50th anniversary of federal district court’s ruling to integrate the University of Alabama
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
Today marks an important moment in civil rights history at the University of Alabama. On this date, May 16, 1963, a federal district court in Alabama ordered the university … Through the Doors: Courage, Change, Progress. It will include guest speakers and musical performances. The free program will be at 6 p.m. at Malone-Hood Plaza and Foster Auditorium.
UA Lunabotics team gets ready for competition
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – May 16
They may not actually get the chance to go to the moon. But, the University of Alabama is preparing to defend its claim to an “international” championship. Last year, UA’s team took home the prize in NASA’s Lunabotics competition. On May 20, they’ll return to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s designed to collect lunar soil. For NASA, it’s almost like crowd sourcing ideas from some of the brightest newcomers. “They’re interest in mining soil because that’s the first step, really, to colonizing the moon or a different planet. You have to dig that soil to get the minerals and water and all the stuff you need to survive.” To qualify, the University of Alabama’s bot will have to collect at least 10 kilograms of simulated lunar soil.
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – May 16
UA hosts summer enrichment program
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – May 16
Another way to keep students fresh through the summer months is by signing them up for summer enrichment. Programs include subjects that are both educational and hobby-based. And there are plenty in our area to take advantage of! The college first program is a state program that provides students with mentors and college level tutors in math and science. The University of Alabama is hosting music and programs that cater to students in grades K through 8. If you’re looking for something a little closer, Indian Springs School is also hosting a few camps-including video game acting, cooking and video game production.
UA welcomes new women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry
Crimson White – May 16
The University of Alabama introduced newly appointed women’s basketball head coach Kristy Curry on Thursday, May 16. Curry comes to UA after spending seven seasons as the head coach of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. “I’m extremely honored and proud to be the new head coach of The University of Alabama,” Curry said. “I want to thank Dr. Judy Bonner, Coach Bill Battle, Shane Lyons, Marie Robbins and Doug Walker. If I can recruit half as good as those guys can, we’re going to be OK.” At Texas Tech, Curry coached the Lady Raiders to 130 wins and 98 losses. She guided the 2012-13 team to a 21-11 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Before taking over at Texas Tech, Curry solidified herself as one of the most successful women’s basketball coaches in Purdue University’s history. She compiled a record of 179-51 (.778) and led her teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Final Four and championship game in 2001.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – May 16
New tenants cut ribbon at EDGE Center office space in Tuscaloosa (video)
Al.com – May 16
Leaders of three local entrepreneurial projects cut the ribbon on their new office spaces in the EDGE Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a small business incubator that West Alabama Chamber of Commerce president Jim Page calls an economic game changer for the Tuscaloosa area. The ribbon cutters were Saahil Agrawal (of Forza Financial), Heath Hendrix (of Zambooki, LLC) and Sawyer Williamson (of Southern Traditions Apparel), the three latest local entrepreneurial enterprises granted office space in the EDGE building. Agrawal, the chief academics officer for Forza Financial, said his company’s partnership with the EDGE, which offers its tenants private office space downtown at a low rent rate, played a major role in their current success. Forza Financial is a nonprofit business operated by students that issues microloans of $500-$5000 to local entrepreneurs and also offers financial literacy services including one-on-one coaching and lectures from University of Alabama professors on successful practices for small businesses.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
UA is home to homegrown farmer’s market
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – May 16
Fruits, vegetables, sweets and even soap are all a part of a local farmer’s market, and the best part is it’s all home grown. Vendors come from different counties across central Alabama to sell their products making it eligible for shoppers to venture out from supermarkets. Markets like this one are popular all over the world and are being seen more frequently.
Al.com – May 16
University of Alabama senior’s program gets teens involved in community
Tuscaloosa News – May 10
University of Alabama graduating senior David Wilson has created a new program that has students at Northridge High School putting their heads together to come up with community service projects. Wilson, 21, a 2009 graduate of Northridge, said “Think Community” was something he came up with as a freshman at UA, but it wasn’t until this semester that he was able to launch it at Northridge. He said he created the program because he believes that young people have the capacity to achieve great things and make major changes in their communities. Their creativity, resourcefulness and drive is often overlooked, he said.