UA Preview — Oct. 28-Nov. 3, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Historic Fundraising Year 

The University of Alabama has achieved another record-breaking year in fundraising for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, with more than $261 million in charitable gifts and pledges from over 60,000 donors. 

Why This Matters: This year eclipsed the $226 million mark set in 2023 by 15% and has helped propel The Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign past 90% of its $1.8 billion goal. UA is in the ninth year of this comprehensive, 10-year campaign to elevate all areas of campus — from student scholarships and faculty research to campus facilities and athletics. 

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

Mourning and Grieving Practices of the Past 

The Gorgas House Museum and Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansioninvite visitors to step inside some of the oldest historic homes in Tuscaloosa and learn about the sociocultural expectations and practices of mourning and grieving after the Civil War and greater Victorian Era Oct. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Why This Matters: The free event features a joint exhibit titled, “Mourning Matters: Grieving and Etiquette in the Antebellum South and Further.” Visitors will learn about the history of mourning and hear firsthand about the ghosts that haunt Tuscaloosa. 

For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu.  

Discover Creepy Cryptids, Fantastic Fossils 

UA Museums will host its annual Haunting at the Museum Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free, family-friendly and all-ages event open to the public will be held at both the Alabama Museum of Natural History and Gorgas House Museum. 

Why This Matters: The Alabama Museum of Natural History will feature, “The Haunting at the Museum: Creepy Cryptids & Fantastic Fossils,” an educational program inviting guests to explore paleontology past and present, the colors of chemistry, the importance of invertebrates and the wonders of boo-tanicals. 

For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu. 

Trunk-or-Treat with Capstone Learning Academy 

Media are invited to the Capstone Learning Academy for its first trunk-or-treat Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.  

For more information, contact Samantha Patton at 659-216-2990

Honoring Communicators 

The College of Communication and Information Sciences recently recognized four distinguished professionals for their exceptional contributions to the fields of communication and library and information science. 

Why This Matters: The 23rd class of C&IS Hall of Fame honorees includes Dr. Elizabeth Aversa, a leader in library and information sciences; Robert “Bob” Cohn, an award-winning journalist and founder of global public relations firm Cohn & Wolfe (now Burson); Dr. Jesse Lewis, newspaper publisher and founder of Alabama’s first Black-owned advertising agency; and Christi Parsons, former White House correspondent and mentor to the next generation of journalists. 

Social Work Leader Recognized  

The School of Social Work recently honored James Slaughter, retired deputy commissioner for field administration of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, as its 2024 hall of fame inductee. 

Why This Matters: Throughout his career, Slaughter demonstrated unwavering dedication to both his clients and colleagues. He was not only a mentor to aspiring social workers but also a catalyst for transformative change within the Alabama Department of Human Resources. 

📅 EVENTS 

Trick or Treat on Sorority Row 

Oct. 28; Sorority Row 

Light Up the Night 

Oct. 28; The UA Quad 

Fossil Day: Why Dinosaurs?  

Nov. 2; Alabama Museum of Natural History 

Diwali (Festival of Lights) 

Nov. 7; UA Student Center Ballroom and Heritage Room 

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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.