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UA STUDENTS SWIPE AWAY HUNGER TO DONATE 500 MEALS TO FOOD BANK – With the goal of 500 meals reached, UA students, through the program Swipe Away Hunger, have donated their unused meal plan meals so they can be made into Thanksgiving meals for those in need in the Tuscaloosa area. On Nov. 18 between 10-11 a.m. the donated meals will be loaded onto a truck at the dock of Lakeside Dining Hall and transported to the West Alabama Food Bank where they’ll be distributed to various churches and food banks. For more information, contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at jamon.smith@ua.edu.
UA TO LAUNCH EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE AT GADSDEN IN JANUARY – UA’s College of Education will launch the UA Early Learning Initiative at Gadsden in January 2021 at the University’s Gadsden Center. The program will provide area children and families with high-quality, inclusive learning experiences, act as a professional development site for teacher education students and practicing teachers from around the state and serve as a research site where UA faculty can conduct innovative research related to early childhood education and child development. “Our college is doing everything it can to make a good difference in the educational lives of children and their families,” said Dr. Peter Hlebowitsh, dean of UA’s College of Education. “We are happy to bring our resources and expertise to the work of advancing early childhood education efforts across the state.” For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
FREE PROGRAM HELPS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS – The University of Alabama is offering support to families of young children with disabilities or developmental delays free of cost through a new early intervention program called EI@UA. “EI@UA is an early intervention program through Alabama’s Early Intervention System that provides special education and related services to infants and toddlers under the age of 3 and their families,” said Dr. Kimberly Tomeny, program director of EI@UA and a clinical assistant professor of special education and multiple abilities. EI@UA can be reached at earlyintervention@ua.edu or 205-348-4714. The program’s hours are flexible as needed. For more information, visit EI@UA’s website or contact Jamon Smith, UA Strategic Communications, at jamon.smith@ua.edu.
MOUNDVILLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK VIRTUAL 5K SUPPORTS EDUCATION FUND – UA’s Moundville Archaeological Park will hold its annual 5K Footrace virtually throughout November, which is Native American Heritage Month, and December to support its education fund. Instead of the traditional “Run ‘Round the Mounds,” held annually at the park, the public can register to run a 5K on a course of their choice or treadmill. Participants will receive a downloadable race bib and finisher certificate; commemorative finisher medal; and free admission pass to Moundville Archaeological Park. They can also listen to a curated playlist of traditional and modern Native American music on Apple Music, YouTube and Spotify while completing the 5K. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
BEAT AUBURN BEAT HUNGER RESULTS – UA’s annual food drive competition wraps up this Thursday. Results will be announced at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 at the West Alabama Food Bank, 3160 McFarland Blvd., and the winner of the drive versus Auburn University will be named. The event will be held outdoors, and media are invited to attend. For more information, contact Melissa Parker, UA Strategic Communications, at melissa.parker@ua.edu.
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