Rise School
Planet Weekly – March 6
On October 1, 1974, Rise was funded by the U.S. Office of Health, Education and Welfare as a demonstration program designed to serve young children with physical disabilities from birth to five years of age. The program was one of the first 150 early intervention programs that were federally funded. Located in one room of a house on the campus of The University of Alabama, Rise served 6 young children with a staff that consisted of a teacher, a teacher assistant and a family service coordinator. After three years of federal funding, The University of Alabama funded the program in 1977.
Alabama Supreme Court justices hear cases at UA
Tuscaloosa News—March 6
The Alabama Supreme Court heard cases at the University of Alabama School of Law on Thursday, giving students a chance to see the state’s highest court in session. “We feel like this is a wonderful way for students to see and get a better understanding of how the court operates,” said Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb.The first case was about whether a seat belt supplier to auto manufacturer Kia has sufficient connection to Alabama for the state’s courts to have jurisdiction over it in a case alleging seat belt malfunction. At issue is whether the state has the authority to take legal action against the seat belt supplier.
See also: WVUA Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Law School students got to interact with some supreme guests this morning. Justices of the Alabama Supreme Court were at the University of Alabama School of Law, to argue two cases before students and guests.
Cave home to one of world’s rarest fish
Florence Times Daily – March 6
There are lots of caves around the world, but only one where the Alabama cavefish lives.
Key Cave, which overlooks Pickwick Lake, is the only place on Earth where the small, colorless fish has been found. Scientists from around the Southeast descended into the limestone cave west of Florence on Thursday, searching for Alabama cavefish and other aquatic animals. While high water levels in the cave caused by last week’s rain made it difficult for scientists to dive in the cave’s pools, they were able to locate two Alabama cave fish and several cave crayfish. “The water in the cave is up about three feet. The cave passages are narrow at the top, and when the water is this high, there’s not much room left to snorkel,” said Bernie Kahajda, collections manager for the Department of Biological Sciences, Biodiversity and Systematics, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He spent more than an hour diving in the chilly water of the cave’s pools.
UA journalism professor Keller to retire
Crimson White – March 6
Bill Keller never really wanted to write. When he got out of the U.S. Air Force in 1971 he had no ambition to be a journalist. He graduated from the University with a degree in history and never thought of getting a job in the media. When he moved back to his north Alabama hometown and had to get a job the only two openings were at the local newspaper, The Sand Mountain Reporter, and the local bank.
UA hosts sixth annual Latin Day competition
Crimson White – March 6
his year’s annual Latin Day will be held in the Ferguson Center on the third floor, today beginning at 9:30 a.m. Kirk Summers, professor in the department of modern languages, began Latin Day with his wife Tatiana Summers six years ago. Summers said they started Latin Day as a recruiting tool for high school students to learn more about the classics program here at the University.
24/4 library pilot program in progress
Crimson White – March 6
Starting last semester, a 24-hour library program was implemented by University Libraries in conjunction with SGA. Rodgers Library for Science & Engineering has been open 24 hours, four days of the week in a pilot run of a 24-hour library program instead of 24 hours, seven days a week as originally requested by the SGA. Rodgers Library remains open starting 1 p.m. on Sunday until 2 a.m. Friday morning, said Louis Pitschmann, dean of University Libraries. After that, the library resumes its normal hours.
Bama Dining listens to student input
Crimson White – March 6
Bama Dining is making changes to their facilities on campus based on the feedback received from their online survey and is continuing to reward students who are willing to provide their input. The survey is intended to provide a quick way for students who dine at the facilities on campus to give feedback concerning their experiences with Bama Dining. Marketing Manager for Bama Dining Services, Matthew Mackey, said student input is extremely helpful in order to determine which areas of Bama Dining need improvement.
Talking about a life of writing
Selma Times-Journal – March 6
Growing up in the Black Belt, Mary Ward Brown remembered all too well how the area got its name. She recalls walking in the rich, wet soil and seeing the black, fertile ooze come up between her toes. The wet soil from her childhood in Perry County also seeped into all three of her books — “Tongues of Flame,” “It Wasn’t All Dancing: and Other Stories” and the latest, “Fanning the Spark: a Memoir.” . . . Though University of Kansas City Review published Brown first story, the University of Alabama Press has published all of Brown’s books. Betty Motherwell, a representative from the University of Alabama Press, remembered when she was a marketing manager for Brown and went to meet her in Marion. Brown’s words had already impacted Motherwell, but the author was about to inspire her as well. “I meet her at the Calico Kitchen and from the minute I saw her I knew I was just going to love her,” Motherwell said. “She is just such a kind, gracious person and I know her work will be remembered, but I also think the kindness she bestows will also be part of her legacy.”