BEST BETS
UA HOSTS FALL COMMENCEMENT DEC. 16 — The University of Alabama will hold fall 2023 commencement Saturday, Dec. 16, at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. More information, including live and recorded webcast details, an interactive campus map, parking information, lodging details, graduate profile stories and fast facts about the 2023 fall class can be found on UA’s commencement website. Commencement information can be heard on UA’s radio station, 92.5 FM.
A DECADE OF GROWTH FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY — For the tenth straight year, outside support of research and other sponsored activities at The University of Alabama increased. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, the University saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in fiscal year 2023 over the previous year. In all, nearly $256 million in support from external partners boosted research and discovery activities across campus. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
TWO UA SENIORS AWARDED MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIPS — UA seniors Anika Cho, of Beaverton, Oregon, and Owen Emerson, of Huntsville, are two of 12 college students from around the nation to receive the U.S.-Ireland Alliance’s George J. Mitchell Scholarship. The Mitchell Scholarship, named to honor former U.S. Senator George Mitchell’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
TIPS TO AVOID A STRESSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON — “The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy and cheer, however it is often filled with the stress of shopping, traveling, preparing for visitors, cooking meals, running last minute errands, feeling lonely or missing loved ones,” said Dr. John Burkhardt, associate professor with UA’s department of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “So, what are some coping strategies to keep your holidays from taking a downturn? For that holiday stress, plan ahead by making time in your schedule for yourself, keep healthy habits like exercise and learn to set limits. To combat loneliness, start a new tradition, limit your social media usage, and don’t isolate yourself by spending time with friends and family. Finally, the holidays are a time to be thankful, this makes it the perfect time to start a gratitude practice. It is easy. Pick a time every day and take a few minutes to recognize something in your life you are grateful for. It can be as easy as being grateful for the cup of coffee you had this morning. Use a journal to record these moments, share them with others or express to others why you are grateful for them.” To schedule an interview, contact Burkhardt at jeburkhardt@ua.edu.
EVENTS
UA MUSEUMS HOSTS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES — UA Museums will host holiday open houses at three of its museums. Celebrate the holiday season with free admission and fun at the Alabama Museum of Natural History on Dec. 14, Paul W. Bryant Museum on Dec. 15 and Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum on Dec. 18.
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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.