Retirement not the end of helping UA for veteran administrator
Crimson White – Nov. 30
Pam Parker first graduated from The University of Alabama in 1980, but she never really left. She began working for the National Alumni Association in 1986 and, over the past 25 years, has risen to become one of the University’s highest-ranking administrators. Serving as the Vice President for Advancement since 2006, Parker has been responsible for leading the University’s development efforts and serving as its chief fundraiser. Now, she is making plans for continued involvement at the Capstone after she officially retires this week.
Pi Beta Phi promotes literacy at Holt Elementary
Crimson White – Nov. 30
Alabama’s chapter of Pi Beta Phi sorority has partnered with Holt Elementary School to implement the six-week Champions are Readers (CAR) program, designed to help students enhance their reading levels. Pi Beta Phi started the CAR program at Holt three years ago as part of its national philanthropy campaign for literacy. Members of the sorority travel to Holt Elementary every Friday to read with students in three different third grade classrooms.
Alabama immigration law blamed for drop in construction jobs
Birmingham News – Nov. 30
Alabama’s construction industry is losing jobs faster than almost every state in the nation, and industry experts say some of the losses are due to the state’s strict new immigration law. Figures from the Associated General Contractors, an Arlington, Va.-based trade group, showed that construction-related employment in Alabama has fallen from 85,900 in June, when the law was passed, to 80,700 in October. . . . Ahmad Ijaz, an economist for the University of Alabama, said he believes the immigration law probably had some impact on construction industry job losses across the state, but a slowdown in both industrial and commercial projects also played a major role. “Financing is still very hard to get for most commercial projects,” Ijaz said. “It was way over-built prior to the recession, judging by the high vacancy and delinquency rates in existing commercial properties.”
Growing number of international students call UA home
Crimson White – Nov. 30
… the University of Alabama ranked above Auburn in a different classification than football. In 2011, more international students chose to study at UA. According to the Institute of International Education, only 1,022 students chose Auburn while 1,036 chose UA. “The international student enrollment has grown steadily in the past five years,” said Katie Gilbert, director at Capstone International. “The largest population is currently from China.” According to the IIE, more than one fourth of foreign students in Alabama are from China. India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Japan follow as the top five countries of origin for incoming students in Alabama…
Resonance to perform hit songs with live band
Crimson White – Nov. 30
Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, Tina Turner and Michael Buble are all considered great performers, but it’s unlikely any of them will ever grace a stage at the University of Alabama. What the University does have is the University of Alabama Show Choir, Resonance. Resonance is a singing and dancing group that started in the fall of 2008. Going on its fourth year, Resonance has grown to be a 40-member male and female show choir.