Diplomatic drama: Cuban actors in US perform Bard
The (Columbia, S.C.) State – Aug. 6 (Associated Press)
It’s opening week for a new act in U.S.-Cuba relations: A Spanish-language version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is beginning a three-day run at the University of Alabama, starring professional actors from Havana…With nearly three weeks of rehearsals complete, the troupe of 10 Cuban actors and two managers are turning the Bard into a modern-day diplomat. They will perform Thursday through Saturday in a joint production with nine University of Alabama students and a Tuscaloosa-area actor…”None of the American actors speak Spanish,” said the director, Seth Panitch, an assistant professor at the university who helped the Americans learn dialogue and even when to take their cues in a foreign language. “It’s terrifying for the Americans.” Panitch compressed about 2 1/2 hours of Shakespearean dialogue into 90 minutes of Spanish-language drama…
Cuba Headlines.com – Aug. 6
Montgomery Advertiser – Aug. 6
New UA program designed to teach students about ecological diversity
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 6
A new program of study at the University of Alabama will cater to the soil. The natural resources management minor, first implemented in 2008, aims to increase students’ interest in Alabama’s ecological diversity. David Heggem, associate dean of student services, said the program was founded to teach students how to best preserve their state’s abundant natural resources. Alabama is one of the most ecologically diverse states. “The people who oversee resources in Alabama are getting older and grayer. People of the younger generation who are going to inherit these great lands and lakes have to be schooled in many different facets,” Heggem said. Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, the minor is open to students in either the College of Arts and Sciences or the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration…Barry Mason, the dean of the Culverhouse College of Business and Commerce, said the program has already received a positive response from students and environmental organizations. “It’s a program that’s been remarkably well received by the citizens of the state, and it’s been equally received by the students,” Mason said…
Group formed to combat dropout rate
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 6
Representatives from 16 city, state and community agencies met Wednesday at Bethel Baptist Church for the fourth Alabama State Department of Education dropout prevention meeting…Agencies that are a part of the Community Solution Network are… the University of Alabama…the Community Solution Network will address the needs of students identified as at-risk, in hopes of preventing them from dropping out, said Zack Barnes, director of graduation success and dropout prevention for the Tuscaloosa City School System. He said the umbrella organization will use the resources of its member organizations…
Students receive research funding
Crimson White – Aug. 6
Five students from the University have earned funding and distinction for their research on neurological disorders. Nathan Roberts, a sophomore from Huntsville double majoring in chemistry and biology, and John Ricketts, a senior from Birmingham majoring in biology, were named as Alabama Dystonia Scholars for 2009. Sophomore Paige Dexter of Enterprise, senior Susan DeLeon of San Antonio, Texas, and sophomore Mike Zhang of Tuscaloosa were named Parkinson’s Association of Alabama Scholars. These students are undergraduates working with Guy and Kim Caldwell in their research lab, using microscopic transparent worms to study these diseases…
Crimson Ride makes adjustments for Ridgecrest dorms
Crimson White – Aug. 6
…This fall, the bus system will be slightly different, with two adjusted routes, one of which will accommodate the new Ridgecrest dorm. “The old Green 1 is going to be totally changed,” said Ralph Clayton, Assistant Director of Transportation Services. “The new Ridgecrest dorm is opening up and we want a bus to service that area.” Ridgecrest South opened Aug. 8 and houses nearly 1,000 students. The new Green 1 will stop at the Gorgas Library, Bidgood Hall, Rowand-Johnson Hall, Ridgecrest South, Publix Supermarket, Wallace Wade Street, Rose Administration Building and Lloyd Hall…
Poor college kids find freebies on campus
Crimson White – Aug. 6
…According to www.ua.edu, last school year, the school of music hosted nine distinguished scholars and scholar-performers in a series of concerts, public lectures, classes and master classes centered on the Viennese triumvirate. Capstone International Center often hosts Capstone International Coffee Hour with free coffee. The graduate school offered a lecture by Utz McKnight, assistant professor of political science. Be sure to check out UA’s calendar for all the free concerts, events and lectures…
SGA to hold registration for UA voters
Crimson White – Aug. 6
…To help students register before the election, Fowler said the SGA is holding voter registration drives on Aug. 11 and Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the middle floor in the Ferguson Center. He said he hopes students take advantage of the chance to register and fulfill their civic duty in the municipal elections. “By casting your vote, students have an opportunity to allow city leaders to gain a better understanding of the wishes and desires of our University,” he said. Viselli said the two main precincts that include the UA campus in their districts are the polling place at the Student Rec Center and the Tuscaloosa County courthouse annex…On Aug. 24, the SGA will host a municipal meet-and-greet with candidates running for city council, mayor and the school board in the Zone, the upper level of Bryant-Denny Stadium, Fowler said…