UA fundraising drive hits goal
Tuscaloosa News – July 18
Donations from two women to the University of Alabama pushed its major fundraising effort past the $500 million goal, a year ahead of schedule. At the end of June, UA collected $512 million for the “Our Students, Our Future” campaign, university administrators announced Thursday. “While we’ve met the goal, we’re still not through,” said Pam Parker, vice president for university advancement. The $500 million goal is more than double that of the university’s last capital campaign, which ended in 1998 and raised $224 million… “This campaign’s success is a result of our focused intensity on campaign goals and a shared vision for the university’s future,” said Witt in a statement…the two women, who wished to remain anonymous, approached UA staff with donations totaling $17 million that they promised to leave UA in their wills…$250 million for scholarships the largest unreached target. Through June, $203 million towards scholarships has been pledged or donated, Parker said. The campaign ends in June 2009…
Alabama ranks near the top in obesity
Tuscaloosa News – July 18
Alabama residents are among the fattest in the nation, according to a new government survey…“It’s not a big surprise,” said John Jackson, manager of fitness and research at the University of Alabama’s recreation center. “We just continue to get fatter and fatter as a state.”…
Alabama gymnast earns Arthur Ashe award
Tuscaloosa News – July 18
Alabama Gymnast Ashley O’Neal has been named a 2008 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar by “Diverse Issues in Higher Education” magazine….honor undergraduate students of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination. To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities.
Meals on Wheels and a U of A Angel
Tuscaloosa News (Tusk Magazine) – July 18 (Print version only)
…Heather Burt, a four year volunteer. Heather is a U of A graduate who will be entering grad school this fall….Heather’s route took just a few minutes longer because her recipients are so happy to see her smiling face….Meals on Wheels…is a great volunteer situation for college students….