Dear Campus Community:
I am thrilled to see so many faces who are new to the Capstone this fall. Welcome to The University of Alabama! I can’t wait to see how our newest students, faculty and staff members will maximize their unique talents to continue building our university’s tradition of excellence.
I also want to welcome back our returning students, faculty and staff. We are so glad you will continue the good work you have already started at the University. I hope you were able to use the summer to rest and recharge and are now ready to hit the ground running during this Week of Welcome. I encourage you to begin by seeking out ways to foster relationships among our entire campus community. With each semester, there is a new opportunity to make a positive difference in your own life and education – and in the lives of many others.
While you were away, we stayed very busy. More than 250 incoming freshmen immersed themselves in service projects in West Alabama through Alabama Action and Ripple Effect Day of Service. Students landscaped and painted schools, cleaned up outdoor recreational areas, conducted vision screenings, partnered with local nonprofits and more. Their contributions to the community are a reflection of the University’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians. What an impact these students’ hard work has already made on the Tuscaloosa area.
Our students also continue to win a large number of Fulbright Awards, ranking UA among the top producers of Fulbright Award winners in the country. For the current academic year, 15 University of Alabama students have been selected to teach, study and do research abroad through this competitive program. We remain steadfast in our mission to share knowledge and to spread positive influence.
Speaking of awards, the accolades just keep coming. Our Alabama Public Radio staff won the national Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for their yearlong work investigating and reporting on Alabama’s rural health crisis. The APR news team received their well-deserved award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., and we are delighted their documentary was recognized.
Additionally, Seth Panitch, professor of acting and head of UA’s acting programs, won a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts to produce his play “Separate and Equal,” which will premiere at the Marian Gallaway Theater on campus Aug. 28-31. From there, the play will run a full month beginning Sept. 6 in New York.
These are tremendous accomplishments and are just a few of the many influential and impactful leaders we have on our campus. Let us use their examples and channel their energy as we all remember our commitment to the Capstone Creed.
I look forward to the friendships and exciting achievements ahead, and to working alongside you as we further the legacy of this great university. I am glad you’re here on this journey with us.
Again, welcome back and, as always, ROLL TIDE!
Stuart R. Bell
President
