Graduating Tiders have busy day Saturday
BamaMag.com – Aug. 8
Three current and five former Crimson Tide football players will be awarded their undergraduate degrees on Saturday as The University of Alabama holds its August Commencement exercises at 9 a.m. in Coleman Coliseum…junior offensive tackle Drew Davis. Other current Tide players set to receive degrees in summer commencement exercises are senior safety Rashad Johnson and senior quarterback John Parker Wilson. “We are really pleased and happy that we have three players that are going to graduate on Saturday,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said…This is what we want guys to do when they come to The University of Alabama. This is what affects the quality of their life forever.”…Five former UA players will also graduate on Saturday, including Charles Hoke (Finance), Zeke Knight (Human Environmental Studies), Terrence Jones (Human Environmental Studies), Tyrone Prothro (Human Environmental Studies) and B.J. Stabler (General Business). Saban spoke specifically to Prothro’s accomplishment. Prothro was an outstanding wide receiver whose career was ended by a broken leg. Saban said he did not know Prothro well, “but I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.” The coach pointed out that any athlete can be an injury away from retirement and that it was a tribute to Prothro that he stayed focused and continued to a successful conclusion of his education.
InsideTennessee.com – Aug. 8
DawgPost.com – Aug. 8
CECIL HURT: Tide players to graduate, then hit the field for evaluation
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 8
For three of the University of Alabama’s veterans, Saturday will mark the end of one phase of their education — and the continuation of a crash course in another area. Quarterback John Parker Wilson, safety Rashad Johnson and offensive tackle Drew Davis will all walk in graduation ceremonies in the morning…There are other notable names walking in Saturday’s ceremony, including several who persevered in the classroom even after injuries curtailed their careers. Tyrone Prothro, Ezekial Knight, B.J. Stabler, Charles Hoke and Northport’s Terrance Jones will all receive degrees. That’s good for Alabama’s graduation rate, but it’s far better because of the impact it will have on their lives…
Twelve Olympians have University of Alabama ties
Birmingham News – Aug. 8
…As one of 12 Olympians with ties to the University of Alabama, Kretschman is also one of UA’s best gold-medal hopefuls for the Games, which begin tonight in Beijing…Alabama men’s track and field coach Harvey Glance is the sprint and hurdles coach for Team USA for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, almost guaranteeing him plenty of TV time…He’ll be joined on the U.S. team by former UA track athlete Miguel Pate (long jump). Trish Bartholomew will compete for Grenada in the 400 meters, while Tahesia Harrigan runs on the British Virgin Islands team in the 100 and 200 meters. UA swim coach Eric McIlquham has seven of his former swimmers as Olympians on various teams. Perhaps the most likely medalist is Vlad Polyakov, the two-time NCAA 200 breaststroke champion at Alabama…
National School Bus Group Lauds Alabama for Needed School Bus Seat Belt Study
StreetInsider.com – Aug. 8
The nation’s leading school bus industry group today commended Alabama Governor Bob Riley, Alabama’s state lawmakers and Dr. Joseph Morton, Alabama’s State Superintendent of Education, for their leadership in directing the State Department of Education to conduct a first-ever study of the practical aspects of installing lap/shoulder belts in large school buses…We look forward to the results of Alabama’s research,” Martin said…Martin explained that this portion of Alabama’s $1.4 million three-year study is being conducted by the University Transportation Center for Alabama, at the University of Alabama…
Earthtimes.org – Aug. 8
istockanalyst.com – Aug. 8
Biloxi (Miss.) Sun-Herald – Aug. 8
Armchair astronomer discovers unique ‘cosmic ghost’
CNN – Aug. 7
…”This discovery really shows how citizen science has come of age in the Internet world,” said Bill Keel, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Alabama and a Galaxy Zoo team member…
State has low tax burden
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 8
…Jim Bryce, a law professor at the University of Alabama with expertise in state and local taxes, said Alabama’s relatively low tax burden is not surprising. ‘The lowest ratios are going to be in states with relatively low per capita income,’ Bryce said Thursday. ‘If you’re a taxpayer, that’s great. If you’re a public employee, that’s probably not too great.’…
Gadsden Times – Aug. 8
Memorial service today for John Mark Stallings
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 8
A memorial service for John Mark Stallings, son of former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings, will be held today in Tuscaloosa. The service will be at 10 a.m. at the McGraw Activity Center lunchroom at the Arc of Tuscaloosa County, 1330 University Blvd E…
Number of Graduate Students Rise as Number of Jobs Fall
WTVM-ABC, Columbus, GA – Aug. 8
WXTX-Fox, Columbus, GA – Aug. 8
…some of which are students who are still working, but also represent a growing number of professionals building their resume to increase job security, a trend Dr. Rock says will likely continue, even when the job market turns around. “I think in education alone, we’re just seeing the beginning.” Officials with the University of Alabama say they saw a similar increase with the biggest jump from the spring of 2006 to the spring of 2007. Online degree programs also offer a convenient and more cost-effective approach for non-traditional students heading back to class.