Nearly 2,000 students set to graduate at the University of Alabama’s summer commencement
Al.com – July 28
The University of Alabama’s summer commencement ceremony is set for Saturday, Aug. 2. More than 1,700 students are degree candidates in the ceremony overseen by the Commencement Marshall James P. Cover, professor in the department of economics, finance, and legal studies in UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and include graduate and undergraduate students from all schools, according to a UA release. The weekend ceremony will be broadcast live over the Internet. The webcast will be archived on this UA website, ua.edu/commencement/, and it will be available for viewing for 30 days following the ceremony.
Tuscaloosa News – July 29
UA political science professor visits Ukraine
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – July 28
A University of Alabama professor recently returned from the region and is now speaking about his experience. Political science professor Mark Nieman recently returned from a two-month trip to the Ukraine to visit family. He says the overall mood of the people is nervous, as they fear an economic collapse and a Russian invasion. He also says people desire closer ties with the west, rather than with Moscow. And, as for flight MH-17, he says it’s unlikely we will ever discover the truth about that disaster: “It will be very difficult to get direct proof; pieces of the plane have already been cut and been damaged by the rebels that are there. It seems very unlikely that we’ll ever have the full story although, we can have a lot of pieces of evidence that point in one direction and that is toward Moscow having some influence with the separatists who shot down the plane.”
UA Chapter of Delta Delta Delta raises more than $200,000 for St. Judes
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – July 28
The University of Alabama chapter of Delta Delta Delta is this year’s top fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital after raising more than $200,000. The Delta Mu Chapter raised $204,414, making them the first Tri-Delta chapter to ever raise more than $200,000. Chapters across the country raised $6.1 million all together. To honor the sorority’s contribution, the hospital will hang a signed UA flag on site in Memphis, the home of the hospital.
UA student plans variety show to raise money for cancer foundation
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – July 28
A University of Alabama student is celebrating life, and her victory over cancer. Kaylee MacKnight is a senior at UA, majoring in musical theatre. Today, she sings, dances, acts, and has her sights set on making it big on Broadway. But, only five short years ago Kaylee was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Doctors told her she probably had it her entire life. Well, today Kaylee is cancer free. And, she’s planning a variety show to celebrate, and to raise money for “This Star Won’t Go Out” foundation. “I just want them all to come out and help raise money for this awesome foundation. Because they send so much money to families of children who are diagnosed with cancer.”
College Prep Tips for High-School Seniors
HobNob Franklin (Franklin, Tenn.) – July 29
Whether you’re an incoming high-school freshman or senior, there are a multitude of things you can do to prepare for college. The University of Alabama’s admissions office offers a few suggestions on how students can better plan for their college future. This is the last of four posts that provide students in each grade level a checklist for college preparation. Seniors: Have you taken the ACT or SAT? If not, take it early in the fall. Colleges consider your coursework and grades throughout your senior year, so keep your grades up. Meet with your guidance counselor again to be sure that your list of colleges still fits. List your top five schools, along with requirements and deadlines for applications, fees, test scores, teacher recommendations, transcripts and essays. Be sure to include the names of important contacts with this list. Look on the websites of your top schools, and find their procedures for applying for admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Prepare applications, write essays and ask teachers and others to write recommendations at least one month before deadlines. Visit your top three schools on their preview days to get an inside look.