UA plays role in program to enhance teaching of physics
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
Some educators believe physics is a fundamental science that can serve as a foundation for other subjects. Without early exposure to that knowledge base, students may not develop an interest in or understanding of the subject matter, a challenge several researchers at the University of Alabama hope to address. UA is a partner in a five-year, $8 million grant from the National Science Foundation that aims to enhance physics teaching in Alabama high schools, as well as increase the number of students pursuing high school physics teaching as a career.
UA athletics’ graduation success rate rises
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
The University of Alabama’s Graduation Success Rate score rose to 85 this year, again exceeding acceptable standards for completion of undergraduate studies nationally for the period covering student-athletes who attended the University during 2002-05, according to figures released by the NCAA. Of Alabama’s 16 intercollegiate athletics programs, six — women’s golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball as well as men’s swimming and diving — achieved perfect scores of 100. Overall, eight Alabama programs recorded a GSR score of at least 90, and 12 were over 80. The Alabama women’s rowing program is not included in this survey as it did not become a scholarship sport at UA until 2006.
UA homecoming events include Friday pep rally and bonfire, Saturday parade
AL.com – Oct. 25
Homecoming weekend at the Capstone will feature a number of traditional events as the Tide football team gets set for a matchup in Bryant-Denny Stadium with Mississippi State at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The homecoming queen will be announced at the pep rally and bonfire on the Quad Friday night, and the parade will run from downtown Tuscaloosa through campus Saturday afternoon.
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 25
Historian recounts battle
Jackson (Miss.) Sun – Oct. 26
Civil War historian George C. Rable detailed a devastating Christmas for the families of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862 in a lecture at Union University on Thursday. Rable said the battle, which resulted in more than 12,000 casualties, was fought in Fredericksburg, Va., two weeks before Christmas from Dec. 11-15, 1862. He said the battle signified a low point for the Union army. Rable said the families of soldiers packed Christmas boxes to send to their sons.
Author of Forrest Gump set to speak at UA next week
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – Oct. 25
The author of “Forrest Gump” is scheduled to speak at the University of Alabama. The Tuscaloosa News reports (http://bit.ly/QHNq3l) that Winston Groom will speak at noon on Oct. 29 at the Ferguson Theater on the campus. The event is free and open to the public. Groom is a 1965 University of Alabama graduate. He is expected to discuss the influence of the university and football on his writing. Groom published “Forrest Gump” in 1986. The book was adapted into a 1994 film starring Tom Hanks. Groom also is the author of more than a dozen other books, including “The Crimson Tide,” an illustrated history of the team.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 25
WAKA-CBS (Montgomery) – Oct. 25
Quirky ‘A New Brain’ starts at University of Alabama Monday
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
The University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance is set to open its production of William Finn’s semi-autobiographical musical, “A New Brain,” directed by Jimmy Kontos, on Monday in the Allen Bales Theatre. The quirky and heartfelt comedy follows a young composer, Gordon Schwinn, as he undergoes treatment for a deadly brain disorder. Days before being rushed to the hospital, Gordon struggles to complete a song for the children’s television show “Mr. Bungee’s Lilly Pad.” To take a break and clear his mind, Gordon meets his agent, who is also his best friend, for lunch. Gordon complains of a headache, collapses face first into his pasta and is rushed to the ER. He wakes in a hospital room surrounded by his mother, friends, doctors and nurses who tell him that he has an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, and will need to have surgery.
AL.com — Oct. 25
Alabama justice ousted over Ten Commandments may reclaim post
Reuters – Oct. 26
The Alabama Supreme Court chief justice who was removed from office for refusing to take down a Ten Commandments monument appears well-positioned to regain his post in the November 6 election. Republican Roy Moore became a hero for many conservatives after he was booted from the state’s high court in 2003, and political observers say he has a solid chance at another victory in the heavily Republican state known for its Christian electorate. . . . “It’ll come down to whether voters will be willing to split their tickets,” said Bill Stewart, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Alabama. “But I have a hunch that Moore will win.”
John Prine to play Bama Theatre tonight
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 26
Lyrical legend and American treasure John Prine will play the Bama Theatre at 8 tonight. Four decades since his debut as a singer-songwriter, Prine has won two Grammys and been one of the few songwriters to be honored by the Library of Congress, reading and performing there, based on a recommendation of U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser. . . . Jeremy Butler, host of Alabama Public Radio’s “All Things Acoustic,” has been a Prine fan for around 40 years. Butler is also an expert on folk music and a professor in the University of Alabama’s Telecommunication and Film department. “I’m drawn to Prine because of his skill in writing lyrics,” Butler said. “His music is evocative, and he brings out meaning so effectively. Prine is sort of like Bob Dylan or Neil Young because of his distinct voice that isn’t classically trained or considered ‘beautiful.’ ”
Vice president of marketing for Hugo Boss visits Tuscaloosa
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 25
A team member of world famous fashion designer hugo boss paid a special visit to Tuscaloosa. Ward Simmons is the marketing for Hugo Boss. The company focuses on designer apparel. Simmons was the guest speaker at the women s division of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama as they met for its annual fall luncheon. . . . Simmons graduated from the University of Alabama in 1991, and says he was excited to return to Tuscaloosa for this event.
Probate judge candidate speaks at UA
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 25
Today students at the University of Alabama got to hear the platform of a local candidate today at the Ferguson Center Forum. Sheriff Ted Sexton spoke s plans for Tuscaloosa County. Sexton is running for the office of probate judge. He has been the sheriff of Tuscaloosa County for more than 20 years. Two weeks ago, incumbent Hardy McCollum spoke with the students. Election Day is Nov. 6.