By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – On Valentine’s Day, the University of Montevallo will share love to those who once walked the school’s halls.

The University of Montevallo has announced the National Alumni Association Homecoming Awards Dinner & Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Anna Irvin Dining Hall.

The event will honor three distinguished alumni of Montevallo: Willie L. Phillips, David Howard Thornton and Julia Maloney.

Willie L. Phillips is a regulatory attorney who specializes in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability and corporate governance. Most recently, he has served as the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a role he assumed in February of 2024.

Phillips has served as the acting chairman of FERC since 2023, becoming the first African-American to lead the commission.

The FERC regulates the interstate transmission and sale of natural resources including gas, oil and electricity. The group aims to ensure the products are used in a safe and reliable manner.

David Howard Thornton is an actor known for his horrifying portrayal of Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” horror franchise. He has also lent his voice to various animated projects, including playing Batman’s archnemesis The Joker in the web series “Nightwing: Escalation.”

Julia Maloney is originally from Jacksonville, Alabama and serves as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust division. Her focus within the division is investigating and prosecuting white collar crimes, with a special focus on violations of the Sherman Act.

The Sherman Act is an antitrust law that prohibits unfair business practices and monopolies that restrict economic freedom and trade.

Phillips and Howard Thornton will be presented with awards at the alumni event. Phillips is set to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, while Howard Thornton will receive the Nathalie Molton Gibbons Alumni Achievement Award.

The event will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and business or cocktail attire is required for the event. Tickets may be purchased at Montevallo.edu/homecoming.