TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s winter commencement ceremony, held today, included Crimson Tide quarterback Andrew Zow, who received his bachelor’s degree in sports management from the Capstone.
Zow, a native of Lake Butler, Fla., was recently named to the 2001 SEC Academic Honor Roll and this season became Alabama’s career passing leader.
Speaking to the 1,000 members of the graduating class was Dr. Rita Colwell, National Science Foundation (NSF) director.
Colwell said that in light of the current world situation, the human mind is the greatest weapon we have for solving global problems.
“We have always expected and received great things from the human mind. An increased understanding of our own cognitive processes should allow your generation to shape an even better and more secure world for all people. The human mind (when put to good use) can solve any challenge on Earth,” said Colwell who also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the Capstone.
“Our country has reached the height of productivity and capability, while at the same time it has been stunned and stricken by the destruction and loss of life within our own borders. Sept. 11 has given us pause to ponder what lies ahead for the future.”
Colwell said that science and engineering has always been a significant force in shaping this country and has, in turn, shaped the world.
“American culture and ideals, unmistakably, have helped to sow seeds of democracy in many nations. And most recently, the reaches of the American-created Internet seem limitless,” she said.
In addition to information technology, such as the Internet, Colwell pointed to other scientific fields that will change the world including nanotechnology and biotechnology.
“As the 21st century begins, (these) newly emerging fields – areas that had no names five or 10 years ago — have the potential to transform every facet of life on Earth. We can expect great things from nanotechnology, like anti-microbial lotion to combat anthrax spores . . . and the possibility to detect traces of explosives in both water and air,” she said.
“Although still in its infancy, (nanotechnology) will fuel a 21st century industrial revolution through low-cost, molecular-level manufacturing of valuable consumer products, such as stronger-than-steel plastics and miracle pharmaceuticals.
“The sequencing of the human genome opens up a whole new world of biomedical research and potential new miracles of diagnostics, prevention, and treatment. The discoveries of biotechnology will give us better crops, as well as an understanding of the complexity and interrelatedness of life on earth,” she said.
Having served as NSF director since 1998, Colwell has spearheaded the agency’s emphases in K-12 science and mathematics education, graduate science and engineering education/training and the increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering. Under her leadership, the Foundation has received significant budget increases, and its funding recently reached a level of more than $4.5 billion.
Before joining NSF, Colwell was president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, where she remains professor of microbiology and biotechnology. She was also a member of the National Science Board from 1984-1990.
Colwell is a nationally respected scientist and educator, and has authored or co-authored 16 books and more than 600 scientific publications. She produced the award-winning film “Invisible Seas” and has served on editorial boards of numerous scientific journals.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology and a master’s degree in genetics, both from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington.
Among this semester’s graduates:
Jean Herron: About 18 months ago, Jean Herron, UA’s program manager for distance education, was in the homestretch for completing the requirements for her long-awaited goal of earning her doctorate in education. Then, in May 2000, her mother died and, in June, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For many, that combination would have been enough to give up on the degree, but Herron persevered and received her doctoral degree in Monday’s ceremony. Herron never missed a class or deadline while taking radiation and chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, which was detected early and is currently in remission. In addition to her mother, to whom she dedicated her dissertation and degree, Herron also lost an aunt and uncle during the summer of 2000.
Rob and Jared Lane: A lot of college graduates will want to start their own business after graduation, but brothers Rob and Jared Lane are already ahead of those students since they’ve started a successful business while still in school. As students, the Lane brothers took their residual college funds and renovated a downtown Tuscaloosa store into a bar called “Dionysus.” Although they’ve only been in business about two months, they’re turning a profit. Rob graduated with honors with a degree in finance. Jared graduated (after only 2-1/2 years) with honors in political science and history.
With this graduating class, UA has awarded more than 179,000 degrees since its founding in 1831 as the state’s first public university
Contact
Suzanne Dowling, 205/348-5320, sdowling@ur.ua.edu