UA Preview — Nov. 18-24, 2024

📰 BEST BETS 

Time Running Out to Fight Food Insecurity 

The 31st annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank will come to a close Thursday. For a list of donation barrel locations and instructions to donate monetarily, visit the Beat Auburn Beat Hunger website

Why This Matters: According to Feeding America, one in six people, including one in four children, struggle with food insecurity in Alabama. 

Saluting Service 

U.S. Army Maj. Kimberly A. Smith is the recipient of the 2024 University of Alabama Online Legendary Service Award. 

Why This Matters: Smith is recognized for her exceptional 14 years of service and leadership as an active-duty aviator in the U.S. Army. A brigade operations officer pursuing her master’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics through UA Online, Smith is a dynamic force in the skies, classroom and her community helping the disadvantaged. 

For more information, contact Frank Farrar at jffarrar@ccs.ua.edu 

Iron Bowl Meets Citizen Science  

Fans of The University of Alabama and Auburn University can compete in the realm of citizen science through the annual Marble Bowl by submitting observations of wild plants, animals and fungi to one of two projects on the iNaturalist platform.   

Why This Matters: Alabama is blessed with incredible biodiversity — amongst the highest in the nation. Unfortunately, there are also many endangered species and a high extinction rate. With these facts in mind, the increased need for documenting biodiversity around the state is more clear.  

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

💬 CURRENT COMMENT 

Dr. Abby Grammer Horton, assistant professor with the Capstone College of Nursing, can talk about expressing gratitude through innovative methods ahead of Thanksgiving. 

📅 EVENTS 

River Pitch Business Idea Competition 

Nov. 19; Tuscaloosa River Market 

Stitching Together Our Legacy 

Nov. 20; Gorgas House Museum 

Demo Day 

Nov. 21; The EDGE 

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