UA Preview — Oct. 20-26, 2025

📰 BEST BETS 

Styslinger Gift Names UA’s College of Engineering 

The University of Alabama has named the College of Engineering in honor of Lee J. Styslinger Jr., following a $25 million gift commitment from his wife, Catherine Styslinger. 

Why This Matters: “The power of this endowment lies in its flexibility,” said Dr. Clifford L. Henderson, dean of the Styslinger College of Engineering. “With discretionary resources of this scale, we can respond quickly to opportunities, enhance the student experience, recruit outstanding faculty and so much more. It positions us for immediate impact while giving us the means to invest strategically in the future.” 

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

UA Museums Hosting 3 Halloween Events 

UA Museums will host three mysterious and spooky events that are free and for all ages to get the community in the Halloween spirit starting Oct. 25. 

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

Annual BUY for RISE Set for Oct. 24-25 

The UA RISE Center will host its annual BUY for RISE fundraiser Oct. 24-25 and 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. All proceeds benefit the RISE Center and help fund the school’s programs. 

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

UA Junior Wins Obama Foundation Voyager Scholarship  

UA junior and Birmingham native Camila Lopez has been awarded the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship that recognizes college students with a passion for public service. 

Why This Matters: Lopez is one of 100 students from around the nation to receive the award also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. According to the Obama Foundation, recipients exude a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service. 

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

Early College Offers New Freshmen Scholarships 

The University of Alabama Early College will now offer two new freshman-year scholarship opportunities designed to reward Alabama high school students who participate in Early College and continue their academic journey as undergraduates at UA.  

Why This Matters: UA Early College allows motivated high school students to take courses taught by University of Alabama faculty online or on campus, giving them the opportunity to earn college credit and experience UA academics before graduating high school. 

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

Million Dollar Band Selected for 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2026 

UA’s Million Dollar Band was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants as one of the 10 marching bands to participate in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in 2026 and showcase the incredible talents of their musicians. 

Why This Matters: Selected from more than 100 applicants, the bands chosen for the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will each receive a $10,000 grant from Macy’s to kick-start fundraising efforts and help fund the march and prepare for their trip to New York City.  

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

📅 EVENTS 

Entrepreneur Resource Groups Monthly Meeting 

Oct. 21; The EDGE 

An Evening with Sam Sax 

Oct. 21; Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center  

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.