Story by: JaMirah Borden

The University of Montevallo hosted two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Stephens Hall and the Center for the Arts on November 18, 2021. Both buildings were initially scheduled to have a grand opening in Fall 2020, but it was delayed due to the pandemic.

Stephens Hall, named after the late Michael E. Stephens and widow Allison Stephens, was the first grand opening. It’s located at 1010 Farmer Street. M. Stephens is a UM alumna and former Board of Trustee originally from Selma, Alabama. He earned his BS in Business and Master of Science from the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

After receiving his degrees, the University of Montevallo awarded Stephens an honorary doctorate in May 1995. Soon after, the College of Business was renamed in his honor in 1997.

http://www.montevallo.edu/about-um/university-relations/ (205) 665-6230 © University of Montevallo

During the ceremony, a brick was given to Allison Stephens. She gave a brief message just before. “You belong at Montevallo. To me, that’s just four simple words, but it is such a powerful statement-you belong. You guys truly are a family, and you have truly embraced that motto. It’s something you can really hold on to,” says A. Stephens.

Located in the lobby of Stephens Hall
Allison Stephens giving remarks

There was also a ribbon-cutting for the Center of the Arts on the same day. It’s located at 900 Oak Street, across from Carmichael library.

Ribbon cutting outside of the building

The ceremony was held promptly after the one for Stephens Hall. The Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Dr. Steven Peters, says it’s nice to see people in the building and looks forward to upcoming Center for the Arts projects.

Additionally, the Discover Shelby Theatre stage was dedicated to the late Rebecca J. Luker, a UM alumna and Broadway star.

Her widow husband, Danny Burnstein, and nephew Jacob Norse Luker gave remarks.

Danny Burnstein and Rebecca J. Luker

“She sang ‘My Favorite Things’ as Maria in ‘The Sound of Music’ on a Broadway stage. It’s almost like she knew,” said J. Luker.

“They’ll remember her not for the way she passed, but for the way she lived,” said Burnstein.

Burnstein was given a brick that bears Rebecca’s signature. As a gift to Montevallo, R. Luker’s first Tony Award nomination hangs in the Center for the Arts lobby, and her signature will be projected in light on the Rebecca J. Luker stage before performances on the theatre stage.

  • Luker’s Tony nomination
  • Luke’s signature on stage

Rebecca Luker will forever be remembered at the University of Montevallo.