By: M.K. Bryant

College Night is one of the University of Montevallo’s oldest and most well-known traditions. It has been referred to by the Library of Congress as a “Local Legacy.” Since its beginning in 2019, College night has changed and developed in many different ways from year to year.

Taking place during the university’s homecoming weekend, College Night consists of a series of events and competitions between two sides: the Purple side and the Gold side.

One of the appeals of College Night is the collaborative efforts of the individual sides.

UM alumna Melanie Poole, who graduated in 1986, said: “I believe that the importance of College Night is in the relationships it builds between people of different interests, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s a great training ground for life.”

Class of 1986 reunion during College Night 2016, photo courtesy of Adele Bryant

Poole was one of the Gold Side Leaders in 1985.

Each side has two co-leaders. Usually, these two leaders would be selected by gender– a male leader and a female leader would be selected for both sides. This year, however, all four College Night leaders are women.

It would be incorrect, however, to say that this is the first time that College Night has been entirely women-led. The University of Montevallo was an all-women school up until 1956, meaning men did not participate in College Night until 1957. The first male co-leader was not elected until 1963.

When asked about her feelings on College Night having all-women leaders this year, Poole said: “Go girls! After all, Montevallo started out as a girls’ school.”

College Night is an ever changing tradition. Although it originated in 1919, the traditions of the musicals and side songs did not begin until the 1950s. In “College Night: A Centennial Celebration,” Jefferson Walker wrote that “the modern College Night musical was born” during College Night 1950.

In 1965, the two sides began making signs to put outside the Student Union Building, which is now called Farmer Hall. The signs, which are still constructed each year, are meant to hint at the themes of the shows that are put on by both sides.

In 1972, the two sides began using different gestures to represent their hopes of victory. The Gold side is represented by a thumbs up, and the Purple side is represented by a “V” for victory that resembles a peace sign.

As the tradition continues, College Night continues to change and adapt with time. This was especially true for College Night 2021. In an effort to keep College Night’s positive spirit in spite of COVID-19, the two sides joined together to put on a single show that could be viewed only online.

Another appeal of College Night, Poole mentioned, Poole mentioned, is the different opportunities that it offers. She believes that “no matter your major, whether you are a Greek or not, and live on campus or not, College Night has something to offer you. It is inclusive of all abilities.” 

Poole remains involved in College Night by attending the shows each year, and she encourages students to get involved in whatever way they can.