TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The results of an in-depth analysis of the Tuscaloosa community, including a unique look at downtown development and private communities, will be presented in the public forum “Height as Power,” Saturday, Jan. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. on The University of Alabama campus.

The department of American studies in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences is hosting the forum within the Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence building, room 110.

At the forum, American studies graduate and undergraduate students will present findings from a semester-long research project that analyzed the Tuscaloosa community landscape. Students will provide a distinct look into downtown development, private communities north of the river, the West side, local graveyards and even patterns of graffiti in Tuscaloosa.

Guest Dr. Michael Lewis, UA alum and program director of environmental issues at Salisbury University in Maryland, will provide expert comments on individual panels.

“This year the students took a very interesting and interactive approach to their presentation that will give Tuscaloosa residents a new perspective on their own community,” said Dr. Lynn Adrian, chair of the department of American studies. “The graffiti presentation will be especially revealing, in terms of both art and social commentary. The students will show graffiti in places you wouldn’t have thought to notice it and what it means.”

The program is free and open to the public. Free parking is available across the street from the Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence building, 720 Second Street, immediately north of the Ferguson Student Center.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of 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.