UAB Briefs: Playing 'Holiday Soul,' helping the homeless
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.
A very jazzy Christmas
Audiences can enjoy a musical celebration of the holidays at the family-friendly “Holiday Soul” concert to be presented by Birmingham’s acclaimed jazz guitarist and UAB artist-in-residence Eric Essix in the Jemison Concert Hall at The Alys Stephens Center on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
Essix and and some of his favorite musicians will perform a hand-picked collection of soulful songs along with holiday favorites.
Among the other skilled players appearing with Essix are Antonio Allen, Melvin Miller, Kelvin Wooten, Kim Scott, Belinda Peoples and Tamara Bodie.
Essix will also perform for the Arts in Medicine Institute at UAB on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at noon, in the UAB Hospital North Pavilion.
Tickets to the Dec. 10 show are $40.
Call 975-2787 or go to www.alysstephens.org.
Helping the vulnerable
The UAB Division of Infectious Diseases recently partnered with the nonprofit One Roof to provide complimentary flu vaccines to the homeless in the Magic City during National Homeless Awareness Week.
One Roof worked with the Jefferson County Health Department and Alabama Regional Medical Services to administer the vaccine at The Salvation Army, Pathways and Faith Chapel Care Center the week of Nov. 13.
“The flu affects people across all demographics,” said Dr. Bernard Camins, associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases. “By providing flu shots to those who may not otherwise have access to the vaccine, we are helping protect vulnerable populations.”
One Roof works to end homelessness through advocacy, education and coordination of services.
Grants to support students
UAB has been awarded three federal TRIO grants worth $3.8 million over five years by the U.S. Department of Education.
The grants will help UAB, through its Student Support Services program, to provide academic and personal support to disadvantaged students seeking to obtain baccalaureate and doctoral degrees at UAB.
The two Classic Upward Bound grants will provide intensive college prep services to 120 select students from Carver, Jackson-Olin, Parker, Tarrant and Bessemer high schools.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, or McNair Scholars Program, is named in honor of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, an African-American astronaut who died during the launch of space shuttle “Challenger” in 1986.
The program identifies and prepares high-achieving UAB undergraduates for doctoral study by providing research opportunities, tutoring, mentoring, counseling, internships and other services.