Start Time: October 10, 2019 11:00am
End Time: October 10, 2019 1:00pm
Join the University on Oct. 10 for the celebration of 123 years as an institution of higher learning and 50 years since the name change from Alabama College to the University of Montevallo. The theme, “A great institution is born of its time” was inspired by the preface of Alabama College, 1896-1969 written by Lucille Griffith:
“A great institution is born of its time. There must be a need, a demand, that brings it forth. If that institution lasts, it must change with the times; otherwise, a changing society moves on and the insti- tution is left to wither away, unnecessary, unwanted, unsupported. Adaptation becomes the key to life and growth.”
For the 2019 Founders’ Day, we pay tribute to the many changes the University has seen and continues to see. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. when the University faculty and senior class march into Palmer Auditorium. The convocation will include a celebration of the founding of UM, the robing of the seniors and the honoring of outstanding faculty, staff and alumni.
Educator, Dr. Lonnie Edwards Sr. will deliver the keynote address. Edwards is one of the most important figures in UM athletic history. In a time when segregation was still visible on college campuses, Edwards joined Hansell Gunn as one of the first two African American athletes at the University.
Following the ceremony, lunch will be served in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. All participants, guests and family members are invited. The Founders’ Day Committee will also have a special gift for attendees at the dining hall as a memento of the University’s 123rd year.
Individuals needing disability-related accommodations during this event should contact the host department or Disability Support Services (205.665.6250, DSS@montevallo.edu) as early as possible. Efforts will be made to accommodate all access requests regardless of timing, but the University cannot guarantee that requests made with less than one week’s notice can be met.