University of Alabama works to expand ties with Cuba
Associated Press – Feb. 7
The University of Alabama is trying to expand its ties with Cuba. University trustees have approved the establishment of the Center for Cuba Collaboration and Scholarship at the campus in Tuscaloosa. The center builds on work by the Alabama-Cuba Initiative. That’s a program which has established educational ties between the university and Cuba for the last 13 years. Cuban researchers and artists have visited the university, and Alabama students have been able to study abroad in Cuba since 2009. The new effort will continue the development of scholarly activities linking the university and Cuba. Trustee approval of the program follows the Obama administration’s move to improve relations with the communist-run island 90 miles south of Key West.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 6
NBC-13 (Birmingham) – Feb. 6
WPMI-NBC (Mobile) – Feb. 6
UA wins another award for beautiful campus
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 6
The University of Alabama has received another award for its beautiful campus. According to bestcollegesonline.org, UA has the 15th most beautiful campus in the south. The website rates campuses based on other awards and recognitions, student experience and other features. The site says that The University of Alabama boasts “antebellum southern charm.”
College News
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 8
JoAnn Oliver, an associate professor in the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing, was selected to participate in the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International Experienced Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy.
Same-sex marriages proceed in Alabama as state judge’s order is defied
New York Times – Feb. 9
Amid conflicting signals from federal courts and the chief justice of Alabama’s Supreme Court, some Alabama counties began granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday in a legal showdown with echoes of the battles over desegregation in the 1960s. In major county seats like Birmingham, Montgomery and Huntsville, same-sex couples lined up outside courthouses as they opened and emerged smiling after being wed. … But in at least 50 of Alabama’s 67 counties, the county Probate Courts, which issue the licenses, were not giving them to gay and lesbian couples, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group. Many Probate Court judges declined to grant any marriage licenses. … A Federal District Court judge, Callie V. Granade, ruled last month that Alabama’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, but put her ruling on hold until Monday, to give the state a chance to appeal. On Sunday night, the state’s chief justice, Roy S. Moore, sent an order to county probate judges stating that they could not “issue or recognize a marriage license that is inconsistent” with state law. But on Monday morning, the United States Supreme Court refused the state’s request to stay Judge Granade’s order pending the outcome of the state’s appeal. … Ronald Krotoszynski, a constitutional law professor at the University of Alabama School of Law, said, “the issuance of marriage licenses is quintessentially an executive, not a judicial, action,” calling into question whether Chief Justice Moore has any say over it. … Few here doubt the force of Chief Justice Moore’s belief that Judge Granade’s orders hold only “persuasive authority,” and not binding power, on Alabama judges. “My guess is that is actually the way Roy Moore sincerely understands the federal-state relationship,” said Joseph Smith, a judicial politics expert at the University of Alabama. “He’s also an elected politician, and he knows who his constituency is.”
Alabama gay marriages OK’d after court order
CNN – Feb. 9
Gay marriage is moving forward in the heart of the South on Monday after the Supreme Court denied a request from Alabama for a delay. The Supreme Court’s move makes Alabama the 37th state to allow gay marriage. It comes ahead of a decision expected later this year that could expand marriage rights to gay couples across the country. … Ronald Krotoszyniski, a professor at the University of Alabama School of Law, said that if a probate judge were to refuse to grant a license, the couple seeking to marry could go to federal court to seek enforcement of the district court order. “I think the federal court would respond favorably to the request and issue an injunction requiring the probate judge to respect the district court order. My guess, is that the probate judge would be subject to fines,” he said.
OPINION: A judge Alabama can be proud of
Washington Post – Feb. 6
William Faulkner famously observed that, in the South, “the past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Faulkner’s observation aptly describes contemporary events in Alabama, where Chief Justice Roy Moore has been urging officials, including state court judges, to flout a federal court order holding unconstitutional a provision of the Alabama constitution that bans the recognition of same-sex marriages. Moore has denounced the ruling of U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. “Ginny” Granade as an example of “judicial tyranny” and promises that he “will continue to recognize the Alabama Constitution and the will of the people overwhelmingly expressed in the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.” In his view, “lower federal courts are without authority to impose their own interpretation of federal constitutional law upon the state courts,” and “there’s nothing in the Constitution that allows the United States Supreme Court or federal district courts to redefine marriage.” Moore’s constitutional logic is deeply flawed. Simply put, under the Constitution, federal law is supreme. It necessarily follows that an order from a federal court that enjoins state officers from enforcing an unconstitutional provision of state law binds all officers of the state. To its credit, the Alabama Probate Judges Association has recognized that it must comply with Granade’s order. Probate Judge Greg Norris, president of the association, said that it is “clear” that Granade’s injunction binds all state officers. Ronald J. Krotoszynski Jr. is a professor at the University of Alabama School of Law. He served as a clerk to Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. from 1991 to 1992.
Stream of foreign wealth flows to elite New York real estate
New York Times – Feb. 8
Behind the dark glass towers of the Time Warner Center looming over Central Park, a majority of owners have taken steps to keep their identities hidden, registering condos in trusts, limited liability companies or other entities that shield their names. By piercing the secrecy of more than 200 shell companies, The New York Times documented a decade of ownership in this iconic Manhattan way station for global money transforming the city’s real estate market. Many of the owners represent a cross-section of American wealth: chief executives and celebrities, doctors and lawyers, technology entrepreneurs and Wall Street traders. But The Times also found a growing proportion of wealthy foreigners, at least 16 of whom have been the subject of government inquiries around the world, either personally or as heads of companies. The cases range from housing and environmental violations to financial fraud. Four owners have been arrested, and another four have been the subject of fines or penalties for illegal activities. . . . Nothing in the genesis of limited liability companies suggested they would be used to purchase personal real estate, said Susan Pace Hamill, a University of Alabama professor who worked on L.L.C. policy while at the Internal Revenue Service in the 1990s. However, L.L.C.s are now commonly used in real estate for privacy, wealth transfer or shared ownership.
Governor Robert Bentley speaks at UA
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 6
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley addressed medical students at The University of Alabama during the annual Susan and Gaylon McCullough Medical Scholars Forum. The doctor-turned-governor discussed the importance of leadership in medicine during the conference which is designed to prepare students pursuing medical and health science professions for the future.
Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama mark Power of Pink event this week
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 9
Buildings around campus and Tuscaloosa will be glowing pink this week leading up to the University of Alabama’s Power of Pink gymnastics meet against Boise State on Feb. 13. Coleman Coliseum, the UA Recreation Center, Ferguson Center, Denny Chimes and buildings around the UA Quad will be illuminated with pink lights to raise awareness of breast cancer as part of an annual effort that is tied to the gymnastics meet. The effort has now grown to include buildings and businesses around Tuscaloosa, said Craig Wedderspoon, associate professor of sculpture at UA, who leads the lighting effort.
On pointe: Annual dance concert to return to UA on Tuesday
Crimson White – Feb. 9
After months of twice-weekly rehearsals lasting up to three hours each, students in the University’s department of theatre and dance will take the stage this week to perform pieces choreographed by the faculty members they’ve worked closely with throughout their University careers. Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre will return to Morgan Auditorium for the spring concert this Tuesday, featuring choreography from five professors in the department of theater and dance. “Throughout all of it, the students are truly amazing,” said Rebecca Salzer, a first-time faculty choreographer. “You will be uplifted by their versatility, virtuosity, strength and passion.” The ARDT Concert was created about 20 years ago by Cornelius Carter, director of the dance program and artistic director of ARDT. Every year the faculty members in ARDT showcase their ideas and help students gain professional experience on the stage.
Student organization encourages positivity
Crimson White – Feb. 9
Opening doors for others, pulling out chairs and smiling at strangers are just a few of the acts Crimson Kindness is encouraging students and faculty to participate in across campus for Random Acts of Kindness Week. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s international celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Week lasts from Feb. 9 through Feb. 15. Crimson Kindness will be celebrating on campus with various events throughout the week. RAK Week serves as a full week celebrating kindness. “On the surface, it’s a week dedicated to performing simple acts of kindness,” said Kelsey Gryniewicz, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation communications director. “But really, it’s an opportunity to make kindness the norm instead of the exception.”
New group of State Troopers on Alabama Highways
NBC-13 (Birmingham) – Feb. 6
Alabama has new state troopers. The first trooper class since 2010 graduated on Thursday. That now gives Alabama 419 troopers, but that is still far less than the 871 officers suggested in a study by The University of Alabama.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Feb. 6
Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra’s Jenny Mann takes the helm
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 9
Most if not all of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra’s executive directors have been musicians, those with extra skills in management and administration, in addition to teaching and performance craft. But Jenny Mann may be the first full-time TSO musician who’s simultaneously held the top job, collaborating with music director Adam Flatt on seasons, working with the TSO Board and TSO Guild to promote and provide for the symphony. She took the job Dec. 19 after Jessica Davis-Tagg left to join her husband at Indiana University, where he’d been offered a faculty position. “I think it will be an advantage from the standpoint of knowing what questions to ask,” said Mann, assistant professor of bassoon at the University of Alabama, principal bassoonist with the TSO and a member of the Cavell Reed Trio and Capstone Woodwind Quintet, among others. “I know well what sort of literature I can steer Adam toward, because I know what our strengths are.
Book arts program brings writing, art together in display
Crimson White – Feb. 9
When students at The University of Alabama have questions, the first place many look for an answer is the Internet. If that fails, they consult a book. A handful of UA students go a step further and make books themselves as part of the University’s Master of Fine Arts program in book arts. The students’ work will be on display on the fifth floor of Gorgas Library until Feb. 22. When the University’s book arts program was established in the late 1970s, it was the first of its kind in the country. Housed on the fifth floor of Gorgas Library, the program is run through the school of library and information studies in the College of Communication and Information Sciences. Steve Miller, a book arts professor and the MFA program coordinator, said the process of making a book is about more than the object itself. “It really is a kind of human artifact when it’s done,” he said. “The kind of books that are made by hand here seem like the ones that are going to last for a very, very long time when most books sort of disappear and get digitized.”
Creative Campus encourages cultural arts around UA
Crimson White – Feb. 9
Five Creative Campus interns returned last Saturday from the “Emerging Creatives Student Summit” conference put on by the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities in Richmond, Virginia, to bring new ideas to the University of Alabama campus. Creative Campus is a student-centered arts organization that serves as a voice for the cultural arts. There are currently 36 students in the UA chapter who are actively involved in making an effort to connect with faculty members and others within the Tuscaloosa community to take action and apply creative thinking. “Being a Creative Campus intern opens up opportunities,” said Jessica Shieh, a sophomore majoring in marketing and international studies and Creative Campus intern. “Not only for a huge amount of self-directed personal and professional growth, but also for the chance to be proactive in brining something unique and culturally stimulating to our campus.”
OSM to launch new publication
Crimson White – Feb. 9
The Office of Student Media is planning a new publication for The University of Alabama this fall. A magazine targeted toward college women is in the works. The magazine will cover topics such as fashion, food, music, film, books, sports, electronics, decorating, lifestyle, entertainment, design and travel. “This magazine is not about news,” said Mark Mayfield, associate director of the Office of Student Media. “It’s about features, it’s about lifestyle, it’s about the buzz in the fashion world, the buzz in entertainment.” Mayfield said the goal is to target this specific demographic because it often falls through the cracks. Paul Wright, director of the Office of Student Media, said people in their late teens to mid-20s don’t necessarily have a magazine specifically geared to them, with Seventeen being too young and Cosmo generally aiming at an older audience.
Food app offers more options
Crimson White – Feb. 9
Starting this week, hungry Alabama students will have a new option for fast late-night fare. Crunchbutton, a new app-based food delivery service, will begin serving students this Thursday at 6 p.m. “This is a really exciting new opportunity for students,” said Rebecca Fleisig, a freshman majoring in advertising who serves as the California-based company’s marketing intern for the Tuscaloosa division of Crunchbutton. “Our system is really unique and I think it will result in a faster and better dining experience for students.” To order, students can download a free app from the Apple App Store and choose a variety of menu options from places like Chipotle, Panera, McDonald’s and Taco Casa. Then a student driver working for the company places and picks up the order before delivering it. “We go to restaurants that Crimson2Go doesn’t cover like Chipotle and Panera,” said Kayla Branum, a freshman majoring in English who works as a Crunchbutton driver.
UA musical theatre graduate takes on Broadway
Crimson White – Feb. 9
Nick Burroughs, who graduated from The University of Alabama in May 2014 as a musical theatre major, is living his dream of performing on Broadway. Burroughs, who spent four years at the University, said he has taken away invaluable experiences and lessons from his time on campus. “I learned so much about myself, my craft and just life itself as a student in the musical theater department of The University of Alabama,” he said. “I will always cherish my college experience and the training that successfully got me where I am today.” Burroughs said his teachers were some of the most valuable contributors to his success. “The most valuable class I took would have to be Seth Panitch’s Shakespeare class,” he said. “I learned so much about myself as a performer that I didn’t know I was capable of. Although I was just a musical theatre major I got to audit a choreography class in Cornelius [Carter]‘s class. That taught me so much as dancer and choreographer, which is something I hope to do more in my career.”
A book 7 years in the making
New York Times News Service – Feb. 8
Fine-press books date back centuries. The genre’s modern era is usually traced to the British Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century and William Morris’ Kelmscott Press. Since the 1970s, it has undergone a renaissance that is largely U.S.-based and began with William Everson’s 1975 “Granite & Cypress,” a collection of Robinson Jeffers’ poetry that Everson published through his Lime Kiln Press. The book was packaged in a cypress wood box, complete with cypress stand, in effect monumentalizing it sculpturally. In the four decades since, the book arts have blossomed at universities across the country, including the master of fine arts programs at the University of Alabama and the University of Iowa.
Student news
Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star – Feb. 8
Brett Peterson of Stafford County was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2014 semester at University of Alabama.