Opposite page, top: Trustee Leroy Nix ’03 delivers the keynote speech from the Palmer Stage. “You can try to think through this thing called life, or you can do the things you enjoy and see where that takes you,” he told the audience; left: (from L to R) Spencer Anglin, Shelby Hull, Hallie Hooten and Amber James pose next to Puryear House, this year’s location of the elusive crook; right: Founders’ Day award recipients (front row) Dr. Sally Hardig, Dr. Heather Tinsley, Mel Robinson ’52, (back row) Dr. Lynn Faulkner, Dr. Ruth Truss ’82 and DeAnna Smith ’99 with President Stewart outside of Palmer. This page, top left: Trustee Libby Queen ’59 and Provost Dr. Suzanne Ozment at the UMNAA awards dinner; top right: Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost (center) toasts Dr. Stewart and his wife, Cindi, during the Flowerhill open house; bottom: Takara and Kieko Fuji with Mel Robinson after the Founders’ Day ceremony.
locate the staff near Puryear House. The house, constructed the same year as the University’s founding, is named for Sarah Puryear who taught English at the University for 37 years. Stewart then introduced this year’s keynote speaker, newly appointed UM Board of Trustee, Dr. Leroy Nix. In 2003, Nix graduated from UM with a degree in political science. After serving as a legal aid to U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) for three years, Nix earned his doctorate and, in 2009, began working for Alabama Power as the manager of corporate and constituent affairs. Nix spoke humorously on his trials and tribulations as a student at UM. He encouraged the gathered senior class to sometimes allow life to drag them where it pleased. “You can try to think your way through this thing called life, or you can do the things you enjoy and see where that takes you,” he said, citing personal examples where the approach lead to success. University & Alumni Awards Several faculty and staff were recognized for
their contributions in helping to maintain the University’s quality of education. • 2016 University Scholar: Dr. Heather Tinsley, assistant professor of biology • Faculty Service Award: Dr. Ruth Truss, professor of history and departmental chair • Academic Advising Award: Dr. Sally Bennett Hardig, associate professor of communication studies
A Time to Celebrate After the ceremony’s end, Founders’ Day guests, participants and family stood on the brick steps of Palmer Auditorium to exchange congrats and pose for pictures. The day concluded with a luncheon in Anna Irvin Dining Hall followed by an open house reception at Flowerhill, hosted by Stewart and his wife, Cindi, to laugh, relax and celebrate the University’s continued success.
• Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award: Dr. Lynn Faulkner, adjunct instructor of music • Outstanding Staff Service Award: DeAnna Smith, instructor of business (former VP for Business Affairs) • Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award: Dr. Sally Bennett Hardig, associate professor of communication studies • Mary Lou Elder Williams Alumna Loyalty Award: Mel Dorrough Robinson ’52
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