University of Alabama students win at Campus MovieFest
Tuscaloosa News – July 8
A team of University of Alabama students won best film at the international Campus MovieFest. The team’s short film “Wieder ‘Zam” offers a vignette of an elderly World War II veteran as his memory drifts to his experiences to the waning days of the war. The UA team included Sean Dave, a telecommunication and film and marketing graduate from Kapolei, Hawaii; Matt Leddo, a telecommunication and film student from Northport; Chris Bellinger, a theater major from Tuscaloosa; Carlos Estrada, a New College graduate from Northport; Erin Torgerson, a telecommunication and film student from Chesterfield, Mo; Sophie Rhodes, an international exchange student from Weybridge, United Kingdom; and Kyle Goodin, a telecommunication and film student from Deatsville. Benjamin Middaugh, an emeritus music professor, was also involved in the production. The annual student film competition, workshop and other related events were from June 19-22 at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif., and included nearly 1,000 student filmmakers, family and friends from 60 participating college campuses.
Youth camp teaches media literacy
Crimson White – July 9
The Health Communication Research Lab’s nutrition camp for elementary school children, which starts July 14, is fun and games on the outside, but results from years of research and a passion for decreasing childhood obesity and improving health literacy and body image
in children. Bissell said the camp’s true mission, if nothing else, is a community service effort to help kids see how to make healthy choices and become more attuned to how powerful a role the media can play in health and wellness. “If you teach them to be more aware of these decisions – whether it is health, food or exercise – if you teach them now instead of five or six years down the road, it resonates with the kids,” said Kim Bissell, director of the Health Communication Research Lab. “If you can put [learning] in the context of games and having fun, it can put a whole different outlook on it.” The campers will learn how to correctly read nutrition labels, find the true meaning of food advertisements and discuss how these promotions are perceived by
children, she said. A team of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students will lead the camp. Perrin Lowrey, a junior majoring in psychology, is interested in the physiology of psychology and will administer a heart rate monitor as an activity for the campers. “I’m interested to see how different sorts of media influence kids’ behavior, I think, especially because they are so impressionable, and a lot of the media exposure that they have is unregulated by various
sources,” Lowrey said.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – July 8
Businesses launch at The Edge
Crimson White – July 9
The Edge, a center for entrepreneurship and innovation, has helped Tuscaloosa natives and UA students grow their businesses. “The University’s role [in getting involved with The Edge] is giving students a unique learning experience by connecting them with businesses and solving real world business problems,”said Mary Patterson, director of the Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network. About half of the businesses residing in The Edge are owned and operated by UA students. The Edge caters to businesses that started less than two years ago. They provide business seminars and funding connections, which Patterson said is a main problem for businesses. “The first thing we would do for a business is have a conference and develop a business plan,” Patterson said. “Then, connect to resources to get research about competition and do a [Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats] analysis to see if it’s a viable business idea.” The Edge provides incubation space, an affordable office space with available audiovisual equipment and administrative support. John Oberkor, founder of Forza Financial and UA MBA student, was one of the first tenants in the incubation space. “[The incubation space] helps you operate your business until it is ready to expand further,” Oberkor said.
Former professor remembered as an energetic, multi-talented educator
Crimson White – July 9
J.B. McMinn was a man of many interests. In the 30 years he taught philosophy at The University of Alabama, McMinn became the chair of the philosophy department, published a book of poetry, took students on trips to Europe and even wrote an alternate version of The University of Alabama’s fight song. McMinn was 91 years old when he passed away on April 24, earlier this year. McMinn was originally from Port Naches, Texas, and his first pursuit was in Theology. McMinn’s son, Robert McMinn, said his father was working in New Orleans when he decided to pursue a different path. “He was a theology professor at the Southern Baptist Seminary in New Orleans, and when he left that department, theology, he decided to pursue a philosophical background,” Robert McMinn said. “He got his Ph. D. and accepted his assignment at the University.” J. B. McMinn came to The University of Alabama in 1960. He taught a variety of courses in the philosophy department, including logic, history of philosophy, ancient philosophy, modern philosophy and introductory
philosophy courses. Scott Hestevold, current chair of the philosophy department, said he
remembers McMinn as an energetic and enthusiastic educator. “I met Billy McMinn when I arrived on campus as a young assistant professor in 1978,” Hestevold said. “He had been here a number of years then, and he and I worked together for a decade before
he retired.”
Evolution of the Library
Crimson White – July 9
Vincent Scalfani, the Science and Engineering librarian, is used to answering questions. But before his interview, he has one of his own. “Do you want me to fix your Wi-Fi?” A few minutes later, he has done exactly that and is ready to talk about what a library is and who librarians are. “I think we’re more than spaces. Everyone kind of thinks the library is a space to study,” said Scalfani, who was named a 2014 “Mover and Shaker” by the Library Journal. “I guess I kind of view myself as serving the community with anything they need.” As the librarian at Rodgers Library, which he calls the most open building on campus for public use, Scalfani works with the 3-D printing lab, which recently grew from one printer to three after an increase in student demand. A 3-D scanner, soon to be opened, sits in the corner of his office. He said students often take the workshop in 3-D printing out of a desire to learn about it, without having any concrete plans or need for its applications. “I find it really intriguing and interesting that there’s this need to learn about this technology,” he said. “The activity, the interest has been all across campus. I always thought we’d have [just] the mechanical engineering people lining up, but that’s not the case.”
Taking notes
Park City Daily News (Ken.) – July 8
Morgan Cleary of Bowling Green was named to the President’s List at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for the spring semester. Cleary just completed her freshman year and is an aerospace engineer major with a mechanical engineer minor. She is the daughter of Steve and Ginger Cleary of Bowling Green and graduated from Bowling Green High School in May 2013. The President’s List recognizes students who earn a 4.0 on at least 12 credit hours of work.
Campus Notes: Local students receive academic accolades
Franklin Homepage (Tenn.) – July 8
… Brandon Cole McChristian of Brentwood has made the University of Alabama President’s List for the Spring 2014 semester. The University of Alabama President’s List awards those who have earned a 4.0 on at least 12 credit hours.
Around Here for July 8
Gadsden Times – July 8
William Dasinger, a cadet at Lyman Ward Military Academy in Camp Hill, was selected as a delegate to the 77th Annual American Legion Alabama Boys State. Dasinger is the son of Norman and Denise Dasinger of Rainbow City. … Boys State week is held on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.