City Fest lot excavation tells story of Tuscaloosa’s past
Crimson White – July 10
The City Fest lot, located on University Boulevard, continues to reveal its major significance in the background and history of the city of Tuscaloosa’s early development after recent discoveries of artifacts on the property. “We are able to examine artifacts that include bottles, ceramics, fauna remains, buttons, pocketknives, pipes and iron tools,” said Brandon Thompson, UA cultural resource specialist and project director for the site. “These cultural materials tell us how people were living, what they were eating and how they were interacting. We are also able to see difference and changes in architectural engineering in structural foundation remnants.” Matthew Gage, director of the University’s Office of Archaeological Research, further explained the importance of the site. “The Bank of the State site is significant based on a number of criteria that have to do with both historical figures and the development of our city,” Gage said. Gage also said the team has found a number of artifacts including an “initial historic settlement above the shoals of the Black Warrior and remains of one of the first houses built in Tuscaloosa circa 1816.”
UA to host severe weather warning workshop
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – July 9
Tomorrow, Mark, Ted and I will head to the University of Alabama for a conference on ways to improve “how” we warn people during severe weather. It’ll be a diverse group including social scientists, the national weather service and emergency managers.
Carl Pinkert, Auburn vice president for research, chosen to take on same title at Alabama
Crimson White – July 10
The University of Alabama announced Carl A. Pinkert will replace Joe Benson as vice president for research effective Nov. 1. Pinkert is currently the vice president for research at Auburn University, where he was originally hired as an associate dean for research and graduate studies for Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Pinkert worked and taught at multiple universities before arriving at Auburn. He has authored or co-authored more than 135 published articles and received the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Prize in Animal Research in 1997. Pinkert attended Colorado State University for his bachelor’s degree and received his doctorate from the University, of Georgia. Benson, who is currently serving as the interim provost for the University, plans to step down in November in order to pursue research projects. Benson became the vice president for research in 2007 and has since seen the increase of submitted research proposals from 519 in 2007 to 792 in 2012. The amount of funds received in grants and contract awards has also risen by close to $20 million under Benson. In an email to students and faculty, UA President Judy Bonner expressed her pleasure at Pinkert’s acceptance of the position and also expressed her gratitude for Benson’s work.
UA law school announces interim dean, interim vice dean
Tuscaloosa News – July 10
University of Alabama law professor William Brewbaker has been named the interim dean of the University of Alabama School of Law. Brewbaker was named acting dean last week following the retirement of former Dean Ken Randall to insure the continuity of operations, according to UA spokesperson Cathy Andreen. Brewbaker subsequently agreed to serve as the interim leader until a permanent replacement is found for Randall, who stepped down at the end of June to return to the private sector. The university announced at Randall’s retirement it would conduct a nationwide search for a replacement. James Leonard, associate dean for Legal Information Services and the James M. Kidd Sr. professor of law, has been appointed interim vice dean for the law school, according to a release from UA. Brewbaker, the William Alfred Rose professor of law, joined the UA faculty in 1993 after practicing law in Birmingham for six years, according to a release from UA.
Crimson White – July 10
UA student develops own major in emergency management
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – July 9
A University of Alabama student has created his “own major” in emergency management. It’s not a traditional degree, but, John Fleischauer is making it work, through the university’s New College program. He’s a volunteer coordinator with the Tuscaloosa Red Cross chapter. Fleischauer spent two weeks helping with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, and decided to make emergency management his career. Fleischauer was just named the Tuscaloosa Red Cross’ volunteer of the year.
UA system to move to new home near DCH
Crimson White – July 10
Construction recently began on a building on the eastern side of The University of Alabama campus and will provide a new home to the various offices of The University of Alabama System and the UA Board of Trustees. The new building, part of a project started in 2011, is situated a short distance from Druid City Hospital and the University Rec Center at the intersection of University Boulevard and 5th Avenue and will be called Sidney McDonald Hall when completed. McDonald, a businessman from Arab, Ala., attended the University and graduated from the College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1961. He went on to preside over a long-distance telephone carrier and served as president of the UA Board of Trustees during the 1990s. A donation of $3.5 million from McDonald to the University helped finance the $13.2 million project, currently under construction by J.T. Harrison Construction Company Inc. of Tuscaloosa.
Bilingual Rock Show Alcestis Ascending Begins Performances Off-Broadway
Broadway.com – July 9
Alcestis Ascending, a new play with movement and rock music, begins performances July 9 at the Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row. Told in both English and Spanish, the world premiere production combines actors and dancers from the Cuban National Office of Scenic Arts and actors from the University of Alabama. Written and directed by Seth Panitch and presented by Company HavanaBama, Alcestis Ascending will play a limited engagement through July 11. Through text, movement and live rock-infused music, Alcestis Ascending spins a tale of fate, self-absorption, sacrifice and the redemptive power of love. A retelling of Euripides’ classic drama, King Admetus and his wife Alcestis see their picture-perfect lives shatter when news arrives that Admetus’ thread has run out on the wheel of Fate. If the king can find a willing replacement to take his place, he lives—if not, he dies.
Exhibit remembers 1963 press coverage
Crimson White – July 10
An exhibit showcasing photographs taken during former Gov. George Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door recently reopened as part of The University of Alabama’s “Through The Doors” series. The yearlong series commemorates the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of the University in June 1963. Originally located in the W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library during February 2007, the exhibit is now on the second floor of Gorgas Library in the Pearce Foyer. Students, faculty and community members can enjoy the exhibit until August 2. The images highlight the world’s press coverage of “Segregation’s Last Stand” at the University. The exhibit is a collection of photographs of 32 international newsmen. In total, 324 newsmen were present, including 201 newsmen from out of state. The photographs of the reporters and media representatives were taken by Camille Elebash, a Tuscaloosa native. She published the photographs in Graphic, a Tuscaloosa weekly newspaper owned by her and her husband.
UA announces local honor students
Hartselle Enquirer – July 10
The University of Alabama has recognized undergraduate students making the President’s List with an academic record of 4.0 (all As) and the Dean’s List (3.5 or above) at the conclusion of the 2013 spring semester. The honorees include the following: President’s List – Russell Durand, Elizabeth Godsey, Callie Miller, Lauren Puckett, Jessica Wallace and Megan Smith, all of Hartselle; Mersadies Berlynn Orr of Falkville; Sydney Lang and Joshua Slate, both of Somerville; and Robert Pendley and Emily Waite, both of Lacey’s Spring;
Students attend event at University of Alabama
Anniston Star – July 9
Local students attended the 76th American Legion Alabama Boys State held in June at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Dylan Akin, a student at Piedmont High School, participated in the Aerospace Interest Group while at the 76th American Legion Alabama Boys State. He learned about the past and future of aerospace in the state of Alabama and the United States. He is the son of Amy Scott and Matt Akin. Charles Sparks, a student at Piedmont High School, participated in the Aerospace Interest Group while at the 76th American Legion Alabama Boys State. He learned about the past and future of aerospace in the state of Alabama and the United States. He is the son of Janet and Randy Sparks. Jamal Young, a student at Piedmont High School, participated in the Business Interest Group while at the 76th American Legion Alabama Boys State. He learned about business and economic development strategies for the future of Alabama. He is the son of Zinidi Spear.