At Farnborough, Alabama universities play role in aerospace talks
Made in Alabama (Alabama Department of Commerce) – July 16
Team Alabama’s secret weapon at the Farnborough International Airshow is the state’s education community, which has played a strong supporting role in efforts to recruit new aerospace investment and jobs at the industry’s global trade event. Representatives from the University of Alabama, UAH, and Auburn University participated in rounds of company meetings on Monday and Tuesday, as did Dr. Mark Heinrich, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, which is deeply involved in workforce development programs. … Dr. Chuck Karr, dean of the University of Alabama’s School of Engineering, said the state’s universities are united in efforts to support aerospace companies in the state. “I have never seen the universities within the state have as good a working relationship as they have right now,” said Dr. Karr, who is in Farnborough with the UA team. … “Eventually you will see an aerospace network that is as well developed as the automotive network in the state,” said Dr. Sam Addy, director of UA’s Center for Business and Economic Research. Dr. Carl Pinkert, UA’s vice president for research, said university partnerships with aerospace companies will help these companies find success in Alabama while also stimulating the creation of research centers – and the high-paying jobs that they produce. “We want to bring in the research, engineering, design jobs,” Pinkert said.
Having mastered auto, Tuscaloosa targets aerospace
Made in Alabama (Alabama Department of Commerce) – July 11
Twenty years after Tuscaloosa landed a Mercedes-Benz assembly plant that turned Alabama into an automotive powerhouse, the city is ramping up efforts to recruit another advanced manufacturing sector: aerospace. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox and officials from the city and county will travel with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (TCIDA) and a larger Alabama delegation to next week’s Farnborough International Air Show to build relationships with aerospace and aviation companies in hopes of bringing in new jobs and capital investment. … Maddox said the Tuscaloosa team headed to the air show will focus its efforts not solely on the manufacturing side of aerospace, but also on the technology side, thanks to the presence of the University of Alabama, which can become a partner to aerospace firms setting up shop in the area. …
EDITORIAL: Patterson leaves UA gymnastics in tip-top shape
Tuscaloosa News – July 17
Dana Duckworth has an unenviable task ahead of her; just ask Ray Perkins. Following a legend is never easy. And that is exactly what Duckworth, the University of Alabama’s next gymnastics coach, must do. Sarah Patterson didn’t coach Alabama gymnastics. She was Alabama gymnastics. It was an afterthought, perhaps even a program doomed to extinction, when she arrived on campus in 1978. It is now a national brand. UA gymnastics is to NCAA women’s gymnastics what UA football is to college football — a dynasty. … UA gymnastics had no history when Patterson arrived. She molded what it is from the humblest beginnings. Who would have dreamed when she arrived that her gymnasts would compete to the roar of 15,000 voices in Coleman Coliseum? There’s one more thing — and this, more than anything, might bring a smile to her old boss’s face — she won while upholding the highest standards of integrity, class and sportsmanship. She never took the low road, even when it would have been ever-so tempting and understandable to do so. There was never a moment when Alabama fans and alumni weren’t proud to have Sarah Patterson representing them.
UA’s Insurance Day scheduled Oct. 8
Tuscaloosa News – July 17
The University of Alabama will host its annual Insurance Day, also known as I-DAY, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Bryant Conference Center. Guest speakers include: George Nichols, senior vice president of New York Life, who will discuss “The Regulatory Landscape — Today and the Future.” Ernie Csiszar, former CEO of Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and now a professor at the University of South Carolina, who will discuss “Where Are We Now and What’s Next.” Tom Tropp, corporate vice president of Arthur J. Gallager Co., who will discuss “Ethics as Risk Management.” John Croyle, founder and executive director of Big Oak Ranch, who will be the luncheon speaker.
Three area students earn college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships
Florence Times Daily – July 17
For three area students, the will to succeed academically at the highest level prevailed and as National Merit Scholarship winners, college costs won’t be an issue. The National Merit Scholarship finalists for the college-sponsored scholarships are this year’s graduates, Dalton Kerby of Muscle Shoals High School … Kerby will attend The University of Alabama where he’ll pursue a degree in telecommunications and film.
UA works with ALDOT to help fans navigate road construction
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) — July 16
As for the football games, I spoke with a representative for the University of Alabama, who tells me they work very closely with ALDOT specifically on game day. In addition to keeping people informed about roadwork, the university goes to great lengths to make sure people are informed about parking and other logistics before attending a game. . . . Gina Johnson works in game-day operations for the University of Alabama. She says her department tries not to leave any stone unturned when it comes to preparing for game-days. They’ve even got the scoop on any potential traffic hiccups. “We’re working very closely with ALDOT and TDOT to make sure that our fans have access ingress and egress.” In fact, Johnson says, they’ve already spoken about specific road projects expected to be under way during the fall that could have a potential impact on game-day traffic flow.
UA Tailgate Party coming to downtown Huntsville (live interview)
WHNT-CBS (Huntsville) – July 16
A big tailgate party is coming to downtown Huntsville for Tide fans. Everyone is welcome, and the cause is extra special. Here is Shea Spiers with University of Alabama Alumni Association of Madison County. The tailgate party is July 25. It’s on the square in downtown Huntsville. It runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday night.