The arts have always been a part of Abby Truitt’s life. The Huntsville native grew up participating in theatre and exploring various visual art mediums. When the time came to look at colleges, she favored schools with quality art programs and competitive scholarship offerings — of course, the University of Montevallo checked both of those boxes.
“They have that saying that you know which college you want to go to when you get to the campus — you just kind of feel it,” Truitt said. “UM was definitely where I felt most at home, and when I received the Montevallo Ambassador Program Scholarship (M.A.P.S.), it was just the seal for knowing that I was meant to come here.”
M.A.P.S. is the University’s most prestigious scholarship program, covering the cost of room, board, tuition and fees. Truitt is thankful to have been a M.A.P.S. recipient, which helped alleviate the stress of paying for college.
“Scholarships open doors for people that maybe couldn’t have access to higher education and support them as they make their way through their four years,” she said. “It takes that insane pressure and stress off you and lets you focus on your education. You can do the best you can in class and find what you’re passionate about without having to worry about how you’re going to pay.”
In May, Truitt graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a minor in marketing.
“I wanted to do something artistic but transferable to a professional setting,” Truitt said. “Graphic design was introduced to me as a way to keep art in my life, but still have a role in the professional world.”
On campus, Truitt was a member of the Honors Program, Alpha Gamma Delta and Gold Side. Her favorite memories from her college experience come from being involved in Greek Life and playing College Night.
“When you’re standing on stage on College Night, those memories and those moments are definitely the ones that I’ll remember forever,” she said. “I can’t believe four years have gone by already. I’m grateful to have been at Montevallo — it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.”
