma $50: Name at registration table; 1champagne glass; and 1 reunion ticket.
- Sponsor Level Delta $25: Name at registration table and 1 champagne glass.
- Sponsorships may be made in memory of or in honor of someone.
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Registration for the Greek Alumni Reunion is not open to current UM students. Per University Policy, IDs WILL be checked at the tent and an event wristband issued that must be worn to enter tent/beverage area.
Please note: alumni event registration is not considered a tax-deductible donation.
Alumni Art Auction
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.