UA Preview — Dec. 4-10, 2023

BEST BETS 

A DECADE OF GROWTH FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY — For the 10th 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.  

PARKING, ROAD CLOSURES, TRANSPORTATION INFO FOR THIS WEEK — The GOP debate and AHSAA Super 7 will take place on campus this week. Up-to-date information about parking, road closures and transportation is available online on the UA News Center.  

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 

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT — UA Adapted Athletics will host the Powerade Power of Pink wheelchair basketball tournament Dec. 8-9. The Crimson Tide women’s wheelchair basketball team will take on the University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and University of Texas at Arlington. The tournament will feature games, giveaways, halftime entertainment and more. 

NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? — See our frequently updated experts directory here.  

VISIT THE UA NEWS CENTER FOR STORY IDEAS. 

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.