POWERGRAMS

6 Alabama Power employees connected with Auburn University students and faculty in October through "Hey Day," a tradition dating back to World War II. Six decades ago Auburn's Student Government Association and student body organized the day to promote a friendly atmosphere and sense of community. The tradition has continued since, with students encouraged to say "hey" to others. At Hey Day, SGA members hand out nametags and offer free food and entertainment to encourage students, faculty and other members of the "Auburn Family" to network and strengthen their connections. This year, the event was on the campus green and Alabama Power employees took the opportunity to talk with students and faculty about the company's communication platforms and stewardship efforts. Employees from Corporate Headquarters and Southern Division pitched in, including Angela Curlee and Jessica Mitchell of the Auburn Business Office. "Hey Day is a great opportunity to engage with Auburn students and we are glad to be a part of it," said Mike Jordan, area manager of Southern Division. Students lined up at the Alabama Power tent to learn about Alabama NewsCenter, the Shorelines smartphone app and magazine, as well as Renew Our Rivers. Even Aubie the mascot stopped by for some Renew Our Rivers trash bags and a Shorelines shirt. Students were especially interested in the award-winning waterway cleanup campaign, which the university approved for students to receive service hours through their participation. "Hey Day was a great way for us to show students that they can be a part of what Renew Our Rivers is doing across the state," said Sarah Reid Harris, communications specialist. "I was encouraged to see so many students interested in how they can volunteer. We had a lot of students take information on how to get their student groups involved." Many students entered to win Shorelines T-shirts and koozies by participating in a survey about Alabama Power and their interest in topics related to the company. "I've been going to Lake Martin my whole life," said Kirk Thomas, a freshman from Birmingham. "I knew Alabama Power owned the dam and we had to get permits but I have never heard of Renew Our Rivers or Shorelines." Students used company iPads to learn about NewsCenter and download the Shorelines app on their phones. "The app has a lot on it. I'm really into fishing, so being able to see the hydro generation schedule on my phone whenever I want is going to be awesome," said Thomas. More than 6,000 students attended Hey Day this year. "Hey Day is all about making connections," said Jacob Tofani, director of Hey Day and an SGA cabinet member. "It gave us a chance to learn about the ways Alabama Power is involved in our community." By Allison Westlake Happy Hey Day EDUCATION COMPANY CONNECTS WITH 6,0 0 0 AUBURN UNIVERSIT Y STUDENTS Alabama Power linemen safely restore power after recent storm. Students stood in line to learn about Renew Our Rivers and other company programs. Shorelines app was popular. Event was outside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Photos by Joseph DeSciose

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