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BEST BETS 

UA PROVOST FORMALLY INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE — UA Executive Vice President and Provost James Dalton was formally inducted into the National Academy of Medicine during a ceremony Oct. 15 in Washington, D.C. A member of the 2019 class, Dalton is UA’s first and only member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Dalton’s induction was driven by his prolific career in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical sciences. Prior to joining UA, he served as dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.  

UA CELEBRATES HISTORIC FUNDRAISING YEAR — The University of Alabama set a fundraising record for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, raising almost $226 million in charitable gifts and pledges from nearly 60,000 donors. The record-breaking fundraising year follows the one-year anniversary of the public launch of The Rising Tide Capital Campaign, a $1.5 billion effort to elevate all areas of campus — from student scholarships and faculty research to campus facilities and athletics. For more information, contact Deidre Stalnaker, UA Strategic Communications, at deidre.stalnaker@ua.edu. 

STATE BUSINESS LEADERS STILL SOUR ON ECONOMY — For the second consecutive quarter, state business leaders have a negative outlook on the economy, according to the latest quarterly survey by The University of Alabama. The UA Center for Business and Economic Research’s latest Alabama Business Confidence Index, taken in early September, remains slightly negative following a similar outlook in and snapshot take over the summer. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu. 

HALLOWEEN EVENTS 

CRIMSON CARVING CONTEST RETURNS — Alabama fans have the chance to win prizes by carving a pumpkin with images related to The University of Alabama. Fans can create their own design or use one of the templates they can find on the UA News Center, where they can also find a complete list of contest rules. Fans should submit a photo of their Bama-themed pumpkin to social@ua.edu with their name and location by 11:59 p.m., Oct. 30.   

HAUNTING AT THE MUSEUM — The Gorgas House Museum is giving free haunted tours from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily from Oct. 24 to Oct. 28. The Alabama Museum of Natural History will provide Halloween fun for all ages Oct. 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with children’s stories, crafts, mad scientist experiments and more.  

TRICK OR TREAT ON SORORITY ROW RETURNS — More than 500,000 pieces of candy will be distributed to children during the Alabama Panhellenic Association’s Trick or Treat on Sorority Row Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. The event, which has not taken place since 2019, is open to children ages 12 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult. Masks and fake or realistic-looking weapons are discouraged. 

GET CREEPED OUT AT THE AR‘BOO’RETUM Families are invited to stroll through the haunting grounds of The University of Alabama Arboretum Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. during an Afternoon at the ArBOOretum. This free event is geared toward children ages preschool through seventh grade and will feature Halloween-themed education stations. Attendees will learn about all of the creepy crawlies and carnivorous plant life native to Alabama. They’ll also enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail that will have jack-o-lantern buckets full of candy along pathways throughout the arboretum. Costumes welcome. 

HALLOWEEN AT THE TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM Visitors are invited to wear their costumes when they visit the Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A new exhibit, “Threaded Through History,” highlights fashion from the early 20th century, with exact replicas of outfits from 1905 created by UA students. Halloween-themed outdoor inflatables will be available for children. Candy and light refreshments will be served. This event is free.  

HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA — Families are encouraged to come for Halloween fun at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event, which is free, includes trick-o-treating, games and the chance for children ages 13 and under to meet UA student-athletes. Everyone is encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food items to donate to Beat Auburn Beat Hunger. 

EVENTS 

NEW MRI AT UA READY FOR TRANSFORMATIVE RESEARCH — The Alabama Life Research Institute is hosting a grand opening of the new MRI Research Facility on the bottom floor of the University Medical Center at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Several projects are lining up to take advantage of the capabilities offered by a recently installed MRI, helping researchers gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain works. Future studies could involve orthopedic and sports medicine. With access to study participants from rural, underserved communities, UA’s new MRI Research Facility will also expand the diversity of research data that could impact national studies. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.  

UA RISE CENTER’S BUY FOR RISE NOV. 4-5 — The UA RISE Center will host its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser Nov. 4-5 and will feature bargains from numerous local retailers on everything from clothing to home décor. New items will be offered at deep discounts during the sale, which raises funds for the RISE Center. Local retailers include Effie’s, JnJ, Lou and Co, Bossi, McStitches Embellished Goods, Woods and Water, Confetti Interiors, Hudson Poole Fine Jewelers, Part Two, The Locker Room and more. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. 

UA, TCEDA SUMMIT TO DISCUSS ELECTRIC VEHICLE ECONOMY — UA and the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority will host a summit to discuss the emerging power and mobility economy Friday, Oct. 28, at Hewson Hall. A panel discussion from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in room 0015 with UA faculty and staff involved in the electric vehicle ecosystem, including the executive director of TCEDA, will share major research initiatives, providing stakeholders and policymakers in West Alabama with information related to industry developments and opportunities stemming from UA’s research. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu. 

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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.