‘Project Runway’ features UA grad
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 14
University of Alabama graduate Anthony Williams will be one of 16 designers on this season’s “Project Runway.” For Williams, who is working as a freelance fashion designer in Atlanta, appearing on the hit reality show will be his first time in the national spotlight. The new season kicks off at 9 tonight on the Lifetime channel…When he was asked to describe his style at his audition in New York, Williams mentioned his Alabama roots. “People think I’m crazy because during my interviews, I remembered the University of Alabama, but I owe my life to UA. That was the best experience I could have ever had before going to ‘Project Runway,’ ”Williams said. “When you come from where I come from, you learn that you have to study the best to be the best, and then you become the best.”… “You have a wonderful story about a fantastic individual who rose up despite all adversities and complications. The story goes all the way back to a UA alumn’s seeing him and really making a connection,” said Milla Boschung, dean of the University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences… “Anthony was an exceptional design student and was always thinking not only of promoting himself but more broadly about promoting the designs of other students. When he organized the first ‘Rock the Runway’ event on campus, we had so many people attend that the fire marshal had to turn away hundreds of people,” Boschung said. Virginia Wimberley, an assistant professor in clothing, textile and interior design at UA, remembers Williams for his ambition and style. “When I got him in draping, he wanted to do gowns but was hungry to learn and took direction well. He would take on projects that were very ambitious but would work and work to get them done,” Wimberley said. “To be successful, you have to be willing to put in that extra mile.”
University of Alabama telescope captures picture of possible near-Earth asteroid
Birmingham News – Jan. 14
…A telescope at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa took the time-lapse picture of the asteroid when it was 174,220 miles away, between 11:41 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to William C. Keel, professor of physics and astronomy at the university…
Alabama business leaders more optimistic, UA survey shows
Birmingham News – Jan. 14
The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama said its Business Confidence Index moved up 1½ points to 48.8, a figure that is up sharply from early 2009. Still, the figure is below the neutral point of 50. “While confidence has risen markedly since lows of around 32 in the first half of 2009, Alabama business executives do not feel that a broadly-defined recovery will be achieved this quarter,” a report says…
FOX6 (Birmingham) – Jan. 13
UA Gets Ready for Celebration
NBC13 (Birmingham) – Jan. 14
…you can watch the celebration live right here on NBC13. The event will be held this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Bryant-Denny stadium.
Stanford professor to discuss human genetics
Crimson White – Jan 14
Carlos D. Bustamante, a professor in genetics from Stanford University, is traveling from Palo Alto, Calif. to the University to address this question. His lecture, titled “Evolutionary Theory in the Age of Genomics,” is the last in the five-part lecture series, Alabama Lectures on Life’s Evolution, or ALLELE, and will take place tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Biology Auditorium…
Career Center offers assistance to students
Crimson White – Jan. 14
…Officials said the UA Career Center is equipped to aid students and alumni with all aspects of the application process. “The goal of the Career Center is to maximize opportunities for students to find internship and full time job opportunities and to felicitate that process,” said Brandon Bowen, employer relations and recruiting manager for the Career Center. “We want to be able to provide as many avenues as possible for students to find employment opportunities, but also prepare students professionally to enter the work force.”…
DCH offers weight-loss program
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 14
…Program helps tailor diet and exercise guidelines to participants’ needs and lifestyles. “The ‘SMART’ foods refer to those foods that are healthier options and a good fit for the person based on someone’s eating personality,” said Suzanne Henson, Slender U instructor and assistant professor in the University of Alabama’s Department of Human Nutrition. SMART stands for “Simplify your approach to weight management; Measure your success; Agree with yourself; Reality checks are necessary; The time is now.”…
Many local residents hope to help Haitian aid effort
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 14
…James Goodlet, associate pastor of campus ministries at First Presbyterian Church…said a group of 12 University of Alabama students who attend First Presbyterian were planning a trip to Haiti in March with nine students from Auburn University to tutor Haitian orphans and former child-slaves. The earthquake has likely changed those plans. “Right now, we just don’t know,” Goodlet said Wednesday, as he listened to news of the quake on the radio. “There’s just not much information. We want to make an informed decision and the best decision for the safety of our students…If we go, I can imagine that the nature of our trip will change fundamentally to relief and aid.” Cathy Andreen, spokeswoman for UA, said no student groups have organized any relief efforts to help Haiti yet, but that could change after the initial shock has worn off. “I think it’s too early,” Andreen said. “There hasn’t been enough time for people to get organized.”