Library receives historical collection
Crimson White – July 1
On Monday, the University’s libraries received the largest donation in their history, Dean of Libraries Louis Pitschmann said. Pitschmann accepted the A.S. Williams III Collection of History and Culture of the South in Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library alongside University President Robert Witt. A.S. Williams III, a UA alumnus, donated more than 20,000 books and 12,000 photographs, which have been appraised at $12 million, Pitschmann said…The Williams Collection includes some 3,000 works of Southern fiction, including many first editions, limited editions, manuscripts and signed copies. The collected works, currently in 1,500 boxes, will move into the third floor of Gorgas and be open to the public in October, Pitschmann said, meaning students will have access to resources that have never been studied…Witt reiterated the significance the donation will have for students. “[Williams] has entrusted it to the University to help students and scholars,” he said…
UA professors awarded grant to research oil spill
Crimson White – July 1
The National Science Foundation Rapid Response Grant was awarded to two University of Alabama biology professors to perform research on environmental clean up solutions in the Gulf of Mexico. Behzad Mortazavi, an assistant professor of biological sciences, and Patricia Sobecky, the biology department chair, both received a grant for $124,999 allowing them to further their research… “We process materials for a variety of analyses including chemical and biological determinations to assess the microbial oil degradation capacities,” Sobecky said…“Our long term goal is to develop based on biological data generated from this research feasible engineering solutions to assist in mitigating the effects of oil contamination in our coastal waters,” Mortazavi said…
Back-It-Yourself Debt Adds Risk to Munis as Issuers Shun Banks
Business Week – July 1
…trying to lock in interest rates with derivatives can be costly for municipalities because floating-rate debt is cheaper than fixed-rate bonds “most of the time,” said Robert Brooks, professor of finance at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The risk of rising borrowing costs “isn’t as great as you would think” because governments’ cash and taxing authority produce more revenue as inflation quickens and interest rates rise, he said. “Excessive avoidance of floating-rate debt is a huge strategic error for local governments,” Brooks said, “an error their bankers don’t tell them about.”…
Bentley, Byrne sling accusations in runoff debate
Crimson White – July 1
Robert Bentley and Bradley Byrne faced off in their second debate June 25 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham. The Young Republican’s Federation and the Alabama and Auburn Student Government Associations hosted the debate. SGA President James Fowler was featured on the panel along with Kurt Sasser, Auburn’s SGA Chairman…