POWERGRAMS

6 Alabama Power employees played a role in enhancing student involvement at the University of Alabama's Get On Board Day Aug. 27. The biannual campus event showcases the many ways in which students can get involved not only on campus but throughout the Tuscaloosa community. More than 20,000 students descended on the Ferguson Student Center Plaza and Promenade to browse some 450 booths highlighting different student organizations, community partners and vendors. At the Alabama Power booth, students learned about the Shorelines iPhone app, volunteer opportunities with Renew Our Rivers and the future of transportation with electric vehicles. Communications Specialist Sarah Reid Harris said Get On Board Day allowed students to see that Alabama Power has a lot to offer in the community. "This was the perfect opportunity for us to interact with UA students and to show them what Alabama Power has to offer other than what they might already be aware of," said Harris. A tradition at the Capstone, Get On Board Day is an essential way in which students, new and old, find ways to stay involved outside of the classroom. Rosalind Moore, director of UA's Undergraduate and Graduate Student Involvement, said student engagement in the community is a vital part of the college experience. "Get On Board Day is important to the university's campus because for many students it is their first connection to opportunities that involve peer engagement and leadership opportunities," said Moore. "Studies have shown that students who are more engaged in the campus community perform better in all aspects of college life. We believe that it is just as important to connect them with the community through inviting local businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and more to engage with them." The company's Tesla Model S proved popular with students as they peeked through the windows and learned about electric transportation. Western Division Market Specialist Joe Lampkin was on hand to talk about plug-ins as students explored the Tesla. "These students are our future, so it was important for them to understand how an electric vehicle that is quiet, efficient and clean produces a reduced environmental impact," said Lampkin. Get On Board Day was the perfect opportunity not only for students to learn more about Alabama Power but to find ways to plug in to the community through the company's conservation and charitable activities. "Get On Board Day provided our team with a great opportunity to connect with college students in a way we have not before," said Allison Westlake, Communications specialist and Shorelines magazine managing editor. "It is exciting to see so many students interested in our initiatives and to connect Alabama Power with conservation and sustainability." By Anna Catherine Robertson UAll Aboard! EDUCATION 'BA M A S T U D EN TS L E A RN A B O U T A P C, A I D I N G CO M M U N I T I ES Alabama Power linemen safely restore power after recent storm. Hundreds of students were greeted by Alabama Power employees. Photos by Nik Layman

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