POWERGRAMS

EDUCATION College students statewide benefit from foundation scholarships, grants The Alabama Power Foundation continued its mission to invest in the young minds of the state by granting $1.85 million toward higher education in 2013. "By investing in education, Alabama Power is investing not only in the lives of our state's young people, but in the future of our state," said Alabama Power Foundation President John Hudson. "Education was one of the first areas we funded and we believe it is essential to the continued growth of our communities." Grants were given to schools across the state, providing funds for scholarships, campus improvements and education programs. The University of Alabama received a grant that will fund scholarships for 11 students, including five undergraduates in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, College of Engineering and College of Communication and Information Sciences, and six students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. The scholarships are renewable, with a priority given to students who demonstrate financial need. "We are very grateful to the Alabama Power Foundation for this generous support for our students," said UA President Judy Bonner. "These scholarships will truly make a difference in the lives of our students now and in their contributions to society in the future." The foundation grants not only focus on scholarships, but also improving campus life. Tuskegee University's School of Engineering received a grant that will go toward campus construction and educational support activities, such as the guest lecturer series. The Dean of Engineering Conference Room will be renamed the Alabama Power Conference Room. Jonathan Porter, Customer Services director and member of the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees, was involved in the grant planning and is excited to see the impact it will have on students for years to come. "The goal of the grant is to strengthen Alabama Power's long-standing relationship with Tuskegee," said Porter. "The grant will provide resources to help with anything they may need in terms of activities and program planning." Porter said Tuskegee is one of the leading producers of African-American engineers, and he hopes the grant will be beneficial in keeping the school at the top of the field. "We want to ensure the college will always be a viable talent pipeline for employees with a background in power generation and energy systems, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering," said Porter. The Alabama Power Foundation was created in 1989 with an investment by Alabama Power shareholders, and is committed to making Alabama a better place to live, Hudson said. By Katie Kilcoyne Porter, left, presents check to Tuskegee Acting President Dr. Matthew Jenkins. Other foundation education grant recipients in 2013 included: • Alabama A&M University • University of Alabama at Birmingham • University of Alabama in Huntsville • Alabama Southern Community College • Alabama State University • Auburn University • Bevill State Community College • Birmingham-Southern College • Gadsden State Community College • Judson College • Marion Military Institute • University of Montevallo • University of North Alabama • Samford University • Shelton State Community College • Talladega College • University of West Alabama. ON THE COVER: Former Auburn football star Quentin Riggins and former Alabama standout Wesley Britt took pies in the face to rally employees during a food drive at Corporate Headquarters. Photo by Bill Snow. 2

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