Bringing Art to Life: An Intergenerational Approach to Alzheimer’s
Huffington Post – April 7
“Each day is a gift. You know you really realize that when you get older,” says Don. Don is one of the many people with Alzheimer’s disease participating in theBringing Art to Life art therapy program at the University of Alabama (UA)- Tuscaloosa. Now in its fifth year, Bringing Art to Life is a special elective Undergraduate Honors course at UA. Developed by neurologist, Daniel C. Potts, M.D., F.A.A.N., in collaboration with the Undergraduate Honors College, and art therapists, including me, Bringing Art to Life gives undergraduate honor students, coming from diverse majors, an opportunity to spend a semester learning about Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Intensive learning comes from both on and off campus as students spend each week getting creative with Art Therapist, Carrie Ezell, who facilitates the art therapy sessions for persons with dementia that are in need of support. The response from students with and without a personal connection to Alzheimer’s has been overwhelmingly positive. Firsthand they see how art therapy and creativity help those with dementia, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
UA Theatre Department to perform ‘Arcadia’
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – April 6
Students in the UA Dance and Theatre Department began rehearsals as they prepare for the upcoming presentation of Arcadia. It won the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play. The critically acclaimed drama explores the connections between past and present through science and humanities set over two centuries on an English estate. Arcadia opens on Monday, April 11 at the Allen Bales Theatre.
Tuscaloosa News – April 7
Crimson White – April 7
University Project Is Creating a Database of Runaway Slave Advertisements
Journal of Blacks in Higher Education – April 5
The Freedom on the Move project, based at Cornell University in New York, aims to compile an extensive database of all runaway slave advertisements that appeared in newspapers during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Leaders of the project estimate that there be as many as 100,000 of these advertisements. . . . Professor Mary N. Mitchell of the University of New Orleans and professor Joshua Rothman of the University of Alabama are collaborating on the project.
UA students to participate in rocket challenge
Tuscaloosa News – April 7
Student volunteers from the University of Alabama College of Engineering will host the Tuscaloosa Rocketry Challenge from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, April 8, at Hillcrest High School’s football field. The challenge is part of an outreach program by the Alabama Students for the Exploration and Development of Space, the local affiliate the national nonprofit organization that aims to educate students in space exploration. About 100 students are expected to compete in the rocketry challenge, and the top three teams will receive a trophy to display at their schools. The winning school will also be allowed to host next year’s rocketry challenge.
HHS students to compete in robotics
Hartselle Enquirer – April 7
Harstelle High School students will be competing in a robotics competition to be held at The University of Alabama on April 9.
Metal sunflower campaign plants seed for conversation
Tuscaloosa News – April 7
Five big metal sunflowers will be on display through April 13 at Tuscaloosa participating businesses, restaurants and organizations in an effort to raise awareness about mental health in West Alabama. “It’s basically a visual for people to say, ‘Hey, what’s that all about?’ It’s a good conversation starter,” said Kathryn Adams, administrative assistant with the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance. Adams said the campaign, dubbed Plant the Seed, is the brainchild of senior public relations students at the University of Alabama. The students chose to create a public relations campaign for the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Alliance as part of a class assignment. . . . UA senior and public relations student Maya Jansen, who helped create the Plant the Seed for her class, said the results of the campaign have been positive so far. “It’s been great to see all the restaurants and businesses and organizations that have been so willing to help us,” Jensen said. “The community has been really good about offering support.”
9 Scientific Explanations for Your Weird Reading Habits
Reader’s Digest – April 5
There’s a name for mouthing out words while you read: subvocalization. You might have picked up this habit as a child, while you were learning to sound out words, but it may actually impair your reading speed today. The University of Alabama’s Center for Academic Success lists this and the actual vocalization of words as reading habits to break, due to a slowing of reading speed. How can you stop? Put your fingers on your lips or vocal cords to be more aware of it.
Honors Week to recognize outstanding students, faculty
Crimson White – April 7
Honors Week will celebrate academically outstanding students from April 3 – 8. A variety of events are part of this annual occasion. According to UA News, there has been extreme growth in the number of students enrolled in the Honors College, but also a significant upgrade in academics in general. “It’s not just Honors College,” said Kirk Walter, assistant director of student involvement. “The vast majority of Honors Week is recognizing student achievement scholastically, with regard to community service, and with regard to leadership.”
Solving the puzzle: Walk for autism seeks to raise money and awareness
Crimson White – April 7
For Allison MacIntyre, a mother of two autistic children, life is full of differences. From ensuring her son isn’t overstimulated by loud noises in the environment to getting enough support from the government, there are constant obstacles to the effective treatment and care of her children. . . . UA ACTS, run by UA Director of Autism Services Sarah Ryan, is a program that seeks to support college students with autism. Ryan stressed the importance of recognizing that individuals with autism have the same goals as their non-autistic fellow students. “They are admitted to the University on their own, so they have the academic ability to do the work they’re being asked to do,” Ryan said. “Usually they just need support in terms of organization, social interaction, and some daily living and career building skills. We pair them with a mentor that meets with them two to three times a week in those four areas.
Druid City Arts Festival shows off city’s personality
Tuscaloosa News – April 7
The seventh annual Druid City Arts Festival returns to Tuscaloosa, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Government Plaza, with music, art, food and family activities, all free. DCAF is joined this year by the Great Tailgate BBQ Cook-Off, the Tour de Tuscaloosa bike race, and the creation of the city’s first official “entertainment district” for the day. . . . DCAF originated with the University of Alabama’s Creative Campus group, which partnered with the city for a year before handing it over to Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports to run.
How technology has changed the job field
Crimson White – April 7
The hiring process can be daunting, especially for college students looking for internships or jobs before and after graduation. However, like many other aspects in today’s ever-changing world, technology is revising the way companies approach finding new employees. “I do think it is very common for employers to use a variety of different forms of technology in their hiring processes,” said Amanda Ingram, assistant director of operations at The University of Alabama Career Center. One of the most common examples of this is the use of social media in reviewing applicants. While many companies take a person’s online presence as a whole into account, LinkedIn is the most popular platform for social media recruiting. A professional network, LinkedIn provides a space to create a professional profile and connect with future employers.