Dr. Bonner at the new Lakeside Media Lab. Download a high-resolution version

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama will host a grand opening celebration for the newly-created Lakeside Media Lab Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 3 to 4 p.m., on the second floor of the Lakeside East Residential Community.

The Lakeside Media Lab provides residents access to high-end audio and video equipment in the context of a living and learning center. Residents will use this collaborative space to create original media content.

The lab represents a pilot facility to examine how living communities in higher education utilize digital media production. This effort is reflective of a growing trend on campuses across the country to provide creative outlets and services to enhance the college experience and educational opportunities, both in and out of class, for students.

“The partnership that created this opportunity is unique and demonstrates the ingenuity in new initiatives on the UA campus,” said Dr. Hank Lazer, UA associate provost. Housing and Residential Communities provided operational direction, physical space, security and furniture for the lab. Academic Affairs provided funding and coordination for the project. University Libraries provided staffing and programming from its digital media production center, the Sanford Media Resource & Design Center.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.