By Sarah Kuper This fall, Samford University students in the theatre for youth program will produce and perform the children’s book-turned-play “How I Became a Pirate.” Samford is one of only a handful of universities that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre for youth. Undergraduates in the program learn the ins and outs of performing, producing and teaching children’s … [Read more...]
Taking His Message to a New Stage: First-Time Candidate Dawson Wants to Bring a New Day to Alabama
By June Mathews If you were to look at Scott Dawson’s bucket list, you wouldn’t find “run for governor” on it. Seeking the state’s highest office was never something he wanted – much less intended – to do. Then several friends, among them Birmingham radio’s Rick Burgess and Orange Beach author Andy Andrews, urged him to enter the 2018 race to become Alabama’s next … [Read more...]
Senior Moments: Area Residents Are Prepped for Birmingham Games
By Lee Davis The National Senior Games are coming to the Birmingham area June 2, and Kerry Grinkmeyer and Abby Lutzenkirchen are ready. Grinkmeyer of Mountain Brook, 72, is a veteran of two previous Senior Games and will be competing in three running events as well as cycling. “I’m participating because if I do so, I will live a longer and healthier life,” Grinkmeyer said. … [Read more...]
The Italian Job: Tour Guide Gives Clients an Inside View of His Native Country
By June Mathews When Andrea Traina first came to the United States, starting a business was not part of his plan. A graphic designer by trade, he originally intended to work at a relative’s construction company for a year or two before returning home to Italy. Then he began teaching an Italian language class in Samford University’s evening program, Samford After Sundown, … [Read more...]
Live and Learn: Vestavia Hills’ Petro Defies the Odds to Lead His Class
By Emily Williams Asked for their recipe for success, top students more than likely would include studying and managing time wisely, and it’s no different for upcoming Samford University graduate Pete Petro. “You can’t make excuses or compensate for any ability that you lack,” said Petro, who was diagnosed at 5 years old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. “That and you have to … [Read more...]