Ripple Effect Spreads the Kindness Around September 5, 2017 Written by Cathy Butler-Burnette 1 min read XFacebookLinkedInEmail Ripple Effect engages hundreds of students in and around Tuscaloosa. The annual day of service is part of the Week of Welcome. Volunteers painted and cleaned at Tuscaloosa Magnet School. The gardens at the UA Arboretum received tender loving care. Students even helped build a pond at Woodland Forrest Elementary School. Learning to serve is one way UA empowers students to be change agents.