The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama student body has elected a new executive council for 2021's Student Government Association. The SGA strives to promote a thriving campus through initiatives, events, and partnerships with many organizations. The SGA members are prepared to represent any concerns that come about in each student's lives.

More than 150 University of Alabama students are receiving hands-on, innovative and advanced educational experiences with dozens of companies and organizations across the United States through UA's Cooperative Education Program for spring 2021. In the Cooperative Education Program, students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time employment. This program offers work related to the academic major or career interests of each student. While in school, students carry regular course schedules. While on co-op, they work with professionals in their fields who supervise their training and work. At work, co-op students earn competitive salaries and may receive benefit packages in addition to valuable job experience. Participants maintain their full-time student status while at work and have priority registration status each semester through graduation.

The University of Alabama honored its top students for their academic achievements and leadership during the Honors Day Tapping Ceremony on April 9th.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Two exemplary pairs of Moral Forum students in the University of Alabama Honors College program competed in the final round of the fifteenth annual James P. Hayes, Jr. Moral Forum Debate Tournament on Wednesday, April 21. Six students received $5,000 in scholarships for their performance in the tournament. Moral Forum is an annual dialogue and debate program that involves extensive research as students prepare value-based case studies representing positions on each side of a controversial issue. This semester, students argued in support of and opposition to the statement: In order to be a more moral society, our federal and state governments should allow the use of the death penalty in cases of first-degree murder with aggravating factors. In teams of two, students conducted research, participated in seminar discussions, and constructed position statements that address both sides of the debate about the death penalty in preparation for two required preliminary debate rounds. Each team prepared for and argued both affirmative and negative sides of the same resolution.

More than 156 University of Alabama students received hands-on, innovative and advanced educational experiences with dozens of companies and organizations across the United States through UA's Cooperative Education Program for fall 2020. In the Cooperative Education Program, students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time employment. This program offers work related to the academic major or career interests of each student. While in school, students carry regular course schedules. While on co-op, they work with professionals in their fields who supervise their training and work. At work, co-op students earn competitive salaries and may receive benefit packages in addition to valuable job experience. Participants maintain their full-time student status while at work and have priority registration status each semester through graduation.

University of Alabama student Ann Williams has received a Boren Scholarship for the study of languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught language in such regions as Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

The University of Alabama National Alumni Association recognized several members of the 2021 graduating class during its recent Alumni Brunch in the Bryant Conference Center. Each year, the National Alumni Association honors outstanding seniors who have demonstrated strong character and achievement while attending The University of Alabama. The awards presented are a testament to the Alumni Association's pride in these students.

The purpose of Omicron Delta Kappa is to recognize those students who have attained high standards in collegiate activities, to inspire others to strive for similar attainments, and to bring together students in all areas of college life: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service; social and religious activities; campus government; journalism, speech and mass media; and creative and performing arts.

Mortar Board is a premier national honor society for men and women, is based on leadership, scholarship and service. It is one of the highest honors that can be granted to seniors. Members must display outstanding dedication to service and leadership.The University of Alabama's Hypatia Chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the nation. Only a select few students on each campus are invited to join this esteemed society. Mortar Board members are presented with the opportunity to join a diverse group of students from different disciplines and interests.

The University of Alabama National Alumni Association recognized recipients of their top awards during the associations recent Alumni Brunch in the Bryant Conference Center. Each year, the National Alumni Association honors outstanding seniors who have demonstrated strong character and achievement while attending The University of Alabama. These students have excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, exhibited strength of character and maturity and displayed exceptional hospitality toward guests and friends of the University.

The Cleophus Thomas Award is awarded to the graduating seniors with the highest academic standing honoring the legacy of the first Black SGA president of The University of Alabama.

Even with the challenges caused by a global pandemic, undergraduate students at The University of Alabama rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom, and this year's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) Conference showcased and recognized their efforts. This year's winners of the URCA Conference at The University of Alabama highlight the ingenuity and dedication of those who rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom.

Even with the challenges caused by a global pandemic, undergraduate students at The University of Alabama rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom, and this year's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) Conference showcased and recognized their efforts. About 350 students participated in the 14th annual conference, held both at the Bryant Conference Center March 31 and online for students who chose to present virtually. This year's winners of the URCA Conference at The University of Alabama highlight the ingenuity and dedication of those who rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom. The premier research event to highlight undergraduate research at UA spurs interest in research among undergraduate students and helps students polish their communication skills.

Blue Key is a premier honor society that recognizes college students for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.

Even with the challenges caused by a global pandemic, undergraduate students at The University of Alabama rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom, and this year's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference showcased and recognized their efforts. About 350 students participated in the 14th annual conference, held both at the Bryant Conference Center March 31 and online for students who chose to present virtually. This year's winners of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference at The University of Alabama highlight the ingenuity and dedication of those who rigorously pursued research and creative avenues outside the classroom. The premier research event to highlight undergraduate research at UA spurs interest in research among undergraduate students and helps students polish their communication skills.

The Anderson Society is a leadership honorary that recognizes students who have made significant contributions to The University of Alabama. Twenty-four students are accepted each year; and honorary memberships are awarded to faculty and graduating seniors. While these contributions often take many forms, there are certain qualities of members of the Anderson Society that are prominently and ubiquitously found -- an immersion into some sort of community service, passion for improving the university community through both explicit and implicit means, and persistent effort to attain excellence in some sphere of university life. Once an Anderson initiate, members are expected to continue to devote themselves to service, some directly under the auspices of the Anderson Society, but much more individually.

The University of Alabama Awards Committee has bestowed the Capstone's highest honors, the Premier Awards, to nine students, faculty and staff who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character.

The Alabama Forensics Council, The University of Alabama's competitive speech team, won two national championships in speech and debate during the virtual Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament March 18-21. The AFC won both the Team National Championship for individual events in speech and the Overall Team National Championship which included elements of both speech and debate. UA College of Communication and Information Sciences students Cassidy Duncan, Cortland Stone and Elizabeth Tagg won first place in the Informative Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation and Prose categories respectively. Stone and Tagg also received first place in the Duo Interpretation category. Students were tasked with completing their events online this year. According to Dr. Benjamin Pyle, director of AFC, the students adapted to the new competition style with ease. "Our students dove head-first into figuring out how best to make this new competition format work for them to win the national tournaments," Pyle said. "The Team Championship at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament was the first of our three main competitive goals this season. Words cannot contain the amount of pride I hold in my heart for each of my students, graduate assistant coaches, volunteers, alumni and fellow administrators who have fought hard to reach this achievement." Additionally, 15 UA students placed in individual events at the tournament.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program has selected two University of Alabama students as Goldwater Scholars for 2021-2022. The selections bring the number of UA students who have received Goldwater scholarships to 59. The Goldwater scholarships are awarded to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Nonprofit organizations across the country were among the many who felt the overwhelming impact of COVID-19. But last fall, when several Tuscaloosa nonprofits needed help like never before, The University of Alabama's student-led organization Serving Bama found a way to safely continue vital, in-person volunteer services, and they continue doing so today. "We knew that now more than ever, the Tuscaloosa community needed our support," said Chloe Keck, a senior biology major who acts as team leader for Serving Bama. "It was important for us to find a way to continue offering services to our community partners, to be consistent and hands-on in the community, while being cognizant of the pandemic and the precautions we needed to take to keep everyone safe." Serving Bama is one of UA's Center for Service and Leadership's Community Action Teams. Through Keck's leadership, and with the help of 23 assistant team leaders, Serving Bama makes it their mission to serve the community, meeting a variety of needs for eleven nonprofits throughout Tuscaloosa, where nearly 130 UA students volunteer weekly.

Three University of Alabama students have received the Critical Language Scholarship to study overseas during summer 2021. The Critical Language Scholarship, or CLS program, is part of a U.S. State Department effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. CLS scholars gain critical language and cultural skills that enable them to contribute to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

PRWeek has named University of Alabama senior Kathleen McManus its 2021 Outstanding Student. McManus, of Palatine, Illinois, is the third student from UA's College of Communication and Information Sciences to win the award in the past four years. The honor recognizes an undergraduate student for their outstanding display of a variety of public relations skills. "I'm very honored to have been selected for the award," McManus said. "It is an incredible way to round out my time here at the Capstone and a true reflection of the exceptional education and experiences that the college and university provide its students."

The University of Alabama placed 98 student-athletes on the 2020 Fall Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, the league office announced Friday. The Crimson Tide's total ranked fifth overall and fourth among teams that don't sponsor men's soccer. UA's SEC and national championship football team put 47 student-athletes on the honor roll, ranking in the top three this season. The football list includes three of the Crimson Tide's 2020 permanent team captains in Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, Davey O'Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm winner Mac Jones and Rimington Trophy honoree Landon Dickerson. The women's cross country team also figured in the top three in the SEC with 17 honorees. The soccer team put 21 on the list, while volleyball and men's cross country tallied seven and six, respectively. To earn a place on the honor roll, a student-athlete must earn a 3.0 or better grade point average for either the preceding academic year or their career and be a sophomore or better in academic standing. The Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll is based on the 2020 spring, summer and fall terms. Any student-athlete who participates in an SEC championship sport or a student-athlete who participates in a sport listed on his/her institution's NCAA Sports Sponsorship Form is eligible for nomination to the Academic Honor Roll. The conference will release a winter and spring honor roll in the months to come and recognizes its first-year student-athletes based on grades from the fall and spring semester with an honor roll that is released in June.

Three University of Alabama students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to participate in study abroad programs during the 2021-2022 academic year. "The Gilman International Scholarship is specifically designed to increase access to study abroad by supporting students who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints," said Carolina Robinson, director of Education Abroad at UA's Capstone International Center. "Since 2012, we have had 54 winners and 11 alternates for the award. We are so proud of Bailee, Lauren and Mariah for winning scholarships this year." Scholarship winners are selected by the Institute of International Education through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.

A total of 13,128 students enrolled during the fall 2020 term at The University of Alabama made the Dean's List with academic records of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale), or the President's List with academic records of 4.0 (all A's). The UA Dean's and President's Lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

The following people recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

The University of Alabama awarded some 2,257 degrees during its fall commencement Dec. 12. With a beautiful campus, dozens of challenging academic programs, expert faculty and numerous opportunities for service and growth, The University of Alabama is a place where legends are made. UA offers its students a premier educational, cultural and social experience with more than 200 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. The campus gives students the opportunity to interact with faculty performing cutting-edge research.

A University of Alabama senior is among 46 Americans selected to study in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. Caroline Yuk, a senior from Crystal Lake, Illinois, is the third UA student to win the award and first in more than 40 years. The scholarship provides aid to American students to study at graduate-level U.K. institutions in any field of study. Yuk, an interdisciplinary studies major in UA's New College, will pursue postgraduate degrees in neuroscience at the University of Oxford and audiology science at University College London. "Earning the Marshall Scholarship means the absolute world to me," said Yuk. "It's the greatest validation that I'm living in such a way that gives back to all who have helped me along the way, including my parents, siblings, friends and mentors." Yuk, who was born completely deaf but has since gained the ability to hear through cochlear implants and years of auditory-verbal training therapy, hopes to use her education and research to improve outcomes of those who are deaf or hard of hearing in underserved populations. "In order to study and find effective solutions for a macroscopic problem such as poorer hearing outcomes in rural areas, it is critical to study at the microscopic level, such as the molecular mechanisms of hearing and balance," said Yuk. "Auditory neuroscience is inherently multidisciplinary, so I will especially connect with audiologists, clinicians, scientists, biomedical engineers and hearing aid manufacturers in the U.K. "In doing so, I intend to contribute significantly to a future team of international and esteemed professionals in the field with a view to increasing hearing access for underserved populations."