MONTEVALLO—The University of Montevallo is pleased to announce the Alice Aldora “Slim” Hyatt Endowed Scholarship, which is made possible by a $1 million gift given by the estate of Alice Hyatt and her best friend, who fondly remembers many great stories of Alice’s days at UM and who wishes to remain anonymous.
This significant scholarship, targeted specifically for piano majors, will make possible awards up to and including full tuition, room and board, fees and books. Awards will be offered immediately for study beginning with the fall 2014 semester and are renewable for all four undergraduate years.
Hyatt graduated from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) in 1949. She majored in music with a concentration in piano and minored in physical education. She was active in extracurricular activities, having participated in College Night and golf all four years of her time as a student. She served as a Purple cheerleader for College Night and her involvement with golf earned her the nickname “Slim.” She also participated in the Calkins music club, the physical education club, the glee club, the Alabama players, orchestra and, during her senior year, the Student Government Association.
Following graduation she pursued a career in physical education, though her passion remained with everything College Night and the piano program.
She returned to Montevallo often for events, and had instructed her best friend to make sure that her estate went to fund piano scholarships at UM. Following Hyatt’s death in fall 2012 and upon the settlement of her estate, her friend, though she had no connection to the University, elected to add personal funds to the estate gift, raising it to the level of a $1 million cash endowment.
“This gift from the heart of Hyatt and her best friend truly emphasizes the philanthropic commitment of people and the passion of the Montevallo alumni, family and friends who are truly invested in our students,” stated Alan Goldspiel, chair of UM’s department of music. “We are so grateful for this lasting gift that will affect young musicians for years to come.”
The UM Department of Music, an All-Steinway school since 2007, boasts first-rate faculty, award-winning students and alumni that have gone on to attend top graduate schools and work in programs of distinction across the country. The department has been continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music since 1931, having earned accreditation for the first time only four years after the formation of the association in 1927. UM offers Bachelor of Music degrees in performance and music education, along with the Bachelor of Arts degree in music.
Interested individuals should contact Keyboard Area Head Cynthia MacCrae at cmaccrae@montevallo.edu, 205-665-6667, or the Department of Music office at music@montevallo.edu, 205-665-6670.