Vallo Voice — Students Present at 20th Annual Undergrad Research Day

Students Present at 20th Annual Undergrad Research Day
On Wednesday, March 22, more than 50 University of Montevallo undergraduate students presented original research at the 20th annual Undergraduate Research Day. Each year, students present their findings after working for months with a faculty mentor.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Cynthia Tidwell, coordinator of Undergraduate Research and professor of chemistry, announced the top three students in the categories of best posters and oral presentation sessions.

The top three poster winners featured a tie for first between partners Jon Henderson and Nicholas Rivers, both representing biology, chemistry major Brian Kirkwood in second and biology major Erica Hutchens in third.

The first session of oral presentation award winners included bio-chemistry major Nicholas Rivers in first, chemistry major Reggie Holifield in second and psychology major Amy Wilson in third. The second session’s award winners were communication studies major Paris Nelson in first, history major Jamie Pressley in second and English major Keshia McClantoc in third.

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Ted Hoffman, faculty advisor to UM’s chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), was recognized as one of two 2017 Advisors of the Year during the annual Student Life Presidents and Advisors Banquet on March 14. Ted tied for the honor with Mr. Doug Ford, the volunteer chapter advisor to Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Dr. Cynthia Tidwell has recently been announced as the winner of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges’ (COPLAC) 2016 Charles Dunn award. The University recommended Cynthia for her status as a faculty member who consistently goes above and beyond for her students’ success.

Dr. Bruce Finklea attended a TV News Producer workshop over Spring Break hosted by the Alabama Broadcasters Association. His video of the damage done to the Montevallo Presbyterian Church also aired on several local newscasts this week.

Student Highlights

Mass Communication major Jalen Thompson won the Grand Prize at the National Broadcasting Society’s National Electronic Media Association on March 25 in New York City. Thompson’s winning essay was titled “The Girls and the Others: Analyzing Villainy in the First Season of ‘The Powerpuff Girls.’”

The 2017 UM Student Organization President of the Year award resulted in a tie between Daniel Yates, UM’s chapter president of NAfME, and Megan Liveoak, the editor of the Montage yearbook. Both students were recognized during the annual Student Life Presidents and Advisors Banquet held on March 14.

The 2017-2018 College Night Leaders have been selected. The Gold Side Leaders are Alex Belli and Sara Elizabeth Shirley, while Brian Kirkwood and Alyssa Green will lead the Purple Side.

Lizabeth Juarez will serve as the 2017-2018 SGA President. Other elected members of her executive cabinet include Vice President Tori Irvin, Senior Class President Lily Elmore and Treasurer Jordan Wilson.

University Happenings

UM to Honor Student Volunteers at Annual Falcon Scholar Showcase
On Thursday, April 6, the University of Montevallo, in conjunction with Shelby County Commission, will honor students involved in the Falcon Scholars in Action program. The annual Falcon Scholar Showcase recognizes the important work put forth by these student volunteers for two semesters with a local non-profit.

This semester, the work of 22 students from 10 different agencies will be honored. The showcase will begin at 6 p.m. in Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

Novelist Robert McCammon to Offer Reading in J.A. Brown Room
New York Times Best-Selling Author Robert McCammon will read selections of his works on Monday, April 10, at 3:30 p.m. in the J.A. Brown Room of Carmichael Library.

McCammon, a native of Birmingham, is the recipient of several Bram Stoker Awards. Some of his more notable novels include “Boy’s Life,” “Mine” and “Speaks the Nightbird,” the first book in the Matthew Corbett Series.

After the event, Eclipse Coffee and Books will provide a reception sponsored by the English Department.

Celebrate Class of 2017 with Senior Day
On Wednesday, April 12, the Office of Advancement will host Senior Day to celebrate the graduating class of 2017. For a $5 donation, attendees receive lunch from Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ. Funds will go toward the senior class initiative to purchase height adjustable desks for the Disability Support Services Department.

Senior Day will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reynolds Lobby. RSVP to Paula Bedran by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7.

Main Street Renovations
To follow the roadwork closings in downtown Montevallo, visit the City of Montevallo’s website or Facebook page.