Blackburn Institute

Blackburn Family Grows

August 15, 2006

Advisory Board member Melody Nix Saueressig and her husband Joe recently welcomed the birth of their first child, Mary Ella, on Monday, July 31, 2006. Mary Ella came into this world at 8 pounds, 15.9 ounces and 20.75 inches long. Joe and Melody live in Houston, Texas where Melody serves as a regional recruiter for the University. Melody is the daughter of Frank A. Nix for whom the Institute’s annual Frank A. Nix Lecture is named.

Blackburn Fellow Published

August 11, 2006

The book Don’t Call Me Gringa!: Living and Learning as an American in Venezuela is about to hit the shelves and when it does it will the first full book published by a Blackburn Institute fellow. Emily Smith Llinas, a 2000-2001 Blackburn Fellow and UA journalism graduate, documents her unique experience as a young American studying to become the first foreign student at La Universidad Central de Venezuela to earn a Master’s degree in International Relations and learning to adapt in a dramatically different culture.

In an interview, Emily stated that her ability to be successful in both the academic work and cultural adoption can be directly attributable to the skills she gained while studying at the Capstone. She has written news columns for the Birmingham News, Dateline Alabama, and the Crimson White. As a Student Fellow, she embraced Dr. Blackburn’s passion for people from diverse backgrounds, specifically citing his successful efforts in the peaceful racial integration of the University. Dr. Blackburn’s vision has inspired her to be innovative, think outside the box, and question “why we as Americans think the way we do.” It is because of her ability to accept and adapt to adverse, foreign circumstances, that she has been able to gain this meaningful experience.

Emily now lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, a native Columbian. She works for the University of Texas Medical Branch as a special programs director in helping prepare logistically for future disasters in the area. Emily has no set future plans other than more international travel. Her book is now available for purchase at http://www.dontcallmegringa.com and will also be available in bookstore nationwide within weeks.

Amanda McMillan, 2004-2005 Fellow, named Fulbright Scholar

June 16, 2006

The following article appeared in the UA News, June 7, 2006.

Two UA Students Named Fulbright Scholars

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—University of Alabama students Megan Carper of Decatur and Amanda McMillan of Monroeville have been named 2006 Fulbright Scholars.
Carper, a psychology and international relations major at UA, will teach English as a foreign language in Turkey through her Fulbright appointment.
McMillan, a math and German major at the Capstone, will teach English as a foreign language in Germany through the Fulbright Program.
Fulbright scholars receive round-trip transportation, tuition, book and research allowances, supplemental health and accident insurance, and living expenses for an academic year in an effort to increase mutual understanding between people of the U.S. and people of other countries.
The Fulbright Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars and professionals. The program allows participants to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and teaching in universities, elementary and secondary schools in more than 150 countries.

David Richardson ‘01 Welcomes First Child

March 30, 2006

David Richardson ‘01 and his wife Nikki welcomed the first child, Hartley, on March 15, 2006. David works with Steve Richardson & Company, PC, and Nikki is the Director of Funds Distribution for the United Way. David’s current memberships include: Board member for CAPS (Child Abuse Prevention Services), The Rotary Club, The Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club, The Downtown Merchants Association, Business Network International, and Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Advisory Board; he is also a graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa. David, Nikki, and Hartley live in Tuscaloosa, Al. and attend Cavalry Baptist Church.

Courtney McGowan ‘03 featured in Tuscaloosa News for work with GEAR UP

January 27, 2006

The following article appeared in the Tuscaloosa News, January 15, 2006.

Ready for life after graduation?
GEAR UP promotes academic success for low-income students
By Jamon Smith, Staff Writer

TUSCALOOSA | For Courtney McGowan, volunteering with teenagers is more than just an extracurricular activity.

It’s personal. And it’s a calling from God, he says.

“I feel like it’s my responsibility because I don’t owe myself any credit for getting where I’ve gotten today,” said McGowan, a 21-year-old Birmingham native and University of Alabama senior majoring in economics and political science. “I’ve gotten where I am today because of my parents and people that have helped and mentored me along the way.”

McGowan is a volunteer with Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, otherwise known as GEAR UP.

GEAR UP is a national program that serves more than 2 million students.

The program was brought to Tuscaloosa in 2000, when the United States Department of Education provided a grant to program that was matched by UA, Shelton State Community College, the Tuscaloosa County School System and Tuscaloosa One Place Family Resource Center.

The program’s purpose is to promote academic success for low-income high school students and help prepare them for life after graduation, primarily a postsecondary education.

“We encourage our students at Davis-Emerson Middle School and Holt High School to graduate from High School and go to college, be it a four year university or a community college,” said Kathleen Hughes, manager for GEAR UP.

“Through our volunteers, who we need more of, we help students study, take them on field trips, give them fun incentives for academic achievement and most importantly, spend time with them,” she said. “The time we spend with them really seems to be what helps them stay on track.”

The program also utilizes various workshops, career fairs, cultural arts and crafts, college visits, motivational speakers and educational seminars on how to get financial assistance for college.

“If I don’t volunteer, then who will?” McGowan said. “These kids will be members of society in a few years. They’ll be my co-workers. This is our society and my community, and I care about it’s future. And these kids are its future.”