By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – Heavy rain failed to dampen anyone’s spirits, or the excitement that was present, in the halls of Calera Elementary School as students were welcomed back to start the new year on Thursday, Aug. 10.

With all schools in Shelby County returning for a new school year this week, the day was especially poignant for many of the parents present at CES, some of which were seeing their children enter their first year in education.

“My youngest is (starting) kindergarten,” said Kelley Fry, a mother who had just dropped off her son. “(We’re) excited, nervous, he’s my youngest so I’m a little sad. But, (we’re) excited mostly.”

Excitement proved to be the word of the day at Calera Elementary School, with bright and shining faces all showing up despite the dark clouds and pouring rain that kicked off the morning’s arrival. With the first day being so important to the children, parents were invited inside the halls to help walk them to their classrooms and attend the teacher’s introductions.

“We have a second grader and we’re excited, she’s excited too,” parent Kim Sayers said.

Principal Shannon Montgomery, who oversaw the day’s introduction with an endless smile, slowed down and took time to welcome back every returning student and to greet each new one.

“We’re excited, (and) any time we have the beginning of a school year there’s always the excitement of seeing the new faces and then seeing the students return back,” Montgomery said. “The teachers have put in a lot of time getting ready for the school year and caring for their kids. We are very excited about the upcoming school year and just seeing our little eagles soar.”

Teachers in the hall were noticeably thrilled to see the children arrive happy and ready to learn. While not uncommon to see tears in the eyes of a few on the first day of school, whether it be from the students or the parents, the sight was largely absent from Calera Elementary School. Instead, students appeared truly ready to get the ball rolling.

“It’s the joy of things like that, seeing the kids come in and then just smiling and waving and remembering faces,” Montgomery said. “There are so many kids, so I try to remember their faces, (and) their names, as much as I can, (there’s) so many of them. The hugs and all of that is what takes away from all the stress that we (all educators) feel.”

The rain, a full downpour at first, eventually calmed to be nothing more than a few stray drops as the school buses and parents finished unloading the children. The entire operation proceeded smoothly thanks to the hard work and careful attention of teachers and staff at CES who guided students, mopped up wet floors, welcomed parents and filled in where needed.

“I think everything is going wonderful,” said Ali Bulger, a counselor beginning her first year at CES. “Everyone’s happy, (and) excited to be here. Despite the rain, it’s been very smooth. This is my first year, I love it, I’m here for it. I think we have great things planned. It’s already been a great first day, so I’m really looking forward to it (the school year).”

With the new year now underway, CES now looks forward from its first day and toward the remaining great days of the school year to come.

“I’m just excited about the year,” Montgomery said. “I just want people to know, ‘Hey we are open, we are very transparent, we are a group of people that love kids and we do what’s best for kids.’ That’s our priority. That’s the message that I always want to send to my faculty and staff. We are kids oriented here, and that’s the way it should be.”

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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

HOOVER – Josh Donaldson was officially named the new athletic director of Spain Park High School at a Hoover Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 13.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to the opportunity,” Donaldson said. “I’ve already hit the ground running, so we’re excited to see what this year holds.”

Spain Park principal Dr. Amanda Esslinger was also excited at Donaldson moving to Spain Park because of his previous success in the Birmingham area.

“He comes with a track record that is outstanding, as far as someone who is in education from a teacher perspective and also someone who is a really great coach with a lot of state championships to his name,” Dr. Esslinger said. “He’s also served in so many capacities outside of education with regards to event management. I think he’s going to be a really great fit to help our athletic programs continue to grow and succeed.”

Donaldson moves from his alma mater of Homewood High School, where he worked for the last 11 years as a teacher. He served as Homewood’s cross-country coach for six seasons and also as the track and field coach for four of those seasons. He won six state titles as a coach in the two sports.

Donaldson felt a little bittersweet about the move from his hometown. Even though he was a successful coach and teacher and would have loved to continue as both, he longed for a role in athletic administration. Spain Park provided the perfect opportunity to get into administration at a large school in a great community that he couldn’t say no to.

“It’s always been on that backburner of getting into administration and getting into athletic administration,” Donaldson said. “I was loving coaching and teaching and could do that, if no opportunities really opened up. But to have an opportunity at Spain Park at a 7A school over the mountain, it really just opened that door, and so I decided, ‘why not take a shot and see how things play out?’”

Donaldson said he hope to utilize his organization, communication and academic skills at Spain Park. Dr. Esslinger especially pointed to his success as an AP Biology teacher at Homewood as something she is excited to see integrated into the athletic director position.

“I’m really excited about the school knowledge that he brings from a classroom perspective,” Dr. Esslinger said. “He’s been an AP teacher for a really long time, and even though it’s an athletic director position, they also can serve an administrative role and can help us with our teachers in the way that they are providing instruction in the classroom, but also that academic aspect that he can bring to our athletes to help them be successful in the classroom at Spain Park.”

Donaldson hopes he can help students better manage the relationship between their work in the classroom and on the field.

“First and foremost, I just want to make sure that academics are at the forefront and as a student-athlete, the student part comes first, and then just helping students realize that that is also a big part of why they’re at school, not just the athletic side,” Donaldson said.

Dr. Esslinger pointed to his leadership and organizational skills as another skill that will serve Donaldson well as an AD.

“He brings with him a really great servant leadership style that will help our coaches because I know that he’s going to work so hard for them, and he has a wonderful talent for organizing,” Dr. Esslinger said. “I think that that is something that can really help everyone be better at their jobs and more successful and hopefully provide some structure that could make it a little easier to get some things done.”

Donaldson replaces Patrick Kellogg, who retired after ten years at the helm of Spain Park. Dr. Esslinger has a longstanding relationship with Kellogg and was thankful for his time at Spain Park, especially for his help with her transition to administration last year.

“I was so grateful to work with him as a first-year principal,” Dr. Esslinger said. “I know that everyone who has spent time with him at Spain Park is thankful for the leadership and the enthusiasm that he brought. He is a true Jags fan and we are going to miss him greatly.”

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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

VINCENT – Rain showers on Tuesday, May 23 looked to put a dampen on Vincent Middle High School’s graduation ceremony, but the skies cleared just in time for the festivities at the Vincent football stadium.

The night was not just a celebration of the Class of 2023 and what they had accomplished, but also a reflection on the last four years that they spent at Vincent.

After SGA President Mark Morris and principal Lauren Yancey welcomed the friends and family who filled the stands and spilled out along the fences, Salutatorian Blake Allums used his address to do just that.

He reflected on the seniors’ memories on the field, from middle school P.E. class to the COVID-19 pandemic to their athletic accomplishments in senior year: a football state playoffs appearance with Allums as quarterback, a Sweet 16 berth in boys basketball and, just last week, the Jackets’ first baseball state championship appearance in 21 years.

Allums used those memories to remind the seniors not to miss the moments they live in every day with a short poem.

“Whenever I was five, I wished to be ten because that’s double digits,” Allums said. “My mom told me, ‘Don’t wish time away.’ When I was ten, I wished to be 13 because then I’m an official teenager. My mom told me, ‘Don’t wish time away.’ When I was 13, I wished to be 18 to finally be an adult. My mom always told me, ‘Don’t wish time away.’ Now I’m 18. Wishing to be 13. Wishing to be ten. Wishing to be five.”

Valedictorian Amy Kirk name-dropped Maya Angelou, Waze and rapper Russ while she challenged her classmates to choose to make a positive impact on the world.

“Our entire lives up to this point have been dictated by someone else,” Kirk said. “Now there will be no excuse as to what’s holding us back. We aren’t stuck under our parents’ roof anymore. We don’t have to come to this school every day anymore. That means no one will be accountable for us.

“So, do something with that. Do what brings you true joy, content and happiness. Fill your days with the moments that take your breath away. Nobody knows what the future holds for you or who you may influence along the way.”

She also echoed Allums’ call to not miss the journey on the way to life’s destinations.

“I know it’s become a cliché thing to say that life is a journey, not the destination. But I like to think of it as when you type in an address and to the GPS system where you’ve never been before and you put fastest route and the next thing you know, you’re on the interstate. Or you might be on a backroads seeing things that you would have never seen otherwise. Especially when you’re using Waze, you’ll probably end up in someone’s backyard.

“So, with that, be your own GPS, find your own route, and by then, your original destination might be irrelevant.”

Allums then had the privilege of introducing his basketball coach, John Hadder, as the commencement speaker.

Hadder, who announced his retirement on April 27 and also served as Vincent’s athletic director, urged the Class of 2023 to stay dedicated and hard working as they move on to their next step. Hadder said he often told his teams that winning was fun, but it required hard work.

He pointed to great historical figures who needed to overcome rejection and hardship to succeed.

“Dr. Seuss’s first book was rejected 23 times,” Hadder said. “Henry Ford went broke five times before making money on automobiles. Walt Disney’s creations were once considered a total failure. History is filled with examples of people whose persistence and determination paid off. Embrace your failures as valuable lessons; they will shape your character.”

He asked the graduates to reconsider how they could best leave an impact on the world.

“If you think you can’t make a difference in the way things are in the world. Wrong,” Hadder said. “You can make the biggest difference of all. You can change yourself. And when you do that, you become a very powerful and important force.

“Make a difference. Each one of you has the power to make a difference in the world. Whether they are big or small, your actions can have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Many of you have already impacted this community and school in a positive way. And for that, we are thankful.”

The graduates’ impact could be seen throughout the rest of the ceremony. Many of the families in attendance applauded for multiple graduates, showing the tightknit community of the town of Vincent on full display.

Vincent media specialist Mary Young had to hold back tears when mentioning the graduates’ impact on her life. After she presented the graduates, Young received a hug from senior vice president Anna Nsato, one that no doubt was on behalf of all of the seniors.

Nsato capped off the ceremony by leading the alma mater. As the audience sang along, what the speakers harped on rang true: this class had left an impact on the town and school that will last for years to come.

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By MEG HERNDON | Staff Writer

The winners of Shelby County School’s 2023 Superintendent’s Art Show were announced on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Shelby County Schools announced the winners on Facebook and congratulated the recipients. The winners will be recognized at a reception in the spring.

“We are so proud of these talented students and their amazing teachers,” read the post.

Winners for each division are as follows:

Elementary Division K-2

• First place: “Black Bird” by Nora Kloibhofer of Mt Laurel Elementary School
• Second place: “Monet’s Bridge” by Emily Steed of Oak Mountain Elementary School
• Third place: “Marcie the Monster” by Sae Kurokawa of Inverness Elementary School

Elementary Division 3-4

• First place: “Fall Day” by Hannah Johnson of Mt Laurel Elementary School
• Second place: “Majestic Ming” by Victoria Perez of Oak Mountain Elementary School
• Third place: “Pajaro Azul Amante Bark” by Levi Marcum of Helena Intermedia School

Elementary Division 5-6

• First place: “Northern Lights” by Annie McGaha of Chelsea Park Elementary
• Second place: “Aquarium” by Owen Wallace of Calera Intermediate School
• Third place: “Toucan” by Crimson Nivens of Forest Oaks Elementary

Secondary Division 7-8

• First place tie: “Lemur” by Sandra Caldera of Helena Middle School
• First place tie: “Strawberry Cheesecake” by Adelynn Smith of Columbiana Middle School
• Second place: “Teeny Moth” by Maylee Hale of Columbiana Middle School

Secondary Division 9-10

• First place tie: “There Are No Eyes in Disease” by Callie Hendren of Helena High School
• First place tie: “Still Life” by Alice Long of Oak Mountain High School
• Second place: “Untitled” by Maci Lockwood of Helena High School

Secondary Division 11-12

• First place: “Tree Paint” by Ryan Maddox of Chelsea High School
• Second place: “Boulevard” by Chloe Lawrence of Helena High School
• Third place: “City Scape” by Coleigh Dean of Chelsea High School
• Honorable mention: “Everything Perfect Everywhere” by Daniel Campos of Helena High School

Additionally, 20 students were selected to participate in the State of Alabama Art Exhibit which will be on display at the state capitol building in Montgomery during February and March.

Students to be featured in the State of Alabama Art Exhibit include:

Secondary Entries

• Alice Long, Oak Mountain High School
• Caitlyn Willis, Oak Mountain High School
• Maylee Hale, Columbiana Middle School
• Callie Hendren, Helena High School
• Coleigh Dean, Chelsea High School
• Sandra Caldera, Helena Middle School
• Ryan Maddox, Chelsea High School
• Adelynn Smith, Columbiana Middle School
• Maci Lockwood, Helena High School
• Chloe Lawrence, Helena High School

Elementary Entries

• Crimson Nivens, Forest Oaks Elementary School
• Victoria Perez, Oak Mountain Intermediate School
• Syha Franklin, Vincent Elementary School
• Annie McGaha, Chelsea Park Elementary School
• Hannah Johnson, Mt Laurel Elementary School
• Owen Wallace, Calera Intermediate School
• Sae Kurokawa, Inverness Elementary School
• Emily Steed, Oak Mountain Elementary School
• Levi Marcum, Helena Intermedia School
• Nora Kloibhofer, Mt Laurel Elementary School

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By JAMON SMITH | Special to the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo’s online graduate education programs in the College of Education and Human Development ranked in the top 100 in the nation and in the top four in Alabama, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Graduate Programs rankings.

UM’s national ranking of 97 is an improvement from last year by 11 ranks.

U.S. News assessed 345 schools in the best online master’s in education programs rankings – nine did not receive rankings – based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies.

Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray, director of UM’s graduate studies, said Montevallo has been counted as one of the nation’s best online graduate education programs for several years now, and it’s an accomplishment they’re proud of.

“UM has allowed this department to create a quality online education program that has excelled in educator preparation,” Alexiou-Ray said. “As we do in the classroom, we enrich online experiences by helping students feel like they’re actually in a physical classroom with one-on-one and face-to-face interaction between professors and peers, even in a digital environment.

“This year we added a new online master’s program, applied instruction, to our lineup that has previously included the professional educator master’s and the master’s in instructional leadership,” Alexiou-Ray continued. “The College of Education and Human Development is taking what we were doing well with our previous online master’s degrees and translating that into a broader range of offerings for individuals across many different educational settings.”

Designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education, the Best Online Programs include rankings of bachelor’s programs as well as the following master’s-level disciplines: MBA, business (non-MBA), computer information technology (including computer science), criminal justice/criminology, education, engineering and nursing.

While the methodologies are different for each discipline, they all incorporate metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

“Most of the undergraduate programs in the Best Online Programs rankings are degree completion programs, meaning the vast majority of their students already have some college credit,” said Liana Loewus, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. “The methodologies are developed with those students in mind, setting these rankings apart from those that are focused on recent high school graduates pursuing higher education for the first time.”

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities.

Since September 2020, the University of Montevallo has waived the ACT/SAT score requirement for admission and will continue to do so through the fall 2024 semester. Scholarships are offered to students based on their high school GPA.

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By LIZZIE BOWEN | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo has purchased one apartment complex for $1 million to provide student housing with another set to be purchased in the near future.

The already-purchased apartment complex is located at College Park in front of the track and field and baseball complexes. The deed has been transferred for that property and the university now owns it with approval to turn the area into student housing.

The other property, which has been board approved to be purchased, still isn’t officially owned by the university.

This will be considered on-campus housing, and first priority will be offered to seniors and juniors. The apartments can accommodate four students per unit.

The land was purchased on Jan. 13, and students can expect to move in after Friday, Feb. 10 when the plan is presented to the Board of Trustees. If the plan receives approval, students will be given the ability to move into the facility.

“We have not brought this to the students’ attention yet, we are waiting for it to be finalized,” said Director of Housing and Residence Life John Denson. “It is not official until the Board of Trustees approves everything on Feb. 10. At that point, we will start promoting it to the students. I can tell you that we have complete confidence that it will be very popular with students.”

Denson said it is expected that only seniors and juniors of the university will be living in the complex during its first year.

“We are very excited to be able to provide the option of apartment-style living,” Denson said. “We know that it is very popular with college students.”

More information on the University of Montevallo’s housing options can be found at the official University of Montevallo website at Montevallo.edu.

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By JAMON SMITH | Special to the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – For the second year back-to-back, the University of Montevallo fishing team was named the Major League Fishing (MLF) National School of the Year.

UM Head Fishing Coach William Crawford said the fishing team, which is part of the UM President’s Outdoor Scholars Program, beat out 176 schools to win the coveted honor.

“We’re the only school in MLF college history to win it back-to-back years,” he said.

The achievement is even more significant considering that the fishing team was named School of the Year for the second consecutive time in May after scoring more points than 200 other collegiate fishing teams in the Bass Pro Shops 2022 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship tournament.

Of the three different fishing circuits the team competes in—MFL, Bassmaster and Collegiate Bass—Montevallo is the back-to-back National School of the Year in two of them.

“Any time you can win a championship it’s always a great accomplishment,” Crawford said. “We got a great group of guys and a very talented roster. I’m very happy that their hard work has paid off.”

The team earned the title by scoring a total of 2,312 points for the season, which consisted of four tournaments—three regional events and one open. UM edged out the second-highest-scoring team, McKendree University, by four points.

The award for earning the title was a check for $10,000 provided by QuickTrip, which sponsored the MLF fishing tournament.

Crawford said the money will be used to cover expenses for next year’s season.

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By EMILY SPARACINO | Special to the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – Students at Montevallo High School are continuing their commitment to honoring veterans in various ways.

Several student organizations at MHS once again raised money for Wreaths Across America, and this year, the school launched a new project aimed at honoring student veterans.

The project has involved the creation of an area at MHS called “Liberty Lane,” where the names of students who graduated from MHS or the former Prentice High School and went on to serve in the United States Armed Forces are featured on engraved bricks.

“We installed 55 student veteran bricks, 30 inspirational quote bricks and others, and did the dedication on Nov. 10,” MHS teacher Michael Martin said. “We also installed three benches surrounding a Liberty Tree grown from a seedling from the original Liberty Tree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland.”

The bricks cost $25 each and are available for purchase at https://bit.ly/MHSLibertyLane.

Along with the veteran’s name, each brick will include the year the student graduated and the military branch in which the student served.

Newly purchased bricks will be installed annually or more often if a substantial number are purchased, Martin said.

Liberty Lane is not the only project through which MHS students have shown their support of veterans, however.

“In addition to the Liberty Lane project, built largely by our students, many student organizations came together to raise money for the Wreaths Across America event, which will happen this Saturday, Dec. 17,” Martin said. “This is the second year that members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Student Government Association (SGA) and Z-Club have raised money and, in total, this year they donated $850 to give to the Blue Star Foundation, thus making our school a major corporate sponsor.”

Regarding Wreaths Across America, a live wreath will be placed at each grave in the Alabama National Cemetery during the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery’s 14th annual wreath-laying ceremony on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.

More information about the ceremony can be found at SCALNC.org.

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By JAMON SMITH | Special to the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – At the University of Montevallo, there’s no shortage of holiday good cheer and spreading it to others through the gift of giving.

Several student groups gathered items for those in need for the holidays.

After being inactive for two years due to COVID-19 precautions, the Social Work Student Organization returned to active status in November and immediately kicked off a food pantry drive in Fallin Hall that ends at the conclusion of the fall semester.

“Another member of our club, Katie Wilson, built a food pantry box for the city several years ago, but we wanted to make our own box and put it on Main Street inside Fallin Hall so people can come from around the community to donate non-perishable food and clothing or take what they need,” said Abigail Baker, a junior social work major from Birmingham and president of the club.

The red box with green garland is on the first floor of Fallin Hall at 737 Main St. It’s available to receive donations from the time Fallin Hall opens during the week at 8 a.m. to the time it closes at 5 p.m.

Dr. Amiee Mellon, interim dean of the Stephens College of Business and associate professor of business, said UM’s chapter of the American Marketing Association hosted a hygiene drive for Shelby Emergency Assistance, a non-profit organization in Montevallo.

Jason Perry, director of Student Diversity Recruitment and Retention and Falcon Scholars in Action coordinator, said the drive was a competition between various student groups on campus to collect the most points, which were dependent on the items brought in. The value of items was determined by the level of need in the Shelby Emergency Assistance hygiene pantry, so the students benefitted from providing the most needed items.

AMA provided students prizes thanks to local businesses and sponsors. A total of 1,082 items valued at $3,300 were donated to the drive by students and from Publix.

Items included 284 tubes of toothpaste, 62 bottles of shampoo, 75 bottles of conditioner, 81 containers of body wash and more.

The winning groups were Phi Chi Theta in first place, the Psychology Club in second and Sigma Alpha Iota in third.

Also, Jennifer Elliott with the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at UM said the Campus Veterans Association arranged a Reserve Toys for Tots toy drive with the U.S. Marine Corps out of Jefferson County. The drive ended Nov. 28 and more than 70 toys were collected at the UM Veteran Center for children from infants to preteens.

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MONTEVALLO – The UM National Alumni Association honored the outstanding service of a staff member, faculty member and alum, as part of the 2022 UMNAA Award Winner celebration on the University’s 126th Founders’ Day.

Outstanding Staff Service Award

Jenny Bell, director of Student Life since December 2011, received the Outstanding Staff Service Award, which recognizes a staff member’s excellence in service and loyalty to the University. Bell is a resident of Hoover.

Dr. Tammi Dahle ’92, vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs, said Bell is a consummate professional, dedicated staff member, role model and student mentor who understands that leading a department in higher education means oftentimes working nights and weekends.

“Given that demanding schedule, Jenny constantly works to engage UM students from the time they are prospective students by planning orientation and welcome weekend events to maintaining a rigorous plan for the oversight of the SGA, Greek Life, intramural sports and more than 90 student organizations.”

Bell said one of the primary reasons she and her husband stayed in Alabama when they moved to the state is because she fell in love with UM because of her co-workers and the students.

“To receive recognition from a place that you love for a job that you love is the most special kind of honor,” she said. “Thank you for that. …I feel so very privileged to be part of this amazing University.”

Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award

The Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award was conferred upon Dr. Greg Samuels, associate professor of secondary education and chief diversity and inclusion officer. He is also president of the Social Science Education Consortium, Inc. Samuels is a resident of Helena.

The Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award recognizes a UM professor who is dedicated to providing quality education and makes an impact on students through the teaching-learning process.

Nominator Jason Perry ’18, M.Ed. ’20, student diversity and retention coordinator, said Samuels embodies commitment and the meaning behind the award as a shining example of humility, dedication and excellence.

“His impact transcends the classroom, and he represents everything you would hope

for in a professor and mentor when attending college,” Perry said. “Outside of the classroom, he has continued to find ways to serve UM, such as serving as the University’s diversity and inclusion officer, and being an integral part of establishing the Dr. Wilson Fallin Jr. Lecture Series. He has been an unbelievable addition to the UM family, and his work will forever be a part of the legacy of Montevallo.”

Samuels thanked the Alumni Board, colleagues, his wife and students.

“For me, teaching is truly a privilege,” he said. “I’m humbled to accept this award for Outstanding Commitment to Teaching, but please make no mistake. I’m only as good as the students I serve, and the University of Montevallo has some pretty amazing students.”

Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award

The Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumni Loyalty Award—given to an alum who has demonstrated loyalty and dedication in their strength of service to UM through contributions of time, talents, or resources—was bestowed upon Claudia Harrell ’73. Nominator Sandi Falkenhagen ’68 said over the years she’s come to deeply respect Harrell for being an unwavering supporter of Montevallo in so many ways. Harrell is a resident of Rogersville.

“Freshman move-in day? She’s there,” Falkenhagen said. “Alumni Board leadership? She’s there. She’s always ready to step in and do absolutely anything to make an event or project of any scope successful.”

“Plus, she is a delightful person. With Claudia, you get exactly what you see: an active, determined supporter of all things UM. She totally has earned this honored recognition.”

Harrell said the news of the award was sprung on her through an ambush Zoom meeting. She couldn’t believe she was selected.

“As soon as we got off the Zoom call, I was still trying to breathe. And I thought ‘this may have been a mistake,’ but then an old phrase came to my mind: ‘When pigs fly,’” Harrell said, unwrapping a figurine of a winged pig.

Harrell thanked a plethora of people, telling personal stories about them and heaping high praise upon each.

“I get happy when I come back to the bricks where I belong. Loyalty is everything. It is not about the circle, but the loyalty within. I am proud and honored to be part of that circle. Helen Keller said ‘Alone we can do little, together we can do so much.’”

The night was concluded with the 15 Within 15 awards.

“This evening we come together as alumni and the University community to honor character and commitment,” said Stephanie Shaw ’93, UMNAA president. “These individuals have strengthened us as an institution and reinforced the values that we hold so dear.”

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