UAB Briefs: Breast Cancer Research Foundation makes $1 million donation
In this weekly online feature, we keep track of interesting people and events on campus.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has made a large donation to research efforts at UAB.
Alabama college students are invited to take part in a free social justice advocacy event on campus.
And a pianist famed for her renditions of Chopin will appear on campus on Jan. 26 as part of the UAB Piano Series
Know people, places and programs on the UAB campus that deserve a mention? Email jchambers@starnespublishing.com.
Fighting cancer
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama recently presented its largest-ever donation of $1.05 million to the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, according to a UAB news release on Jan. 15.
Since its inception in 1996, the Birmingham-based BCRFA has made annual donations to fund the cancer center’s research efforts.
This year's check brings the total amount raised by the organization to about $9.7 million.
“Without the significant support of the BCRFA, we simply wouldn’t have a leading breast cancer research program that brings so many important, cutting-edge scientific discoveries to the patients of this state,” said Dr. Barry Sleckman, the recently appointed director of the cancer center.
Each annual donation is a result of the BCRFA’s fundraising efforts during the prior year, including sales of a special breast cancer research license plate, organizational events and individual and community support.
The money raised by the BCRFA has provided the seed money for many research projects at UAB.
Fighting for justice
Alabama college who wish to engage in social justice advocacy work on campuses in the state can take part in a day of workshops this week at UAB.
Now in its fourth year, the Organized Radical Collegiate Activism gathering — formerly known as the Social Justice Conference — will be held at the Hill Student Center at 1400 University Blvd. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., according to a UAB news release.
The keynote speaker will be Bushra Amiwala, the youngest Muslim elected official in America.
Workshops and panels will focus on preparing, building community and creating change. Students who have already been engaged in advocacy will be able to share their experiences.
There is no cost to attend the event, which is presented by UAB Student and Multicultural Diversity Programs. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.
For details, go to uab.edu/students/diversity/programs/social-justice-conference.
Acclaimed pianist
World-famous classical pianist Ann Schein will perform an all-Chopin program at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center at UAB on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m.
Schein will perform as part of the UAB Piano Series, which brings the world’s finest pianists to the Magic City.
For her UAB performance, Schein will perform Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 55, No. 2; Polonaise Fantaisie, op. 61; Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52; Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35; and 24 Preludes, Op. 28.
Schein has received many honors for her Chopin performances, beginning with her first recordings in 1958.
Since her debut in Mexico City in 1957, Schein has performed thousands of concerts around the world and played with such major orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the London Philharmonic and the Washington National Symphony.
In November 2018, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement in the Performing Arts by the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.
The series is presented by the UAB Department of Music and directed by Yakov Kasman, a Van Cliburn medalist and a professor of piano.
Tickets are $15, $5 for students through grade 12 and UAB employees; free to UAB students. For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or go to alysstephens.org.