3-D Dogs Comes to Montevallo

By John Albea

As described by owner Sean Desmet, 3-D Dogs is College Food: Hot Dogs, Burgers, and good ol' Grease. Nestled down Highway 25 just past Huddle House, 3-D Dogs' modest location is contrasted well with its very own brand of soul-food.

"It's really great!" says manager Brooke Ray "I know people would say 'oh well you're supposed to say that' because I work here, but I really think so!" And she's not alone, Montevallo residents, student or non-student, have frequently been setting foot into the atmosphere, decorated with just a few old rock'n'roll records on the walls.

Desmet says 3-D Dogs began its life in Billingsly, Alabama, and has moved around since then, maintaining one location in Clanton. Eventually they found their way to Calera, where their new building proved to be inoperable. That's when they decided to move to Montevallo, where Ray says "It feels more like home." 

Although Desmet does not say that the University is the reason for the move, he has warmly welcomed the interest of students, and even offers a discount for students. Desmet and Ray have both said that business has improved since the move.

Montevallo Adds a New Sport to the Flock

By Devan Cooley

The University of Montevallo has added a new sport to the Athletics Department. Softball is on its way to campus. With the university focusing on growth, the Athletics Department was given a chance to add to the list of sports.

Montevallo athletics have been very successful in recent years. The Falcons have won Peach Belt Conference championships in multiple sports, organizing many strong teams. Creating a team takes a special Head Coach, and Montevallo has found just that.

Montevallo Softball mock jersey

The search for a coach led the Falcons to hire Lindsay Vanover. Vanover played collegiate softball at Division-1 University of Houston, and later was the Assistant Coach and Director of Recruiting at Division-1 Dartmouth College. After coaching Dartmouth to 57 wins, Vanover took the leap to Montevallo to have the chance to build her own team.

Coach Vanover says, "It's been a cool opportunity to get to show these kids what the University Montevallo is about. The people here have been amazing." Vanover also says that recruiting for a brand new team has been difficult, but that 16 players are already expected to play for the Falcons.

More players are sure to sign with Montevallo later this Summer, and training will begin soon after. The Falcons will play a short Fall season before the inaugural regular season begins in the Spring of 2015. In anticipation of opening day, the University Athletics website even has a countdown running until the first pitch on February 1st of 2015.

The  Falcons will play their home games at a facility to be built at Orr Park. A short walk from campus, the new field is expected to cost between 650 to 700 thousand dollars total. The new field will be easily accessible from campus, just across Main Street, a quick walk down the new promenade.

Athletic Director Jim Herlihy says that the school is very excited about softball, "I think we'll attract new students that may not have been interested in the school, and we think double-header softball on Saturdays is going to be a lot of fun."

Gaming and Anime Convention Being Created By Montevallo Students

By: Jacob Bobst

Montevallo has quite a geeky population, but they wear their geek pride high. And nowhere is that better shown than with the development of Fal-Con, a gaming and anime convention being formed by students of The University of Motnevallo.

The con hopes to be "An anime convention with a gaming minor" and to emulate the success of similar events held by students of other colleges, such as Kami-Con, run by students of the University of Alabama.

AJ Diaz, working on Fal-Con in plumber regalia.

Fal-Con originated as a joke between Susan Sabia and her friend Brittany Chavarria, and they used the pun to joke around for years. But before long, the idea to turn the pun into a reality came to them, and the con began development.

Fal-Con, despite being made by Montevallo students, won't be taking place on campus despite the best effort of the staff.. The university lacks any building that would allow many people in it at once, and there were safety concerns about people in costume walking on the notoriously easy to trip on bricks.

The Fal-Con mascot, a newborn falcon.

Fal-Con is raising money to fund the con through the crowd funding site Indiegogo. They offer a variety of awards for helping, from passes to the convention to allowing a big donor to have their own panel. Other prizes include T-shirts, replicas of keyblades from the Kingdom Hearts series of video games, and a brunch.



You can check out the Indiegogo here.

Fal-Con has it's own website, which you can visit here.

Pageantry with a Purpose

By: Jordan Wales

         In an event that causes Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” to play in your head, Alpha Gamma Delta held its annual He’s A Lady pageant last night.

       But this year the event was so popular that the crowd tested the limits of LeBaron Hall. People began filling the seats and packing the place out until there was standing room only at the back and every stair had at least three people squished together. The fans were as varied as the contestants which ranged from fraternity men to teammates on the university baseball and soccer teams.

       This year, Alpha Gam changed the scoring procedure from written votes cast by the audience to a panel of judges. 

         At the end of the night Kevin Britt took home the grand prize while representing the women of Alpha Delta Pi. Britt had just recently accepted the very first bid offered to become a Founding Father of the new Phi Gamma Delta or “Fiji”. This marks He’s a Lady as one of the first indirect victories for the colony.  

        He's a Lady is the spring philanthropy event for Alpha Gam and all proceeds go to support the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation which helps the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Comedian Performs at Montevallo

By: Brett Bell

UPC brought a television comedian to UM.  Ben Gleib performed at UM on February 25. Gleib has appeared on many episodes of the "Chelsea Lately Show" among other appearances. Gleib's performance was extremely humorous. His form of humor included his take on social commentary with a mix of crude expressions.

Students watch one of Ben Gleib's appearances on "Chelsea Lately"

Gleib was very interactive with students, often calling them out on various topics. He poked fun at everyone from vegetarians to mass communication students...or as Gleib understood, "magic communication."

Along with his dialogue with students, Gleib also made an attempt to understand "College Night." The results were hilarious.

After his performance, Gleib took time to meet students in Palmer's lobby. He also took time to sign autographs and take pictures. Gleib had a good reception as a general response from students.

Ben Gleib brought much laughter to Palmer Auditorium as well as a few thought provoking words on Tuesday night.

Men compete to be Alpha Gamma Delta's "Lady"

By Heather Buckner

Alpha Gamma Delta hosted their annual He’s a Lady pageant February 21 at 7 p.m. in LeBaron Hall.

Each spring every Greek organization on campus enters one lucky male into the pageant to compete for the crown through a cross-dressing pageant in which the men wear a costume, showcase a talent and answer questions.

After several audio problems, the “ladies” were asked to fill the prolonged silence with their favorite quotes, a few of which came from Drake and 2 Chainz.

Once the audio problems were somewhat solved the ladies moved on to their talents. Two twirled ribbons, one played ukulele and one sang an acoustic version of Lil Jon’s “Get Low.”

Alpha Delta Pi's "lady" Kevin Britt performing Lil Jon's "Get Low."

After the talent portion, questions ranged from asking what makeup item the contestant couldn’t live without to what the hardest part of college is. 

“This,” retorted Lambda Chi Alpha’s “lady” Jon Mackenzie. “I mean I’m cross-dressing in front of half the school.”

Britt reacts to being announced as Alpha Gamma Delta's pageant queen.

At the end of the night, Alpha Kappa Lambda’s James Kinney won Miss Congeniality and Alpha Delta Pi’s Kevin Britt took home the crown.

All proceeds from the pageant support the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, which in turn supports diabetes research and prevention.

A place to be yourself and sometimes other people.

By James Crim

At first glance the Montevallo Organization of Gaming  may appear as a group not unlike any of the other groups that one can join on campus, but dig a little deeper and you will find an experience that can't be found anywhere else. MOG isn't a group content with just playing any old board game; you can find a vast array of card, video, board, and tabletop games being played, critiqued and designed.

Master Chief maintains vigil over the most dangerous weapons in gaming.

You read that correctly, games are designed and showcased at MOG. Students design games for the Game Studies and Design minor and many times they use MOG gaming nights as a chance to find people to help test out their hard work. It's a satisfying experience to help someone play, break and fix a game that has many hours of design time put into it.

MOG isn't solely about games either. Whereas games are the core of MOG, social interaction forms the foundation of the games themselves. They give students an excuse to interact and meet new people on a common ground. Shared interests open the doors for budding friendships with classmates.

Currently designing a mecha based tabletop roleplaying game.

University of Montevallo student Garrett Roth found MOG as an opportunity to make a

connection with the campus and his classmates stating, "I had done almost nothing on campus before MOG. Essentially I would come as part of a business transaction, you know, I pay you, I get my education, I go home. ...I was just kind of here floating around, a guy you would see for a few moments and I'd just vanish off campus, no one would see me again. Ever since I started coming to MOG I come every Tuesday and Thursday now like clockwork."

The Montevallo Organization of Gaming meets in Hill House every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7:30. You can become a member by paying ten dollars which lands you a set of gaming dice in a felt bag for all your gaming needs.

3D Building Takes Shape

By Devan Cooley

After spending the last 25 plus years in an old warehouse, the 3D Art Department of the University of Montevallo is constructing a new building. The 3D students and faculty are known for their work with ceramics, wood, and metal art.

The need for a new building was brought on by a number of factors, according to 3D professor Dr. Scott Meyer, "It was a warehouse basically, so when it gets to ceramics for instance, it’s impossible to keep it clean. You know in part because we can’t squeegee down into a sunken drain and a lot of architectural decisions that would be made in a new building, we just moved into this warehouse structure.”

Construction site of the new building.

The new building is expected to cost around $1.5 million, and is hoped to be completed late this year. The building will be designed with the many requirements of art in mind. Working with materials like ceramics and wood creates a large amount of dust, so drains and air intakes will be built into the new structure.

The building will house several classrooms, studios, and workshops, as well as a lobby area that will show off current artwork. In addition to being a great draw to prospective students, the new building will contain two studios for traveling artists to use. These traveling artists will help teach current students and work alongside them to create more works of art.

Dr. Meyer is responsible for creating the University's famous Anagama kiln, and said that he and the other faculty have had great say in the design of the new building. "We worked with each other a lot, and we also worked alone a lot. We were encouraged to dream. That comes  from Dr. Stewart, you know, what your fondest thoughts would be of a facility. And you can always get your eraser out if you find out you’re over budget.”

Casino Night Comes to UM

By Brett Bell

In preparation for Higher Ed Day, UM UPC held a casino night on Thursday, February 13. Now, your first thought might revolve around what Higher ED Day and casinos have in common? Tanya Hoang, UPC's coordinator, says that the casino night was a way of showing students how government funding is gambled away rather than being used to fund public universities in Alabama.

Casino Night included games such as slot machines and card games. Students won game chips that they could turn in for photo ops at the events photo booth. There was also a prize table at the event.

There were several students at Casino Night. Hoang said that the turnout was what she expected. I got to talk to a UM student who told me she came to the event because it sounded like fun. The event was a lot of fun, but the real meaning was to get students fired up and informed about Higher ED Day.

Higher ED Day is to be held on February 27 at the State Capital Building in Montgomery.

Giving Back One 'Piece' at a Time.

By: Kayla Hackett

                 Montevallo's art students create amazing pieces of work on a daily basis. One may wonder why they don't either sell their masterpieces, or display them around campus. Speaking with several art students, they expressed that it's harder to sell art than you think. But Montevallo's own Samantha Ellis informed us about Montevallo's Alumni Art Auction. She says, "It's a way that students, teachers, and alumni can give back." 

Alumni Art Auction, Block Hall

     

        The Alumni Art Auction is Montevallo's major fundraising event to benefit the 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. Not only does it help raise money for the University, but it helps raise money for art supplies. The Alumni Art Auction is a fantastic way for students to not only display their work, but to also gain experience.

Painting by Samantha Elli

           The purpose and mission of the Alumni Affairs is to, “enhance the linkage between the alumni and the University, encourage members’ active participation in the Association and their commitment to the mission of the institution, build financial support for the Association and the University, and promote the University of Montevallo as a vital part of Alabama’s future.”

Home Sweet Home

Story By: Amos Hollinhead

Earlier this month, the University of Montevallo held its annual Alumni Day as graduates returned back to campus one more time. On the final day of Homecoming and College Night, the campus was as lively as ever, not only with current students but with cheerful alumni as well.

The Department of Communication held an Alumni Brunch to gather Communication Studies and Mass Communication graduates. Dr. Tiffany Wang, Dr. Bruce Finklea and the rest of the professors in the department greeted the familiar faces as they made their way back.

MC Graduate Drew Hardy with Dr. Hoerner

One surprise for everyone, including alumni, was seeing Dr. John Hoerner back inside the Mass Communication building. It was unusual not to see him working with some equipment, but everyone was glad to see him enjoying the bliss of retirement.

The brunch was hosted by current Mass Communication and Communication Studies students. Light refreshments were available for to everyone in attendance, as people enjoyed being back inside the department.

Students were happy to be reunited with their fellow graduate friends as they reminisced about old memories, as teachers took pictures of everyone to preserve new ones. Alumnus brought their children with them, as they viewed where they possibly may receive their future education.

Potential Communication students with Dr. Hardig 

Dr. Sally Hardig was overjoyed when she was able to see her former students and recruit for the years beyond. "I've been here now since 2002, and I love to see the returning alumni to see where they are. My favorite part [of Alumni Day] is meeting their children. So when they bring their little babies, we can recruit them early," said Dr. Hardig.

Alumni Day inside the Mass Communication building was filled with hugs and laughter as Montevallo celebrated a great Homecoming.

If you would like to see more pictures from the Alumni Brunch, visit the University of Montevallo Department of Communication's Facebook page here.

UPC Has Done It Again

By Haley Myers

UPC, University Program Council, has done it again, and have found yet another great entertainer to bring life to the UPC events, Josh Vietti.

A Hip-Hop violinist from California, Vietti leaves the crowd in awe with his outstanding performance, a performance that the University of Montevallo would not have been gifted if it wasn't for UPC.

Josh Vietti amazing the crowd

"We do research, get a lot of brochures, and do a lot of searching on the internet," says Tanya Hoang, UPC Director, "This past year a few of us, including myself, went to a conference, and that is how we found Josh Vietti.  A lot of it is trial and error... you try to get a feel of what the student body wants and what they prefer to go to."

Though there were a few technical difficulties in the beginning, and a spill in the middle of the show, UPC was there to get it right back on track because, naturally, the show must go on!

UPC loves to hear feedback from their events, whether that be good or bad, so they know exactly what our diverse campus likes to attend!  You can inbox the Student Life Facebook page, or check your forUM email for broadcast surveys, or even check in with UPC in person!

Hip-Hop Violinists Performs at Palmer Hall

By Mandy Steadman

Violinist, Josh Vietti, came to the University of Montevallo to perform for students in Palmer Auditorium. Vietti performed many different genres, including rap, r&b, hip-hop, jazz and many others. Vietti has performed in many locations, including on the Ellen Degeneres Show and the APCA Conference in Texas.

Throughout the show, he had students dancing and singing to his music. Some even got onstage to rap, beat-box and square dance. He entertained and got the whole audience involved in his music. 

Josh Vietti Rocks out to "Sweet Home Alabama"

University of Montevallo student, James Kinney, said, "It was just really an interesting combination of genres… It’s a very unique show coming to see someone who plays the violin and is going to be doing, you know, hip-hop and r&b songs on it."










Vietti said his favorite part of this performance was playing "Sweet Home Alabama" in Alabama. It took him three months to learn this song. 

This may not be the last time we will see Vietti at the University of Montevallo. Vietti said he would like to film a "Sweet Home Alabama" music video on campus in front of Reynolds Hall and to help promote the university.

Montevallo Contains Icy Roads, But Warm Hearts

by Max Greene

After this past month's snowy weather that plagued Alabama's roads with ice and immovable traffic, the American Red Cross came down to Montevallo for one of their quarterly scheduled donation visits. This time, however, it became a more urgent issue. Hospitals that depend on stores of blood and other supplies found the freeze especially frustrating.

"We have to move blood either by ground transportation or by air," said Vincent Allen, American Red Cross team supervisor. "If you close the airport, or the cars are shut down, that grossly affects the hospitals."

A Montevallo student donated blood.

With the need for blood more pressing than usual, the Red Cross' quarterly visits became more than just a scheduled donation. However they also understand the needs of students.

"Since you guys are so busy right now, we try to make it more accessible to come to you and make it easier for you guys to donate."

Iced in at the University of Montevallo

 

By: Kayla Guillot

Last month, the University of Montevallo was covered with a layer of snow and ice. Earlier in the day there was a severe threat of snow south of the campus in effect. A simple light dusting was to be expected and the university decided to still hold classes.

Snowy streets in Alabaster, Al 

It wasn't soon enough though because as soon as hundreds of cars were pouring out of campus the road conditions worsened instantly. The main road coming into the university was closed by police. Many students wondered if the decision to close was made too late.

Student Lucas Burns supported the campus and didn't expect the snow either. "They probably should have closed a little bit sooner. So I would have gotten the email and not come in today. But, I’m glad they’re doing the best they can," said Burns. 

 

Montevallo opened a warming station later in the day at the Student Activity Center (SAC) for the students and faculty who were stuck on campus for the night. Road conditions did not get better until late into the next day and the Cafeteria staff stayed through the storm to make sure those left behind had a hot meal. 

 

Montevallo Alumna and Baseball Legend Delores "Dolly" Brumfield Visits Montevallo

Story By: Jacob Bobst

Montevallo's very own baseball legend Delores "Dolly" Brumfield returned on College Night for a ceremony in her honor, in which she donated some of the memorabilia from her baseball playing and coaching career to the university archives. Her donations include trading cards, photos, news articles, and her old uniform. Dolly was an early player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and later earned herself a permanent display in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Montevallo graduate has been a College Night regular, appearing almost every year since her graduation in 1954. The University honored her with a distinguished alumni award in 2004.