UA Preview — Oct. 14-20, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Supporting National Security 

The University of Alabama’s Global Water Security Center will receive $11.5 million in funding over the next two years from the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance its crucial work that supports national security. 

Why This Matters: The funds will support the center’s analysis of global environmental factors affecting politics and security by helping inform key DOD decision makers. 

For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu. 

Shopping for a Cause 

As the UA RISE Center celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the community is invited to support RISE through its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser Oct. 18 and 19 that will feature bargains from dozens of local retailers on everything from clothing to home décor. 

Why This Matters: BUY for RISE is the school’s second-largest fundraiser of the year. Money raised helps fund the school’s programs. 

For more information, contact Rosemary Klein at rfklein@ches.ua.edu. 

Celebrating Future Legends 

UA will hold fall commencement with two ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 14, at Coleman Coliseum. 

Why This Matters: About 2,000 are expected to graduate, with about 1,600 of those participating in these ceremonies. Each year, UA awards around 9,000 degrees, with graduates infusing the state and nation’s workforce with highly educated talent. 

For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.  

Fighting Food Insecurity 

The 31st annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive kicked off Oct. 4 at UA. The drive runs through Nov. 21 and results will be announced the following day. 

Why This Matters: The Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive aims to raise awareness about food insecurity while collecting donations for the West Alabama Food Bank. According to Feeding America, one in six people, including one in four children, struggle with food insecurity in Alabama. 

For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu. 

Upcycling Waste 

In a recently awarded grant project led by UA, researchers will upcycle agricultural and industrial waste into affordable and greener construction materials. 

Why This Matters: Many rural and poor communities grapple with the intersection of a changing climate and industrial waste. The NET technology proposed has the potential to help remove hazardous materials and generate new jobs and revenue while also contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. 
 
For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu. 

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

Dr. Hamed Moftakhari, associate director of the Center for Complex Hydrosystems Research, can discuss coastal hydrology and sea level rise during this active hurricane season.  

📅 EVENTS 

An Evening with Ander Monson 

Oct. 16; Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center 

Historic Halloween 

Oct. 19; The Gorgas House Museum 

Halloween Extravaganza 

Oct. 21; Hank Crisp Indoor Facility 

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.