UA to build $60M state-of-the-art performing arts center
Montgomery Advertiser – April 13
The new $60 million performing arts center to be constructed by the University of Alabama on the Bryce Hospital grounds is planned as a state-of-the-art venue for the Department of Theatre and Dance. The UA board of trustees approved the scope and preliminary budget for the project earlier this month. The 109,017-square-foot center will connect to the historic main Bryce Hospital building via a new lobby. The project will require the demolition of the north wing of the main hospital building. The center will feature a 350-seat drama theater, a 450-seat dance theater, a 250-seat studio theater and associated support spaces, such as a scenery shop and rehearsal hall, according to the preliminary plan. The center is part of the UA’s campus master plan for the historic hospital grounds, which includes new academic and residential buildings and recreational facilities. UA purchased the Bryce property from the state in 2010, paying nearly $77 million for the 168 acres on the northeast side of campus and agreeing to pay another $10 million for environmental cleanup and historic preservation.
Gadsden Times – April 13
Decatur Daily – April 13
Houston Chronicle – April 14
Anchorage Daily News – April 13
Franklin Daily Journal (Ind.) – April 13
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – April 13
How tax preparers target low-income people
MSNBC – April 12
We’re now in the final stretch of tax season, and maybe you’ve been seeing commercials like this … Unfortunately, according to advocates, what Mo Money Taxes was up to is not uncommon. Half of all tax preparers for this tax season are not subject to any licensing, they just have to register for a tax identification number. The ease of getting into the business, combined with more than $300 billion in anticipated tax refund money has made tax rpeparation ripe for predatory practices that target low income communities. Joining me now is Stephen Black, director for the Center of Ethics and Social Responsibility at The University of Alabama. He’s also the founder of Impact Alabama, which trains students to provide free tax preparation services for low income families … “The earned income tax credit is the single largest federal anti-poverty program. And I think it doesn’t get that much attention and press because it’s one of those rare initiatives that enjoys bi-partisan support … It’s a huge amount of money that pours into low-income communities. The problem is, 65-75 percent of these families feel like they need professional help. They don’t want to get it wrong, they don’t have access to CPAs.”
New York Times – April 7
UA Army ROTC trains in Blackhawk Helicopters
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – April 11
You may have noticed military helicopters flying over the University of Alabama campus today. This was all part of a training exercise for UA’s Army ROTC Bravo Company. Lt. Col Ken Kemmerly says six U.S. Army Alabama National Guard UA Blackhawk helicopters flew from Ft. McClellan, Ala. to the Rec Center fields to pick up 64 UA cadets. He says four seniors planned and coordinated today’s mission with faculty oversight.
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – April 11
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – April 11
COLLEGE NEWS: April 13
Tuscaloosa News – April 13
… University of Alabama: The Culverhouse College of Commerce’s highest student honor, the Austin Cup, was awarded to senior Lauren Blight of Mobile on April 11. She is a senior graduating in May with a double major in economics and math and a 4.0 GPA. Blight will graduate in May with a masters in economics. The Division of Student Affairs inducted members of the first Student Affairs Leadership Society at a recent ceremony. The society recognizes outstanding graduating seniors who have been an integral part of the division. Student Affairs staff members chose graduating seniors for the honor based on their contributions to the division’s programs.
UA Scientist looks at metabolites role in understanding disease
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – April 11
A University of Alabama scientist is looking at the body’s metabolites’ role in understanding illnesses. Metabolites are naturally occurring chemicals in the body. UA geneticist Dr. Laura Reed says while cholesterol and blood glucose are routinely monitored, there are additional metabolites that should be looked at too. One has been shown as a predictor of heart disease and certain cancers. Reed says one day doctors may routinely measure other metabolites as a way of improving predictions of disease risks. “There’s an interaction between our environment, our diet, and genotype and so these kind of studies need to be done where we look at both things simultaneously.”
Lein: State Parks benefit Alabama’s economy
OANow.com – April 12
Alabama is home to some wonderful national parks, and they bring both visitors and dollars to our state. Those visitors spent $26.5 million in Alabama in 2012 and supported 381 jobs, according to a recent National Park Service report. … Alabama, though, is also home to even more state parks, which are just as picturesque and inviting. These state parks, in fact, attract millions of visitors and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the state’s economy. Visitors to Alabama’s 22 state parks in 2011 spent an estimated $152.4 million, according to a recent analysis by professors at the University of Alabama. Visitors’ pending along with expenditures by the parks system had a total economic impact of $375 million and supported 5,340 jobs, say Samuel Addy and Ahmad Ijaz of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.
Doctors use Telemedicine
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – April 13
Many doctors in Alabama are using technology to provide better care to their patients. This growing trend is allowing people across the state to receive specialty consultations from the comfort of their own homes … Telemedicine is a method of medical consultation where doctors video conference with patients to give recommendations, diagnose symptoms, and even prescribe medication. Dr. Lloyda B. Williamson, University of Alabama: “The benefits come in that the patient is able to most often be seen more rapidly and have access to specialists that they normally wouldn’t have access to in their local or rural community.” The main focus of Dr. Williamson’s team has been diabetes treatment and awareness. “In 2013, we did diabetic self-management education groups for people in rural Alabama so they could learn more about their diabetes and how to take care of themselves.”
How to decrease your risk for skin cancer
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – April 11
A lot of people are heading to the beach. But before you hit the waves, make sure to take care of your skin. Dr. Jared Ellis with the University Medical Center says sun burns you get when you’re younger can lead to skin cancer when you get older. So it’s important that kids apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. If you see a mole that concerns you, you should get checked out quickly by your physician to make sure it doesn’t have a risk of melanoma.
Children flock to University of Alabama Panhellenic Easter egg hunt
Tuscaloosa News – April 13
The University of Alabama’s Panhellenic Easter egg hunt was held on the lawn of the President’s Mansion on Sunday. Parents watched as their children searched for Easter eggs, and refreshments were provided. The warm, sunny spring day brought out a large group of people to the grassy area for some pre-holiday fun. Easter is April 20.The children got to show off frilly Easter dresses and decorated baskets as they gathered up the colorful eggs.
UA Film Students Premiere Zombie Comedy
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – April 12
Zombies are usually scary creatures. But in the eyes of some University of Alabama film students, they’re hilarious. We caught up with the crew in December as they were filming the pilot of their zombie comedy. Well, the show is now finished. And you’re invited to check it out, tomorrow. The 24-minute pilot of “Zom Com” will be shown tomorrow during the Black Warrior Film Festival. The free screening will be held at the Bama Theatre in downtown Tuscaloosa. The show begins at 4:30 in the afternoon. And get this, you can get your picture taken with zombies while you’re there.
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – April 12
Physicist draws year’s largest ALLELE crowd
Crimson White – April 14
ALLELE’s largest crowd of the year gathered Thursday, filling up the entire auditorium and then some. Students, faculty and visitors came to hear Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist from Arizona State University, discuss the beginning of the universe, thinking about science reasonably and his book “A Universe from Nothing.” “If I want you to take away two things from tonight’s talk, it’s that you’re all insignificant and the future will be a miserable place,” Krauss said. Krauss mainly discussed the probability of a universe that came from nothing. “The important question is not, ‘Why is there something rather than nothing’, but rather, ‘How did the universe evolve, and how can we find out,’” Krauss said.
Film festival showcases student-made local films
Crimson White – April 14
When the words “film festival” are brought up in conversation, the usual association is with Sundance, Cannes or South by Southwest. However, with The University of Alabama’s second annual Black Warrior Film Festival taking place over the weekend, local talk will most likely be all about student films. BWFF was founded by telecommunication and film students who saw an opportunity for local filmmakers after attending the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. In its second year, the free three-day event saw more than 80 student films split up into five “blocks.” … The festival showcased every genre of film, from documentary to romantic comedy to foreign language. In addition to student-made films, there were screenings of Hollywood films such as “Hooper,” a movie filmed in Tuscaloosa, and master classes on subjects like the simple art of filmmaking and stunts.
‘Iron Bowl’ of bands is Saturday
Montgomery Advertiser – April 11
Football season is definitely over, but rivalries know no calendar. So if you’re anxious to get at least a pre-season taste of the Alabama-Auburn (or Auburn-Alabama) Iron Bowl matchup, you’re in luck this weekend. The fourth annual Tallassee JazzFest will feature the University of Alabama and Auburn University bands. Organizers say this is the only place, other than the Iron Bowl, where you will hear both bands. Admission is free, but donations to the Tallassee Music Department will be accepted. Barbecue plates will be sold by the Tallassee Community Development Corporation throughout the afternoon. The event is a celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, according to a news release from Michael Bird, band director and webmaster for Tallassee City Schools. Jazz was created around the turn of the last century and has been called “America’s music” due to its development as the ultimate melting pot in the fine arts.
UA Holds Ring Ceremony
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – April 12
Our very own Jennifer Edwards was the emcee for the ring ceremony at the University of Alabama. The event today highlighted mostly juniors and seniors who got to wear some memorable gems. In fact, some of our interns were there receiving their piece of jewelry to commemorate a time well spent at the University of Alabama.
UA’s Brown Bag PR Company wraps up PR campaign at Arcadia Elementary School
WVUA (Birmingham) – April 11
The University of Alabama‘s Brown Bag PR wrapped up its “You’re It” campaign today at Arcadia Elementary. They held a special field day to celebrate healthy lifestyles. The field day included a sack race, tug of war and plenty of relay races, and an appearance by the mascot “Tag”.
Hollars tells untold stories in award-winning book
Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, Wisc.) – April 13
When B.J. Hollars publishes his books, he doesn’t do it to get attention as an author. Instead, he does it so his readers’ attention is brought to some of the darker stories that have been lost to history. When Hollars sat down to write, “Opening the Doors: The Desegregation of the University of Alabama and the Fight for Civil Rights in Tuscaloosa,” he did so to teach his students at the University of Alabama about some of the things that were going on during the civil rights movement that, to this day, aren’t talked about. Things that Hollars — who received his masters from the University of Alabama and is now a professor of english at UW-Eau Claire — himself didn’t even know until he started his intense research. That storytelling of untold events recently helped Hollars win the 2014 Wisconsin Writers Award for nonfiction by the Council of Wisconsin Writers. The award includes $500 and a weeklong writing residency at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point.
UA in Cuba offers cultural experience to students
Crimson White – April 14
Five University of Alabama students are spending their spring semester in Havana, Cuba, as part of the Alabama in Cuba study abroad program. Michael Schnepf, a professor in the department of modern languages and classics, has led groups in the semester-long program since the spring of 2009. Schnepf not only organizes the program but also teaches a special topics Spanish class, SP 390, while the group is in Cuba. The class features a series of guest speakers and a semester-long research project. “After about two weeks on the island, all students are obliged to select a topic which they will research during the remaining months,” Schnepf said. “Topics such as Santeria, urban gardens, race, the role of lawyers and the trajectory of Cuban music are just a few of the fascinating subjects that University of Alabama students have investigated here in Cuba.” In addition to SP 390, students also study Cuban history, culture and U.S. relations at la Universidad de la Habana and Ciudadano Universitario Jose Antonio Echavarra.
SCHOOL NEWS: April 13
Tuscaloosa News – April 13
… Verner has been working with Jeff Gray and computer science students from the University of Alabama to create a robotics program. All Verner fifth-graders participated in robotics lessons taught by the UA students or Verner teacher Kathy Perkins. After five initial robotics lessons, three teams were selected to participate in the University of Alabama’s 2014 Alabama Robotics Competition held April 5 at the Bryant Conference Center. Verner students Maddy Griffin, Nicole Vickers, Hill Rowan, Byron Abston, Josh Ellis, Claudia Ortiz, Madeline Cook, Garland Brazil, Tyler Eatmon, Cole McCollum, Sarah Savage, Ashton Anthony, Riley Champion, Zach Purdy and Noah Davis participated in the competition.
Thesis exhibit showcases clay sculptures
Crimson White – April 14
Virginia Eckinger, a master’s student studying sculpting, explores her personal narrative through literal translations matched with fantasy in her thesis exhibit, How Things Are, How Things Were. Clay sculptures of human bodies with animal heads will be strategically placed around the Sella-Granata gallery, one even bent over a wall, until Thursday. Eckinger said she chose the animal depending on the meaning people associate with it. One of her sculptures is a body cut in two with a lamb’s head, showing the idea of being pulled in two directions. The artist chose the lamb because of its complacent image., she said. “A lot of the decisions are based on the way the animal is perceived by humans,” Eckinger said. “If you have a face, people are going to look at it, and they’re going to try to recognize the face of the artist or somebody they know. I think this creates a little bit of anonymity in it, so that you’re not relating it to an individual but it becomes a symbol for the figure as an object itself.”
Birds of a feather: UA siblings provide support system for each other
Crimson White – April 14
When students set sail to college, many find themselves alone and free to establish themselves away from their families. Others, however, have the support of a sibling, sometimes whether they like it or not. Katie O’Harra has found herself in such a situation. A freshman majoring in dance and chemical engineering, Katie has a busy schedule, but she said she sometimes feels as if the shadow of her older sister has her standing in the shade. “I sometimes get the ‘Oh, you’re Holly’s sister’ thing, but it doesn’t bother me too much because she’s established a good name and reputation for herself here,” Katie said. “But one annoying question I get is, ‘Did you pick Alabama because your older sister goes here?’” The older O’Harra, Holly, a senior majoring in public relations, said she harbors a different perspective on having her little sister on campus, as she’s tried to figure out the parameters of their new relationship. She said she thinks their differences in age and interests helps them give each other space, saying they’re “removed enough for it to work well.”