By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—The University of Montevallo recently announced 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 wishes to remain anonymous.

The gift is the largest single scholarship donation in school history, according to a news release from the university.

The scholarship is targeted specifically for piano majors, and will make many awards possible, up to and including full tuition, room and board, fees and books. Scholarships will be offered immediately, beginning with the fall 2014 semester. Scholarships 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. Following graduation she pursued a career in physical education, though her passion remained with the piano program.

Hyatt returned to Montevallo often for events, and instructed her best friend to make sure the estate went to fund piano scholarships at the university. Following her death in fall 2012 and the settlement of her estate, her friend elected to add personal funds to the gift, which raised the level to 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,” chair of University of Montevallo’s department of music, Alan Goldspiel, said in a news release. “We are so grateful for this lasting gift that will affect young musicians for years to come.”

Students interested in the scholarship should contact Keyboard Area Head Cynthia MacCrae at cmaccrae@montevallo.edu or 665-6667, or the Department of music office at music@montevallo.edu or 665-6670.