Media Advisory — UA’s Winter Commencement Exercises

Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, 9 a.m., at Coleman Coliseum

SPEAKER

Dr. Douglas E. Jones: long-time UA professor and administrator — Jones, UA professor emeritus of geology and curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, is a 1952 UA alumnus who began his teaching career at UA in 1958. In addition to teaching and research activities during his long tenure, Jones served as department head, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, dean of University Libraries, vice president for academic affairs, and executive director of the UA Museums. He has served as a consultant in engineering geology, and oil and gas and mineral exploration and development. He has authored and edited a number of articles and books on geology, paleontology, 16th century Spanish explorations in the Americas, gold prospecting in New Guinea, and Civil War history. Currently, Jones is a trustee of the Southern Environmental Law Center in Charlottesville, Va., and the Nature Conservancy of Alabama. Jones will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremonies.

Related article — Long-time UA Professor and Administrator to Speak at December Commencement

GRADUATE FEATURES

UA Athletes Receiving Their Degrees: Football — Wesley Britt (business — earned his degree in only three years), Charles Jones (business), Triandos Luke (business), Shaud Williams (business). Gymnastics — Kristin Sterner (biology). Softball — Shelley Laird (apparel and textiles).

Mother/Daughter Receive Degrees Together — When their kids go off to college, most parents use the time to finally take a breather. But not Janet Clark. Clark instead choose to go back and complete her college education at the same time as her daughter, Pamela. So on Monday, Janet will receive her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and Pamela a bachelor’s degree in social work. Janet says she might consider graduate school, but presently she is helping Pamela plan her January wedding.

Engineering Graduates Started Company While in School — After eight years, Mark Simpson will receive his degree in civil engineering. However, while most students would settle for internships to gain experience, Simpson and a friend started their own company in 2000 that puts in utilities for state and municipal projects. They have since expanded into general civil site development.

For more information on these graduates or to set up interviews, contact Suzanne Dowling in Media Relations at 205/348-8324 or sdowling@ur.ua.edu.