UAB Briefs: Snoozy's College Bookstore closing after 34 years
Welcome to another installment of UAB Briefs.
In this weekly online feature, we keep track of interesting people and events on campus.
Know people, places and programs on the UAB campus that deserve a mention? Email us at jchambers@starnespublishing.com.
Goodbye to Snoozy’s
Snoozy's College Bookstore has been a popular spot on the UAB campus for 34 years, selling not only textbooks but also clothing, gift items and all sorts of Blazer-centric merchandise.
But Snoozy's, owned by George "Snoozy" Jones, will close later this month, according to a Wed., Dec. 13. post on the store’s Facebook page.
The bookstore -- located on 10th Avenue South at 13th Street -- will remain open through Friday, Dec. 22, manager Brad Goggins told Iron City Ink.
The Facebook post states that the decision to close the business was “very difficult” for Jones and his family.
However, Jones is now 83 years old and saw a good opportunity to sell the property to UAB, according to Goggins.
“There were some other offers, but (Jones) really wanted it to go to UAB,” Goggins said.
“We are pleased that the University is interested, and we are in continuing talks to explore that possibility,” Jones and his family said in a prepared statement.
UAB released a statement confirming that it is in talks to buy the property.
“Snoozy and Agatha Jones approached UAB with a desire to sell the property, and we were interested in acquiring the location to support our growing institution,” the statement says.
Two restaurants located on the property, World of Wings and Subway, will continue to operate, according to Goggins.
The family’s decision to close Snoozy’s was also driven by changes in the industry, according to Goggins.
“The textbook part of the bookstore industry is a tough sale now,” he said. “We've seen a significant decline in textbook sales the last two years.”
In their statement, Jones and his family also state, “We love being part of the UAB community, and have enjoyed growing our business as the university has expanded and evolved into an incredibly special place with amazing students, employees and fans.”
Got classes?
ArtPlay -- part of the UAB Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center -- provides arts education for people of all ages.
There are weekly classes in the spring and fall, summer camps and other events.
And ArtPlay has announced a full slate of classes and private lessons for 2018, including drawing, sculpture, ballet, Latin social dance, voice, piano and acting.
Registration is open now, with class fees beginning at $80, according to a UAB news release.
A UAB discount is available when registering by phone.
For all the details, call 975-4769 or go to alysstephens.org/classes.
Meeting the challenge
UAB honored 44 graduating veterans this week, according to a university news release.
UAB Veterans Services is scheduled to present a challenge coin to the veterans in a ceremony at the Hill Student Center on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m.
The challenge coin recognizes veterans who maintained a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
In addition to the coin, all graduating veterans were to receive a graduation cord.
“This is a symbol of respect, honor, and showing our appreciation for their service to country and for choosing UAB,” said Veterans Services Director Walter C. Stewart III.
Many veterans at UAB graduate from online programs, according to Stewart. Because service members are transient, often moving from base to base, distance learning programs allow troops to study anywhere.