Coca-Cola scholars give back to community
Crimson White – Dec. 7
…The 12 UA freshmen Coca-Cola scholars…decided they wanted to do something to give back to the community, said Angela Benjamin, coordinator of the program…On Tuesday, it all came together when the UA Coca-Cola scholars presented Christmas gifts to five families from DCH's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit….

Opinion: Grant for rural mental health bridges a gap
Tuscaloosa News – Dec. 7
The $1.2 million grant announced Wednesday to improve mental health services in Alabama's Black Belt is - in the words of a mental health center director - a godsend. It will improve the lives of many residents of the poorest area of this state…The University of Alabama helped lay the groundwork for providing better health care for the impoverished region. In 2003, using a $7.5 million grant from the National Institutes of health, the Institute for Rural Health Research of the UA's College of Community Health Sciences launched a collaborative effort with Tuskegee University titled "Reducing Health Disparities in Alabama's Black Belt" that focused on reduction of infant mortality and better treatment for people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension and HIV/AIDS…

Tuscaloosa to host Olympic triathlon trials
Tuscaloosa News – Dec. 7
…USAT officials also were pleased with the enthusiasm expressed by local officials and the University of Alabama…The collegiate nationals, held this past April, coincided with the University of Alabama’s annual A-Day game. University of Alabama athletic officials did not inform the city beforehand, catching city officials off guard. A-Day brought thousands of fans to the city for the game, creating a traffic problem because the game started just an hour after the last triathlete was scheduled to finish the course…
Sporting News – Dec. 7
Crimson White – Dec. 7

Alpha Tau Omega fraternity is going green
Crimson White – Dec. 7
…Last month, the University's chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity decided to take advantage of some of these products and "go green," making them the first ATO chapter to pledge to do so. Two weeks ago, ATO purchased all environmentally friendly products and has engaged in an active recycling routine…

SGA, TPD discuss safety tips
Crimson White – Dec. 7
…Captain Greg Kosloff, public information officer for the Tuscaloosa Police Department, said students need to use common sense when they leave town. "If you're securing your property, you're making it hard for someone to steal anything," Kosloff said…The SGA Web site lists several precautions students can take to keep their homes or apartments safe during the break such as closing blinds and curtains, locking doors and windows, taking valuables home, leaving an inside light on and asking the post office to stop delivering mail…

UA International creates new program
Crimson White – Dec. 7
The University's international department has instituted a new certificate program for students who wish to pursue higher-level studies in international issues and cultures. The interdisciplinary global studies certificate program awards students a certificate and a designation on their transcripts after they complete 15 hours of designated course…

SGA sponsors Alabama Youth Summit
Crimson White – Dec. 7
Thursday was the first day of the SGA-sponsored ninth annual Alabama Youth Summit, which continues until Saturday…The high school students will also get a taste of campus living, she said. They will be staying in residence hall rooms with UA students that volunteered earlier this week…

Saban back in Louisiana for bowl game
Louisiana Gannett News – Dec. 7
…nearly three years after heading to the NFL and leaving Tigers fans in a world of hurt, Saban returned to represent the University of Alabama. The Crimson Tide, with Saban as a first-year-head coach, will play fellow 6-6 foe Colorado in the Dec. 30 Independence Bowl. "The exposure we get in this bowl is great for our program," Saban said. Saban received hearty applause when introduced at Independence Stadium's Stadium Club and seemed comfortable glad-handing and posing for pictures with fans — of the purple and gold and crimson and white…