Vulcan Materials Company
(From left) Ashley Stevens, Carol Maxwell and Patrick Hutsler
Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates. They pride themselves on providing quality products while maintaining respect to safety and environmental impact. In addition to their business legacy, they also pride themselves on building stronger communities where they operate by giving back through philanthropy and volunteerism.
Vulcan Materials was founded in 1909 as Birmingham Slag. In 1956, Birmingham Slag merged with Vulcan Detinning Company to become Vulcan Materials Company. Today, they employ over 7,500 people and operate over 450 facilities. Their products are used in nearly all forms of construction, ranging from roads and bridges to hospitals and churches.
In the 1970s, University of Montevallo alumnus Bill Denson ’65 began a decades-long career at Vulcan Materials. He was instrumental in fostering the relationship between UM and Vulcan Materials. This relationship continues today through endowed scholarships and support from the Vulcan Materials Company Foundation, whose focus areas are education, environmental stewardship and employee involvement.
The Foundation recently supported UM’s efforts to preserve the Ebenezer Wetlands. Their latest gift will help UM proceed with plans to complete the interpretive center at the wetlands which is used by students across the region. Foundation Manager Carol Maxwell explains, “The Ebenezer Wetlands is the type of project we like to support. It connects education with environmental stewardship. This enhanced, hands-on learning opportunity benefits students from varied related fields of study across multiple institutions.”
Along with Foundation support, Vulcan Materials has two endowed scholarships, established in the 1980s. The Vulcan Materials Company Scholarship is awarded to an upcoming UM freshman who is a child of a Vulcan Materials employee. The National Merit/Vulcan Materials Scholarship is presented to a high school senior designated as a finalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Vulcan Materials is interested not only in providing scholarships, but also in the success of the recipients. Many students report back on the value of their scholarships and experiences while at UM, how these opportunities propelled them to where they are and their goals for the future. Maxwell says, “These scholarships are important because, with ever-rising tuition rates, we want to do our part to ensure the success of these incredible students, helping them follow their dreams, reach their goals and become our next generation of workforce.”
Vulcan Materials also encourages employees to make donations to their alma maters, including UM, through its matching gifts program. Employee donations to educational institutions are matched on a two-for-one basis. Over the last 20 years, $40,000 has been provided to UM through this program.
Gifts from Vulcan Materials Company Foundation support the University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign The Campaign for the University of Montevallo: It’s About Family, a multi-million dollar investment in the knowledge, expertise and values that Montevallo graduates take into their lives and into their professions.
