Montevallo, Ala. – After nearly four years of fundraising, The University of Montevallo launched its public phase of The Campaign for Montevallo: It’s About Family during the University of Montevallo’s recent homecoming celebrations.
The University’s Anna Irvin Dining Hall was elegantly transformed for the celebration. Various representatives of the University addressed the guests, including University President, Dr. John W. Stewart III, the Campaign National Co-Chairs, committee members and a scholarship recipient.
Sandra Bond Bowers ‘66, national co-chair of the campaign, announced that in the silent phase of the campaign over $11 million dollars, well over half of the $20 million campaign goal had been raised.
Tim Lupinacci ’88, campaign co-chair, presented the Katrina Bethune Collins Scholarship, named in memory of UM alumna and a former employee in his office.
Mike Strong ’72 announced the ground breaking for Strong Hall, an upgraded facility that will house Mass Communications programs. John Paul Strong ‘02 reminded those gathered of the importance of creating a culture of giving through his words and the image of he and his father, serving as campaign co-chairs, working together to give back to their alma mater. John Paul Strong illustrated a perfect example of why the University’s Comprehensive Campaign, is truly about family.
Although they couldn’t be in attendance, Honorary Co-Chairs and best-selling authors Cassandra King Conroy ’67, M.A. ’88 and her late husband, Pat Conroy were also recognized.
The Campaign for Montevallo: It’s About Family is a seven-year campaign that was launched in October 2012. The campaign supports five priority funding areas including:
1.Scholarships and the Student Experience
2.Faculty, Coach, and Staff Development
3.Facilities for Learning, Living, and Competing
4.Build Annual Giving
5.The Traditions Fund
Ultimately, the goal of The Campaign for Montevallo: It’s About Family is to build a culture of philanthropy.
“The University of Montevallo has a strong alumni family, who are willing to invest in future generations,” said Dr. John W. Stewart III, University of Montevallo President. “Our current campaign is exceeding expectations and we want to continue to build on that momentum.”
To end the evening, Board of Trustees Chairperson Todd Strange rallied the crowd, reminding them of the good that comes from sacrificial giving. The Campaign for Montevallo: It’s About Family not only makes an impact on campus today, but will set a precedent and establish a culture of giving at the University of Montevallo that will make a difference for years to come.
For more information on The Campaign for Montevallo: It’s About Family, please contact Campaign director, Gary Johnson at 205-665-6215 or visit www.montevallo.edu/itsaboutfamily.
About The University of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo seeks to be unique in higher education in Alabama, by providing students from throughout the state an affordable, geographically accessible, “small college” public higher educational experience of high quality. Settled within an atmosphere of national historic beauty and offering a tradition of innovative cultural expression, we seek to provide professional programs supported by a broad base of arts and sciences that are designed for intellectual and personal growth in the pursuit of meaningful employment and responsible, informed citizenship.