UA Preview — Feb. 26-March 3, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Spring Commencement 

The University of Alabama will hold spring commencement with eight ceremonies May 3-5 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus. 

Why This Matters: About 6,000 are expected to graduate, with about 5,400 of those participating in these ceremonies. 

Knap-In 

The University of Alabama Moundville Archaeological Park will host its annual Knap-In March 1-2. 

Why This Matters: The Knap-in will host flint knappers from all over the country to demonstrate the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian, or other conchoidal fracturing stone through the process of lithic reduction to manufacture stone tools. 

Student Philanthropy 

UA student-led organization UA Miracle raised $233,200 over the past year for Children’s of Alabama. 

Why This Matters: UA students have raised more than $2.5 million for Children’s of Alabama since the group’s inception in 2011. 

SEC Faculty Achievement 

Dr. Claire Major, professor of higher education and the faculty director of the UA Teaching Academy, is UA’s recipient of the 2024 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award. 

Why This Matters: The SEC Faculty Achievement Awards highlight the vital role educators play in advancing the mission of the SEC and its institutions, as well as their dedication to fostering academic excellence through teaching, innovation and service. 

Fulbright Top Producer 

UA has been recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students for the seventh time in nine years as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time.  

Why This Matters: UA is one of 12 universities in the nation to receive both designations.  

Nursing Leadership 

UA Capstone College of Nursing Dean Julie Sanford has been elected to serve as chair-elect of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. 

Why This Matters: AACN is the national voice for academic nursing, working to establish quality standards for nursing education; assisting schools in implementing those standards; influencing the nursing profession to improve health care; and promoting public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.  

📅 EVENTS 

UA Early College Student Information Event 

Feb. 27; Virtual 

Preventing and Managing Chronic Kidney Disease 

Feb. 28; Capstone College of Nursing Auditorium 

L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love) 

Feb. 28, March 1 and 3; Bryant-Jordan Hall 

BFSAA Hallowed Grounds Tour 

Feb. 29; Gorgas House 

Artistic Sojourns: Our Quest for Knowledge and Understanding of Black Art in America and Beyond 

Feb. 29; Gorgas Library 

Adapted Athletics Hollister Invitational 

March 1-2; Stran-Hardin Arena 

The Pink Gala 

March 2; Hotel Capstone 

Need a subject matter expert on news-making topics? See our frequently updated experts directory here.  

Visit the UA News Center for more 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.