UA Preview — April 1-7, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Honors Week 

The University of Alabama will celebrate the achievements of outstanding students and faculty during Honors Week, April 1-5, culminating in the Tapping on the Mound ceremony on Honors Day. 

Why This Matters: The Tapping on the Mound ceremony has been a university tradition since the early 1900s. University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key National Honor Society and Anderson Society will induct members. 

Local Economic Impact 

UA left an economic impact of $2.175 billion, 12,853 jobs and $42.5 million in local sales tax for the Tuscaloosa metro area during the 2020-2021 academic year. The local area saw a $100 million impact from the five home football games. 

Why This Matters: UA remained steadfast and resilient in its contributions to the local and state economies despite the declining effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on enrollment and visitor impacts. 

Community Safety 

UA and the city of Tuscaloosa continue to make an area along University Boulevard just west of the campus, known as the Strip, a place the community and Alabama fans can enjoy.   

Why This Matters: The precinct is staffed 24 hours a day by a UA Security Resources assistant, and a UAPD officer is always on patrol in the area. 

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

Billions of Cicadas Ready to Emerge  

Dr. John Abbott is an entomology expert who can talk about the billions of 13-year and 17-year cycle cicadas that will emerge this spring and summer.  

📅 EVENTS 

One Night Only!  

April 2; Bryant-Jordan Hall 

UA Jazz Lab Band 

April 3; Moody Music Building Concert Hall 

Crimson Couch to 5K 

April 5; Walk of Champions 

Bark to the Beat Music 5K 

April 6; Butler Field 

Regency Ball 

April 12; Alabama Museum of Natural History 

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.