UA Brings ‘Touch of Class’ to Game Days

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – You can still leave those No. 2 pencils at home, but football fans interested in tailgating inside the air-conditioned confines of The University of Alabama’s Bryant Conference Center can soak in presentations on today’s hottest research topics as presented by some of UA’s top faculty experts.

Beginning three and one-half hours before kickoff of select home football games, UA will offer “A Touch of Class on Game Day.” For $10, or $5 for a special children’s lunch, fans can munch on a boxed lunch and then chew on presentations ranging from the science behind crime scene investigations to a behind the scenes look at the choreography that’s involved in Million Dollar Band and Crimson Tide cheerleader performances.

Call, toll free, 866/307-3917 to make reservations for the Sept. 4 (Utah State), Oct. 2 (South Carolina) or Nov. 6 (Mississippi State) pre-game meals and talks, sponsored by UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, Bryant Conference Center and College of Continuing Studies. More information is available at http://www.as.ua.edu/as/. The Bryant Conference Center is located at 240 Bryant Drive, next door to the Bryant Museum.

On Sept. 4, Drs. Guy and Kim Caldwell, of UA’s biological sciences department, will be the featured presenters in: “Genome Jocks: Tackling Disease with the Human Genome Project.” Promising new treatments for diseases are on the horizon as a result of scientists mapping the genetic structure of humans. The Caldwells will talk about cutting-edge discoveries, including their own nationally funded work on developing new paths for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Meals will be served from 2:30 p.m. until the talk begins at 3:30 p.m.

On Oct. 2, Dr. Keith Jacobi, assistant professor of anthropology, will present: “CSI Alabama: How Anthropologists Read the Bones.” Forensic anthropologists are frequently called in by law enforcement agencies to find telling information on the skeletons of the missing or suspected murder victims. Through descriptions of real cases, Jacobi will talk about ways anthropologists speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.

On Nov. 6, Cornelius Carter, associate professor of theatre and dance and the 2001 national Professor of the Year, will host a panel presentation: “Cheerleaders and the Million Dollar Band: Behind the Game Day Show.”

Alumni members of the Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad and Million Dollar Band will share their behind the scenes experiences. Hear how the hours of rehearsal, choreography and precision teamwork come together to help create the pageantry that is college football.