BEST BETS
CROSSINGPOINTS STUDENTS TO PRESENT DINNER THEATER — Students in The University of Alabama CrossingPoints program will present a dinner theater production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” March 29-30 at 6 p.m. in the Bryant Conference Center’s Sellers Auditorium. CrossingPoints is an inclusive postsecondary transition program that supports students with significant disabilities in developing and exercising skills for pursuing their desired future/adult outcomes. Tickets are $35 for individuals or $300 for a table of 10 and may be purchased from the CrossingPoints website. For more information contact Jeremy Reid, UA CrossingPoints Outreach Coordinator, at jeremy.reid@ua.edu.
UA HOSTING ‘BRAIN DAY’ FOR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES — In an effort to promote awareness of brain injury and brain health, The University of Alabama will host more than 300 football student-athletes from state high schools on Friday, March 31, as part of Brain Injury Awareness Month. Media members are invited to the opening of Brain Day at 9 a.m. in Coleman Coliseum. Organizers Drs. Jessica Wallace, Courtney Helfrecht and Sharlene Newman will be available for interviews from 9:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Access the coliseum floor from the main entrance and follow the signs. Parking is available in the lot beside the coliseum. For more information, contact, Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
UA CAMPUS HOME TO ALABAMA CHAMPION TREE — A Southern Magnolia tree located on the Bryce Preserve at The University of Alabama was recognized as the current largest of that species in the state. The Alabama Forestry Commission measured the tree as part of Alabama’s Champion Tree Program, which aims to discover, recognize and preserve the largest trees of each species in the state. The team used an industrial tape measure for circumference and crown spread and a clinometer to measure height. UA was also recognized during the event as a “Tree Campus USA” for the eighth consecutive year. The designation, given by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes colleges and universities that promote healthy trees and conservation efforts. For more information, contact Jennifer Brady, UA Strategic Communications, at jennifer.brady@ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
ILLEGAL PLANT TRADE THREATENS SEVERAL SPECIES — “While many people discovered the joys of caring for houseplants during the COVID-19 pandemic, many popular species of plants, ranging from highly desirable orchids to cacti and other succulents are also traded illegally on the international market,” said Dr. Jared Margulies, assistant professor with the department of geography. “Plants are often traded illegally without proper Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora permits, including on popular online marketplace platforms like Ebay, Etsy, Instagram or Facebook. Recent research published in the journal “Conservation Biology” suggests that within the U.S. and United Kingdom, 10-15% of cactus and succulent collectors, for instance, engage or have previously engaged in some form of illegal wildlife trade in plants.” To schedule an interview, contact Marguiles at jdmargulies@ua.edu.
EVENTS
AL’S PALS TO VISIT CAMPUS — Elementary students involved in the Al’s Pals mentoring program will visit the UA campus March 27-30 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day. The students, guided by their UA student mentors, will tour the Alabama Museum of Natural History, Capstone College of Nursing, College of Engineering labs and Stran-Hardin Arena. Al’s Pals is a mentorship program where UA students are paired with elementary students in the Tuscaloosa city and county school systems to help them complete homework, reinforce reading and math skills, and participate in enrichment and recreational activities. For more information, contact Allison Espey, coordinator of Al’s Pals, at allison.espey@ua.edu.
PUBLIC SKY VIEWING WITH UA PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY — The Astronomy Group within the UA Department of Physics and Astronomy will hold its monthly Public Nights March 29 at Gallalee Hall. Abhipsa Acharya will provide a talk titled, “LORD OF THE RINGS (the LHC) and the study of the Universe” at 7 p.m. in 227 Gallalee Hall. Observing from the rooftop with Dr. Jimmy Irwin will start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to Public Nights is free. Events may be cancelled in case of bad weather/cloudy conditions.
UA THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS ‘FRONTIÈRES SANS FRONTIÈRES’ — The UA Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Frontières Sans Frontières” March 27-April 2 at the Allen Bales Theatre on the UA campus. Take a journey following the character, Win, a resourceful young orphan trying to make ends meet in a war-ravaged country. With only a makeshift shelter to call home, Win and her two younger siblings have had to learn how to survive in the harsh environment of the streets. When outsiders arrive, bringing with them the promise of education and a different life, Win must grapple with the decision of whether to stay in the only home she’s known or take a chance on something new. For more information, contact Justin Sweeney, marketing manager for UA Theatre and Dance, at jssweeney@crimson.ua.edu.
PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION TO HOLD EASTER EGG HUNT — The Alabama Panhellenic Association will hold an Easter egg hunt for the community Sunday, April 2, beginning at 2 p.m. at the President’s Mansion. More than 10,000 candy-filled eggs will be distributed. The event is free and open to children under the age of 12 who are accompanied by an adult. For more information, email uapanhellenicpr@gmail.com.
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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.