Author: Marlee Montalvo

Marlee Montalvo is from Satsuma, AL and is a senior Communication major with a minor in music. On campus, Marlee is involved in University Singers and the Ambassador Program. Off campus she leads worship at Connection Church and is the manager at North Mobile Nutrition. One of her favorite things to do is thrift and, because of this, most of her closet is thrifted. She enjoys all things pertaining to clothes and loves any opportunity to get dressed up! Recently, Marlee has formed a newfound love for capybaras and has made it a bucket list item to see one in real life!

University of Mobile Earns Silver Award for ‘Exercise is Medicine’ Initiative

by Marlee Montalvo

MOBILE, Ala. – A student-led project to establish a Ram Fitness Trail on campus, along with university-wide efforts to develop a culture of wellness, earned the University of Mobile a silver-level designation for 2024 in the national “Exercise is Medicine” global health initiative. 

“The dedication of our students to promoting health and wellness on campus has been instrumental in achieving this recognition,” said Dr. Lori DeLong, dean of the School of Health and Sports Science in the College of Health Professions.

UM is one of only 145 colleges worldwide to be honored through the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative as a university that encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.

The American College of Sports Medicine, the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization, co-launched “Exercise is Medicine” in 2007 with the American Medical Association. UM will be recognized May 29 at the Exercise as Medicine recognition ceremony at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting.

UM Kinesiology Club Projects

The silver-level designation highlights UM’s significant efforts in encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles within its college community. Previously, the university held the bronze-level designation.

Heather Smith, visiting instructor of kinesiology, said, “Initiatives such as the establishment of the Ram Fitness Trail, hosting health fairs, providing information about campus wellness resources and conducting surveys to assess physical activity needs have contributed to UM’s elevation to the silver level.”

Smith said the University of Mobile’s Kinesiology Club, along with the leadership team dedicated to this initiative, played a pivotal role in driving these efforts forward. The Kinesiology Club is one of more than 20 academic and student life organizations available for UM students.

Ram Fitness Trail

The Ram Fitness Trail was dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 28, 2023, and follows sidewalks along the university’s scenic Pollock-Altmayer Drive. Walkers on the Ram Fitness Trail start at Weaver Hall, where a QR code provides a campus map of the trail and distance markers.

DeLong said future plans are to extend the trail and take advantage of the university’s 880-acre wooded campus in north Mobile County.

The dean said the university’s Exercise is Medicine initiatives are in keeping with the motto for the School of Health and Sports Science: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The scripture describes the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and urges Christians to “honor God with your bodies.”

For more information about the School of Health and Sports Science and other healthcare degree programs at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu/healthcare.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

UM’s Voices of Mobile to Perform at Carnegie Hall 

by Marlee Montalvo

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts ensemble Voices of Mobile will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City at 7 p.m. on March 4. 

Voices of Mobile will present the 30th Anniversary Concert of “Saviour: A Modern Oratorio” alongside the Brentwood Baptist Church Choir and Orchestra. Conducted by David Hamilton, one of the original arrangers, featured soloists will include Christian artists such as two-time Dove Award winner Travis Cottrell, Steve Green, Shelly Jennings, Rod Fletcher and Shane McConnell.

30th Anniversary Celebration 

“Carnegie Hall is one of the most historic music venues in the world. We are excited for our students to have the unique opportunity to not only sing at Carnegie Hall, but also to share the stage with remarkable musicians such as David Hamilton and Travis Cottrell.” says Collin Clardy, director of Voices of Mobile. 

Saviour is described as a musical journey through the Bible from creation to resurrection, focusing on God’s pursuit and redemption of man. As a modern oratorio, “Saviour” utilizes the classical setting of a choir, orchestra, and soloists to tell this powerful story of the gospel. 

For more information about Voices of Mobile and to purchase tickets, go to https://asota.umobile.edu/ensembles/voices/ or visit the Carnegie Hall website here SAVIOUR: A Modern Oratorio 30th Anniversary Performance | Mar 4, 2024 at 7 PM | Carnegie Hall. 

“The Alabama School of the Arts first presented ‘Saviour: A Modern Oratorio’ in the fall of 2006. I will never forget those rehearsals and performances. The beauty of this music moved us as students and impacted the audience” says Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of Alabama School of the Arts. “Many alumni would tell you presenting ‘Saviour’ was one of the greatest highlights of their college years.” 

Special Alumni Event in New York City

“While are in NYC for this monumental event, we are also hoping to connect with the many UM alumni who are living, working, performing and ministering in the city,” says Goodwin.

While Voices of Mobile is in New York City, the University of Mobile is hosting an Alumni Coffee Connection from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on March 4. New York alumni are encouraged to visit Stumptown Coffee Roasters, located in the Ace Hotel, to reconnect with Alabama School of the Arts faculty and staff. 

For more information about the alumni Coffee Connection go to umobile.edu/alumni or click here.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Experience Easter Through Artwork Displayed at UM

by Marlee Montalvo

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile is hosting a special art exhibit titled “Stations in the Street” through Easter that retraces Jesus’ final steps in Jerusalem and his journey to the cross. 

The exhibit in the Martin Hall lobby consists of 12 different stations that tell Jesus’ powerful story, using elements, ideas, and objects from his journey to depict the cross in each piece. There is a scannable QR code that pulls up bible verses, a devotion, and a meditation section to correlate with each image. The exhibit is free and open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from 8a.m. to 5p.m.

“The ‘Stations in the Street’ exhibit is made up of twelve unique images that encourage the observer to reflect on the good news of this season. That we are not forsaken, and that Jesus has overcome the world,” said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts.

The artwork was created by Scott Erikson, a Christian artist, author, performance speaker, and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create art and moments that speak to our deepest experiences. 

For more information about “Stations in the Street,” contact the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile at 251.442.2383. 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose,” founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

The University of Mobile: The Place for Me

by Marlee Montalvo

I have lived in the Mobile area since I was about 12 years old, and I am located approximately 10 minutes away from the University of Mobile in Satsuma, AL. I always had this big plan of moving and going off to college. I knew about the University of Mobile because my father, uncle, and grandfather graduated from there, but I had little knowledge of what the university had to offer.

My first real encounter with UM began on a tour that I took as a sophomore in high school. From first stepping foot on campus, I knew something was different about this university, but I was so set on doing things my way that I ignored what was right in front of me. 

My senior year of high school was when things began to change. Since I was young, I have had a passion for music. I started singing on my church’s worship team and in the choir at my high school, but I never thought I could do it in college. My true passion for singing was sparked by my student teacher in choir, Hannah Cherry Clardy, who is now an employee at UM! From there my love for music only grew stronger, and the Lord began to open doors at the University of Mobile. 

My senior year in high school, I got an opportunity to audition for the Alabama School of the Arts, and I knew I could not pass it up. I remember being so nervous, but I kept reminding myself to just go in and worship. I ended up getting a callback and found out I had been accepted into ASOTA and placed in the ensemble SoFree! I was confident that the Lord had a place for me at the University of Mobile. 

ambassador

When I started college, I was undecided about my major, however when I began the Ambassador program, a student leadership group that represents and serves UM, I was encouraged by my leader to explore Communication. She saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Being an Ambassador has been one the most challenging yet rewarding things I have done during my time at UM. I have the privilege of serving my school, the students, and the community through acts of service. Because of this, I am not only an Ambassador for UM, but for Christ. This program challenges me to fully humble myself to serve and love others like Jesus. 

sofree

I am currently a junior, majoring in Communication, and I recently completed a minor in music! My journey in the Alabama School of the Arts has taught me that I can achieve the unexpected. I never saw myself pursuing music in this capacity, but here I am! One of my fondest memories when I was younger is of my mom taking me to see Christmas Spectacular and dreaming of one day being on that stage, spreading the gospel. How cool is it that I have been given the opportunity to participate in Christmas Spectacular for three years now?! During my time in SoFree, I learned to be confident in the gifts that God has given me. SoFree showed me just how beautiful authentic worship can be. It is special to see people with diverse backgrounds, stories, and talents come together and collectively praise the name of Jesus. 

I ended up falling in love with my Communication and music classes and will be graduating next fall! Since being at the University of Mobile, I have genuinely loved every moment. The friendships and community I have built are like no other. Everyone I encounter genuinely cares about me. I have grown academically, spiritually, and individually. I am so glad I let go of my plans and followed the Lord’s, because it led me to the University of Mobile. I cannot wait to see where the Lord takes me after graduation, and I know I could not do any of it without UM! I will forever be grateful for everything the University of Mobile has given to me.