MONDAY, APRIL 21 – SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
BEST BETS
E.O. WILSON TO MAKE GIFT ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY, DISCUSS SYMPOSIUM – Dr. E.O. Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist and two-time UA alumnus, will announce today two major gifts he’s making to the University. The announcement, along with an opportunity to talk with Wilson, will be made during a media availability today, April 21, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the University Gallery, Tuscaloosa Cultural Arts Center, 600 Greensboro Ave. He can also discuss the April 22-24 Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Symposium to be held at UA. Representatives from multiple countries and 18 states are scheduled to attend the symposium. Wilson’s latest book will be released internationally April 22. For more information, contact Rebecca Florence, rebecca.florence@ua.edu, 205/348-8663, Chris Bryant, cbryant@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-8323 or Shane Dorrill (broadcast media only).
UA STUDENTS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS GOLDWATER, HOLLINGS SCHOLARSHIPS: The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program has selected two UA students as Goldwater Scholars for 2014-2015. Over the past eight years, UA ranks second among U.S. universities in the number of students receiving scholarships from the Goldwater program. In addition, five UA students have received the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship for 2014-2016. The NOAA awarded 106 scholarships total this year. For more information, visit http://uanews.ua.edu/2014/04/two-ua-students-named-goldwater-scholars-for-2014-15/ or contact Richard LeComte, UA Media Relations at rllecomte@ur.ua.edu or 205/348-3782.
UA PROF DETAILS HOW CHEMICAL DUMPING AFFECTS ANNISTON – The Monsanto Co. held its cards close to the vest, refusing to publicly acknowledge the damage its PCB pollution was doing in Anniston, even though internal memos revealed the company knew about the dangers of its chemical dumping since the 1960s. Now a University of Alabama researcher has written a book that sheds new light on a pollution scandal that resulted in a $700 million legal settlement and—according to the EPA—still affects the bucolic southern city today. Dr. Ellen Griffith Spears’ new book, “Baptized in PCBs: Race, Pollution and Justice in an All-American Town,” looks at a more than 140-year period in Anniston, and it traces how a combination of chemicals, money and people transformed the city into “one of the most toxic towns in the United States,” according to a 2002 60 Minutes report. For more information, contact Bobby Mathews in media relations, 205/348-4956 or bwmathews1@ur.ua.edu.
UA EXPERT TIPS
UA MATTERS: GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR – Gift
planning can be nerve-wracking at any time. But trying to find the perfect gift for a high school senior can be especially troublesome, knowing that you want it to have the cool factor, as well as a heavy dose of purpose – if it’s going to make the cut for what gets packed for college. The University of Alabama’s Janine Gascoigne, marketing coordinator for UA’s Housing and Residential Communities, offers some gift ideas that might be perfect for any graduate, http://uanews.ua.edu/2014/04/ua-matters-graduation-gift-ideas-for-your-high-school-senior/. Contact: UA Media Relations, 205/348-5320
UA’S HEALTH CORNER PROVIDES PRACTICAL HEALTH TIPS – Dr. Marissa Giggie gives some advice to parents on how to spot depression in teenagers in the latest video in UA’s Health Corner, https://vimeo.com/92519924. The video series addresses health topics and provides practical advice and guidance from UA’s expert sources and physicians in the College of Community Health Sciences. A new video topic posts every Wednesday morning. Contact: UA Media Relations, 205/348-5320
LOOKING AHEAD
UA COMMENCEMENT SET FOR MAY 2-3 – The University of Alabama will celebrate spring commencement with ceremonies on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 at Coleman Coliseum. For more information, visit http://registrar.ua.edu/degrees/commencement/ or contact David Miller, UA Media Relations, at 205/348-0825 or dcmiller2@ur.ua.edu.