Approximately 200 University of Montevallo students received their diplomas at fall commencement on Saturday, Dec 9. Five St. Clair County students were recognized at the University of Montevallo commencement ceremonies. David M. Fadule, BS (Ashville); Charitina Ruth Goebel, MED (Odenville); Katherine L. Leopard, MED (Springville); Christen Oswald, BS (Ashville); and Shelbie Danielle Tunnell, BS (Pell City) all earned degrees.

The commencement speaker was the Hon. Andrew H. Card Jr., the second longest tenured White House chief of staff. Card served under three U.S. Presidents and currently serves on the board of directors of public corporation Union Pacific, the business advisory board of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, the advisory board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a number of non-profit boards. 

Following Card’s comments, Dr. John W. Stewart III, UM president, conferred degrees upon some 140 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 49 candidates for master’s degrees and one candidate for the education specialist degree. 

After students received their diplomas, Laurl Self, president of the National Alumni Association, inducted graduates into the organization.