UA In the News — April 8

Japanese festival to be held Saturday
Tuscaloosa News – April 8
The University of Alabama Capstone International Center will host the 30th annual Japanese Sakura Festival from 1-4 p.m. Saturday on the green space at Midtown Village on McFarland Boulevard. “The purpose of the festival is to educate the public, the community and our students on campus about Japanese culture,” said Teresa Wise, Capstone International associate provost of international education and global outreach. “We’re always looking to build those connections.” Festival-goers can experience Japanese culture through exhibits and performances. Children can also learn about origami and other traditional Japanese children’s games and activities.

Why April 12 is an important date for the future of Alabama children 
Al.com – April 7
When I am working with mathematics teachers in Alabama classrooms and professional learning groups, I have routinely asked, “How are the Alabama College and Career Readiness Standards (ACCRS) being implemented in your classroom and are students successfully learning mathematics at higher levels than the previous decade’s standards?” As the president of the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM), I have asked our membership to provide input regarding the ACCRS and upcoming professional development opportunities ACTM can provide for teachers of mathematics. (By Jeremy Zelkowski, Ph.D., an associate professor of mathematics education at The University of Alabama, President of the Alabama Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM), and Chair of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Affiliate Relations Committee).

Druid City Arts Festival to be held this weekend
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – April 7
Are you a fan of both the arts and music? Well, then, the Druid City Arts Festival might be just for you. All of the fun takes place this weekend at the Druid City Arts Festival. It began as an idea by Creative Campus at The University of Alabama.

 American journalist and nonfiction writer Rick Bragg
Western Carolina Journalist – April 7
American journalist and nonfiction writer Rick Bragg will be speaking at the Spring Literary Festival on April 7 at 4 p.m. in the UC Theater. He will be reading from a few of his memoirs and speaking about his time as a journalist … Bragg has taught writing in colleges and in newspaper newsrooms and now works as a writing professor at the University of Alabama’s journalism program in its College of Communications and Information Sciences.

Poet Abraham Smith to perform at poetry reading series
Salina Journal (Kansas) – April 7
Abraham Smith, a poet from Ladysmith, Wis., who teaches at the University of Alabama, will be the next featured poet of the Salina Spring Poetry Reading Series, sponsored by Salina Public Library and Salina Arts & Humanities. Smith has authored four books of poetry and his work has appeared widely in journals and anthologies. An informal book signing and visitation will follow the reading.

UA holds Sports Forum
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – April 7
University of Alabama students had the chance to meet with professionals in the sports and entertainment industry today. The forum, held inside Bryant-Denny stadium, included big names like Learfiled Sports, the SEC, and the Bruno Event Team.

UA students hold Secret Garden Soiree
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – April 7
Tuscaloosa residents attended a secret garden event benefitting Secret Meals for Hungry Children. It was held at Kozy’s Fine Dining, and was organized by University of Alabama students studying public relations. The night consisted of dinner, a silent auction and prize drawings.

Politicians Grandstand in Election Year
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – April 7
It is an election year, which means some politicians bring up old issues that legal and political experts believe won’t get very far outside the Alabama legislature. Just over a month to go in the state legislative session. But are bills in the state House intended to make the state better or just more political grandstanding? “This is the type of bill that a politician can go out and campaign on.” Dr. Dana Patton is a political science professor at The University of Alabama.