University of Alabama has record-breaking fundraising year
AL.com – Oct. 26
The University of Alabama set a record for gifts and pledges during the last fiscal year, raising more than $120 million. The money, which came from more than 58,000 donors, passes the previous record of $116.4 million set in 2012. The university has averaged about $102 million a year in donations over the last five fiscal years.
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 26
University of Alabama is now a regional autism hub
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – Oct. 26
Things are about to get a lot easier for families of children with autism in West Alabama when it comes to getting services. The University of Alabama is one of the latest in-state schools to put more resources into helping families with members suffering from autism. They and others wanting assistance can call for anything they need, such as training for agencies or consultation services. The state passed legislation outlining the function of the Regional Autism Network more than 10 years ago. Now, the network is moving forward by the creating autism resource hubs within the state’s major universities.
Delgado, University of Alabama partner on distance learning program
New Orleans City Business – Oct. 26
A new partnership allows Delgado Community College graduates to complete a four-year degree at the University of Alabama without leaving Louisiana. The university’s Bama Link program allows students who earn an associate degree from Delgado to apply to the university. Once accepted, they become eligible for a grant that covers tuition for one 3-credit hour course. Full-time faculty and staff at Delgado who want to pursue advanced degrees are also eligible for the grant.
University of Alabama Blackburn Institute students visit Sylacauga, Talladega County
Anniston Star – Oct. 27
SYLACAUGA – Some 50 students with the Blackburn Institute at the University of Alabama spent two days, Wednesday and Thursday, traveling around Talladega County and meeting with industry, city and other leaders, focusing on improving the state and nation.
Death of Malls: What does the future hold for America’s shopping centers?
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – Oct. 26
Thousands of malls and mall-based stores across the country have closed their doors in recent years. The massive buildings are either being left to deteriorate, or they are being transformed into wellness centers, schools, and churches. . . . “Online shopping is really only about 9% or 10% of total retail sales,” said Kristy Reynolds, a Bruno Professor of Marketing and Marketing Department Head at the University of Alabama. “There’s somebody shopping in stores. It’s just a lot different.”However, the internet–and the new generation of shoppers that use it–does have an impact. For one, price comparisons are just a click away.
2017 Miss Alabama to emcee Christmas on the Coosa pageant
Wetumpka Herald – Oct. 26
Wetumpka’s annual Christmas on the Coosa pageant, an event of local prominence for years, will have statewide attention now that Miss Alabama 2017 Jessica Proctor has agreed to emcee the Oct. 28 affair. . . . Procter, who is a vocalist and a speaker, is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (focus on music and communications) and a minor in psychology at the University of Alabama. She is a graduate of Northridge High School, where she achieved a 32 on her ACT.
New trustees and member universities for Boulder’s UCAR
Boulder Daily Camera – Oct. 26
Three new trustees are joining the board of the Boulder-based University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. According to a news release, UCAR is also welcoming seven new member universities, bringing the membership for the nonprofit consortium to 117 universities and colleges across North America, focusing on research and education in Earth system science. . . . The new member universities are University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Duke University; Louisiana State University; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Massachusetts, Lowell; and University of Saskatchewan.
University of Alabama Receives DOJ Grant to Combat Human Trafficking
Yellowhammer News – Oct. 26
According to a press release from the University of Alabama, the University’s School of Social Work has received a $1.35 million grant from the United States Department of Justice to help young Alabamians who are victims of human sex trafficking.
Researchers use innovative lab to study storm shelter designs
Phys.org – Oct. 26
Storm shelters are an expensive and time-consuming add-on when building a home. To save time and money, sometimes homeowners and builders skimp on the protection they provide from high-winds from tornadoes or hurricanes. What if a homeowner could have the protection at a more affordable price? Answering that question is the goal of research inside an innovative University of Alabama lab designed to help the construction and insurance industries.