Purples Triumph at Montevallo College Night and Homecoming Weekend 2026

February 16, 2026

The University of Montevallo hosted its annual College Night and Homecoming celebrations this past weekend, where Purple Side “poofed” to victory for the second year in a row. On Saturday evening, Feb. 14, Purple students, alumni, friends and family filling the seats in Palmer Hall Auditorium erupted in joy just before midnight as Student Government Association President Caleb Jernigan declared “we all have a place in this world,” the secret catchphrase signifying a Purple Victory. 

Purple Side claimed the win this year with “Kaleidoscope,” a production that took the characters and audience across worlds via a magical optical instrument. The story follows the crime-loving Detective Dansby as she investigates a mysterious kaleidoscope found at a crime scene. Crossing dimensions and meeting new friends each time the kaleidoscope is looked through, the ragtag ensemble finds adventure, danger and ultimately themselves on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. 

Gold Side took the stage afterward with “Cloaked in Red,” the thrilling tale of a village ravaged by beasts created by the evil Romula. Hunters Rory, Jack and Goldie vow to protect their people, and enlist the help of Atticus, Romula’s wolf-like minion, as well as Robin and his Merry Men, to defeat Romula once and for all. Forced to set aside their prejudices and learn to trust one another, the group bands together to free their town, embarking on a journey of friendship, sacrifice and discovering the true meaning of heroism. 

Hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, staff, family and friends took to the bricks over the weekend to participate in Montevallo’s Homecoming festivities. 

Friday night, Feb. 13, the UM National Alumni Association hosted its Homecoming Awards Dinner and Annual Business Meeting in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. This year, Liucija Smaizyte Wright ’15, MBA ’22 won the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Young Achiever’s Award, Andrew Heaton ’04 received the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award and William F. Denson III ’65 was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The UMNAA also installed its new president, Megan Randolph ’06. 

Saturday’s events included a 50-year reunion celebration at Anna Irvin Dining Hall for the Class of 1976, the Alabama College brunch, an open house at Carmichael Library and alumni reunions for Old Golds and Vintage Purples. Various UM departments and campus organizations around campus also hosted receptions, and campus visitors enjoyed the high-energy Purple vs. Gold men’s basketball game and cheer competition at the McChesney Student Activity Center. 

The Alumni Art Auction and Alumni Party/Decades Reunion — with special recognition for Classes of 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016 — at the Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts capped the reunion events late Saturday evening before College Night in Palmer Hall Auditorium. 

This College Night was dedicated to Director of Student Life Jenny Bell with David Rountree and Mia Wilson being crowned Mr. and Ms. Montevallo, respectively.