2014 Volkswagen Passat

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October 30, 2013

Love At First Sight
by Cheryl Eldridge and wire reports

Last week’s tester really blew me away by surprise. I was able to be blessed with the best. The best gas, the best mpg, and the best power of German Engineering.
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat is definitely my cup of tea.
Now, the Volkswagen has come a very long way, but when it comes to the Passat, it’s perfect.
My $33,815 tester had everything that a driver dreams of. The kids enjoyed the car, due to the roominess and legroom. My son even enjoyed the sporty look. It’s really a sexy automobile.
A more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the 2.5-liter five-cylinder on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat SEL model and will gradually be phased in on other trim levels. VW’s Car-Net telematics interface also debuts this year, and most trims now have a standard rearview camera.
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered in four broad models broken down by engine (2.5L, 1.8T, TDI and V6), which are further subdivided into a quartet of different trim levels (S, Wolfsburg, SE and SEL).
The lineup starts with the “S” base model, which comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a six-way manual driver seat with lumbar adjustment, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, audio controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, Bluetooth with streaming audio and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input.
The Wolfsburg Edition includes the features of the S model and adds unique 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface and VW’s Car-Net telematics system.
Move up to the SE trim level and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, a rearview camera, rear-seat air vents, a sliding front armrest, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded gauges and displays, and an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen audio interface.
Options on SE models include a sunroof or the sunroof bundled with a navigation system. On TDI SE models, 18-inch alloy wheels are also added if the sunroof is equipped, and if you equip both the sunroof and the nav system, you get foglights as well. Navigation is not available on V6 SE models, but on the upside, a nine-speaker Fender audio system is included with the optional sunroof.
The SEL models include all of the above items, including an upgraded navigation system with a larger screen, hard-drive music storage and traffic updates. You also get keyless ignition/entry, remote ignition, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, partial leather upholstery, wood-grain interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and a separate ski pass-through for the 60/40 rear seat.
The 2014 VW Passat is front-wheel drive and comes with a choice of four distinctly different engines. The S, SE and Wolfsburg models come with a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. You can have a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission on S and SE models, while the Wolfsburg is automatic only. In Edmunds performance testing, an automatic-equipped Passat 2.5 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds, which is slower than average for the class. The EPA’s estimated fuel economy for manual-shift Passat 2.5 models is 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway), while the automatic drops to 25 mpg combined (22 city/31 highway).
Volkswagen is beginning to phase the 2.5-liter engine out of the lineup in favor of a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is also rated at 170 hp but makes a more substantial 184 lb-ft of torque. Currently, the 1.8T is standard only on the SEL model. Eventually, though, it will be the base engine on all Passats, and consumers are likely to encounter both engines in 2014 models at dealerships. A six-speed automatic is standard on the SEL 1.8T, but VW will also offer the five-speed manual when this engine makes its way to the S and SE models. Fuel economy estimates are 28 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway) with the automatic and 28 combined (24 city/35 highway) with the manual: good numbers for a four-cylinder midsize sedan.
Those seeking maximum mpg can opt for Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque on SE and SEL models. Called the TDI, this diesel engine comes with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automated manual transmission (known as DSG), which takes the place of a conventional automatic. In Edmunds performance testing, the Passat TDI went from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is an excellent 35 mpg combined (31 city/43 highway) for the manual and 34 mpg combined (30 city/40 highway) with the DSG. In extensive Edmunds fuel economy testing, it was found that the diesel VW Passat can easily match or surpass these numbers.
The strongest engine available on the Passat is a 3.6-liter V6, which churns out 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s optional on the SE and SEL, and the DSG automated manual transmission is standard. In Edmunds testing, a Passat 3.6 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds – quick for this class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 combined (20 city/28 highway).
Standard safety features for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. In the event of a crash, the onboard computer automatically cuts off the fuel supply, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard flashers. A rearview camera is standard on SE and SEL models. VW’s new Car-Net telematics system, standard from the Wolfsburg model on up, includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers). A Car-Net smartphone app lets owners control many of these functions on the go.
In government crash testing, the Passat scored a perfect five out of five stars overall, with five stars for frontal impact protection and five stars for side crash protection. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Passat its top score of “Good” for frontal moderate-overlap, side-impact and roof-strength tests. The Passat received the Institute’s second-highest rating of “Acceptable” in the new small-overlap frontal-offset crash test.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Passat 3.6 SEL came to a stop from 60 mph in about 130 feet, which is longer than average. However, a 2.5 SE model stopped in a class-average 123 feet, while a TDI SEL needed 124 feet.
Spaciousness is the operative word when describing the Passat’s cabin. Space up front is good; however, the driver seat only adjusts in six ways (minus lumbar), and it lacks the seat-bottom tilt found in most competitors. In back, the Passat verges on full-size sedan dimensions, as even good-sized adults will have room to stretch out their legs. The spacious trunk can swallow 15.9 cubic feet of cargo – a number that bests many competitors – and a large pass-through gives you plenty of room to haul bulkier items when the 60/40 seats are folded.
The quality of the VW Passat’s interior materials is among the best in the class. The overall cabin design is decidedly upscale, while the layout of gauges and controls is refreshingly simple. The premium Fender audio system has been tuned to the acoustics of the interior and will please even hard-core audiophiles. Our only significant complaint relates to the optional navigation systems. The SE models have a lower-cost navigation unit with a small touchscreen display. You get a usefully larger screen in the SEL, but this higher-end interface was slower to process commands whether you’re changing a radio station or entering a destination.

Until next week, drive safe, don’t text and drive and buckle up, it’s the law.

THIS WEEK IN ASU ATHLETICS

By

Birmingham Times

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October 30, 2013

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.—A full week of athletic events will be on hand this week for athletic programs at Alabama State, led by the start of the men’s basketball season and the first SWAC Championship of the season.
The men’s and women’s cross country teams will be in Clinton, Miss., for the first Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship of the year on Monday. The women’s team will be looking to build on their cross country dynasty going for their third consecutive title.
The women’s golf team will play in the UAB Fall Beach Blast which will be played in Gulf Shores, Ala. Volleyball will be on the court twice this week playing at Alabama-Birmingham and will start their second round of conference action by playing at Jackson State, a team they beat just two weeks ago.
ASU’s bowling team will compete in their second meet of the year in Houston at the Texas Southern Invitational, while the ASU football team will travel to Lexington, Ky., to play SEC member Kentucky in a game that will be televised by CSS.
The men’s basketball team will get the 2013-14 season underway when they host neighborhood rival Huntingdon College in an exhibition game Thursday evening.

Thursday, Oct. 31
Men’s Basketball: vs. Huntingdon (exh.); 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1
Bowling: at Texas Southern Invite; Houston, Texas; All Day
Saturday, Nov. 2
Bowling: at Texas Southern Invite; Houston, Texas; All Day
Volleyball: at Jackson State; 3 p.m.
Football: at Kentucky; 6:30 p.m. (CSS TV)
Sunday, Nov. 3
Bowling: at Texas Southern Invite; Houston, Texas; All Day

On the Horizon
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Volleyball: at Stillman; 6 p.m.
Women’s Basketball: vs. Faulkner (exh.); 6 p.m.
Men’s Basketball: vs. Ft. Valley State (exh.); 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Volleyball: vs. Alabama A&M; 7 p.m.
Soccer: SWAC Tournament; Houston, Texas; TBA
Friday, Nov. 8
Women’s Basketball: vs. Troy; 6 p.m.
Men’s Basketball: at Illinois; 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Football: vs. Southern; 1 p.m.
Soccer: SWAC Tournament; Houston, Texas; TBA
M/W Golf: at Savannah State Invitational; Pooler, Ga.; All Day
Sunday, Nov. 10
Men’s Basketball: at Bradley; 4 p.m.
Soccer: SWAC Tournament; Houston, Texas; TBA

ASU Basketball

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama State University men’s basketball team is starting the season when they host Huntingdon College Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. in an exhibition game.
The Hornets enter the 2013-14 season with a roster of 15 players. Devonte’ Neal, Luther Page, Bobby Brown and Jamel Waters are the lone returners from last season. That means 11 of the players will be seeing their first action in an ASU uniform.
Practice started a month ago and a lot of progress has been made, but there is a lot of work still to be done.
“One thing we have to do a better job of communicating,” Head Coach Lewis Jackson said. “I think we have gotten out and ran decently but our energy on defense is what we have to do a better job with.”
“We just have to get a little tougher and with a new team like this team it takes a little time. We have three guys who had some playing time last year so there is a lot of things we have to go over and take your time and get it done. You can’t rush and skim over it because they are not going to get what they really need.”
Even with all the work that needs to be done, it can’t replace the excitement the coaching staff has seen with this team.
“I really like this team,” Jackson said. “We’re athletic, we have some guys who are playing really hard, but they do not understand basketball right now. When we start to get some games up under our belt we will really get some things going.”
“Jamel Waters is the guy that has really been playing well for us in these practices. He’s really getting up and down the court with the ball and making good decisions. We just have to get some guys to play along with him. I am excited about these guys.”

Marshall Named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week

By

Birmingham Times

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October 30, 2013

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State sophomore middle hitter Myla Marshall has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Player of the Week.
The Memphis, Tenn., native helped ASU win two games to push their consecutive win total to 10. She led the Lady Hornets with a total of 19 kills in the two games, hitting .467. Marshall also added five digs and three blocks.
For the season Marshall is hitting .323 with 171 kills while adding 64 total blocks. It is the second time Marshall has received the offensive award and the fourth time this season she has received a weekly SWAC honor.

Birmingham Times to Spotlight Community Leaders and Innovators Throughout 2014

By

Birmingham Times

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October 29, 2013

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Nomination process now open to all Birmingham Residents

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr. announced today that the Birmingham Times will spotlight 40 community leaders in a 2014 weekly series known as “Trailblazer of the Times.” The nomination process is now open to all Birmingham residents who want to be considered for the series. The 40-week column is expected to begin in February 2014.
“When the Birmingham Times started 1963, we were the first and only African-American owned newspaper in the Southeast,” said Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr., founder of the Birmingham Times newspaper. “Fifty years later, Birmingham still has an abundance of trailblazers. We plan to recognize and celebrate their innovation throughout this series.”
The weekly column will highlight four finalists from each of the following categories:
·      Business
·      Education
·      Government & Elected Officials
·      Young Professionals
·      Nonprofit & Community Advocates
·      Media, Writers, & Journalists
·      Medicine
·      College Students
·      Arts & Technology
·      Legal
The 40 honorees will be chosen by a nominating committee. The series will culminate with the 2014 Birmingham Trailblazer Awards, where a winner from each category will be named. The ceremony will be held in December 2014.
“We are excited about this new venture, and the nomination process is only the first step,” said Lewis. “We plan to utilize social media platforms and other technologies to make sure the community is fully engaged in this process from start to finish.”

Nominations for the Trailblazer Awards will be open through February 3, 2014. If you have any questions about the nomination process, please send an email to bhamtrailblazer2014@gmail.com or leave a message on the Trailblazer Hotline at (205) 440-3185.

Classified

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

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EMPLOYMENT

JOB POSTING
Position: Program Director
Resume Deadline: Novmber 11, 2013

Department: Programming
Stations: Summit Media Birmingham

Positions Available: One

Summit Media Corp Birmingham’s WZZK is currently looking for a program director.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, scheduling all music based on the country appetite of the Alabama country music listener, regularly updating all imaging, training and scheduling on-air talent, working with sales and marketing to promote the WZZK brand, working with record labels to find the right songs for WZZK, keeping WZZK compliant with FCC guidelines, managing the WZZK digital audio delivery system and potentially a daily air shift. Must have a working knowledge of basic office computer programs and Adobe Audition.

Qualifications:
A minimum of five years Programming experience required.

Closing Statement:
This is not an entry level position. Candidate must have an ideal mix of personality and skills specific to the broadcast industry. Please send materials to:

Summit Media Corp
2700 Corporate Drive
Suite 115
Birmingham, AL 35242
Attention: John Olsen
Telephone: 205 322 8195

It is the policy of Summit Media Corp Birmingham to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
BT10/31/13
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JOB POSTING
Position: On-Air Talent
Resume Deadline: Novmber 11, 2013

Department: Programming
Stations: Summit Media Birmingham

Positions Available: One

Summit Media Corp Birmingham’s WZZK is currently looking for a full-time afternoon drive on-air talent to join our already successful properties. We are seeking a passionate, positive and goal-oriented individual. The ideal candidate must be able to generate excellent content to distribute on-air and on-line. Candidate will be responsible for daily production and work closely with promotions and sales.

Responsibilities:
A 4-5 hour on-air show 6 days a week, daily production, both commercial and imaging, night and weekend promotional appearances as needed, and content delivered daily to online distribution points. Must have working knowledge of radio automation, Adobe Audition and basic business software/hardware (ie, Microsoft Word).

Qualifications:
A minimum of five years full time on-air radio experience required: strong production skills a must. Must have confidence and temperament to meet and interact daily with listeners and clients on the phone and at public events.

Closing Statement:
This is not an entry level position. Candidate must have an ideal mix of personality and skills specific to the broadcast industry. Please send materials to:

Summit Media Corp
2700 Corporate Drive
Suite 115
Birmingham, AL 35242
Attention: John Olsen
Telephone: 205 322 8195

It is the policy of Summit Media Corp Birmingham to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
BT10/31/13
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Caregiver – If you are looking
For Professional Sitter with 16
years exp. in healthcare. Excellent
people skills, enjoy helping
other people. Duties and exp.
Include: Personal Hygienist,
light house keeping, etc. Will
consider a live-in. For info
Call 205-253-4320
BT10/31/13
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DRIVERS
Drivers: Great Pay/ Benefits!
Paid Vacation! Rider Program. DryBulk,
Longhaul. CDL-A w/Haz; 6mos exp, 21yoa.
855-777-WSTL
BT10/31/13
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SPECIALTY

SANDRA DESIGNER’S CLOSET
DRESS FOR LESS!
Call (205) 788-7862
BT10/31/13
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AUTOS SALE

2004 Ford Escape
Affordable S.U.V.
Call Sammy at 205-814-6454

2005 Ford Sport trac
4 door Automatic
Call Ivory at 205-821-0491

2004 Honda CRV
Loaded Automatic
Call Sammy 205-814-6454

2005 Hyundai Tuscon
Gas saving S.U.V.
Automatic
Call Ivory at 205-821-0491

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
4 door S.U.V. Loaded
Call Sammy at 205-814-6454
BT10/31/13
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REAL ESTATE

Calling all singles ….

I have the best 2 BR with DEN home in Ensley Highlands for you. Beautiful yard, separate garage, C/A, porch and patio. Call me to take a look see; Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or Barnes and Associates (205)328-3330

Veterans looking for a home? I will work with you in any area of town to find you the best on the market. Call Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT10/31/13
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OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Ideal for medical office or hospital equipment sales directly across from Baptist Princeton Hospital. Off street parking, private shower, beautiful reception room. &Cynthia Marzette (205) 910-7149 or ask for me at Barnes and Associates, (205) 328-3330.
BT10/31/13
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LEGALS

Copyright Notice

All rights reserved re common-law copyright of trade-name/trade-mark ERRICK JOVAN JOHNSON© – as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said trade-name/trade-mark, not excluding “Errick Jovan Johnson,” – Common Law Copyright © 2002, by Errick Jovan Johnson©. Said common-law trade-name/trade-mark, i.e. ERRICK JOVAN JOHNSON©, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgement of Errick Jovan Johnson© as signified by the red-ink signature of Errick Jovan Johnson, in accordance with the detailed agreement posted at http://errickjohnson.com/Guestbook.php under the guestbook blocks.
BT10/31/13
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ADVERTISEMENT OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is herby given that Bennett Building, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for the Renovations to the Library at Inverness Elementary School at 5251 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 , for the State of Alabama and the Shelby County Board of Education, owners, and have made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, PC located at 1550 Woods of Riverchase Dr #200 Hoover, AL 35244.
Bennett Building, Inc.
120 Shady Acres Road
Alabaster, AL 35007
BT10/31/13
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NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Bids will be received by the CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA at the City Hall, 501 Park Road Pleasant Grove, Al. 35127, until 10:00 A.M. o’clock, (LOCAL TIME), November 21, 2013 for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, and equipment, and for doing the work of Demolition of Unsafe Structures and Debris Removal Project CDBG-DR13-04-M3-PCD, according to Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents on file in CITY HALL of said CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA for demolition work hereinafter described. No bids will be received after the time set forth hereinabove; and the Proposals will be publicly opened and read.

The work of demolition of 14 unsafe structures and removal of storm debris on three lots located in the City limits of Pleasant Grove.

Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents are open to public inspection at the City Hall of CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA or may be obtained from the office of the Engineers, Spencer Engineering, Inc. 3237 Lorna Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35216, upon deposit of $ 50.00 per set. Said deposit is non-refundable.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in any bid, and to accept any bid considered advantageous to the Owner.

No bid will be withdrawn after the time for opening of bids has passed. The Owner reserves the right to hold the bids for a period of sixty (60) days after the date of receiving the bids.

A certified check bid bond in an amount of not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid must accompany each proposal not to exceed $10,000.00. The payee of such check, or the oblige of such bond, shall be the CITY OF PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA.

The successful bidder must furnish a Performance Bond for one hundred (100%) percent of the bid amount, and must secure his bond for a bonding company’s representative or agent in the State of Alabama.

The Contractor shall obtain and pay for all licenses and permits required by the State, County, or City authorities having jurisdiction over the various phases of the work.

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State Lay Governing General Contractors, as set forth in Chapter 4 (Section 65 to 82, inclusive) of Title 46 of the Code of Alabama for 1940, as amended; and bidders shall be governed by said law insofar as it is applicable. The above mentioned provisions of the Code make it illegal for the Owner to consider a bid from anyone who is not properly licensed under such code provisions. The Owner, therefore will not consider any bid unless the bidder produces evidence that he is so licensed. Neither will the Owner enter into a Contract with a foreign corporation, which is not qualified under State Law to do business in the State of Alabama.
BT10/31/13
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed proposals will be received by Birmingham City Schools at the office of
Edward McMullen, Purchasing Department, 2015 Park Place North, Birmingham,
Alabama 35203 until 12:00 P.M CST, Friday, November 1, 2013 for: District Wide Security Systems Implementation for the Birmingham City Board of Education, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.

Bid documents may be obtained from Birmingham City Schools Purchasing Department at 2015 Park Place, North, Room 202 Birmingham, Alabama 35203.
A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at Birmingham Board of Education, 2015 Park Place, North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203, at 2:30 P.M. CST, Tuesday, October 29, 2013.

A Cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Birmingham City Schools in an
amount not less than five (5%) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be
required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Birmingham City Schools Purchasing Department or copies thereof.

Birmingham City Schools reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in Birmingham City Schools judgment, the best interest of Birmingham City Schools will thereby be promoted.
BT10/31/13
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Request for Proposal
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Parking Revenue Control System
Replacement Project
For the
Birmingham Airport Authority

SEALED PROPOSALS will be received on behalf of the Birmingham Airport Authority at the BAA Jobsite Office (trailer) location 5900 Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212 until 1:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. For a map or directions to the jobsite office, please contact the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, at (205) 599-0786 or via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com ).

The Proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and/or container plainly marked on the outside with the name, address and license number of the bidder; the name of the project (Parking Revenue Control System Replacement Project) and the time and date due (1:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, November 12, 2013). Proposals are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Tom Wesley, Project Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority. Bids will be opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m., November 12, 2013 at the BAA Jobsite Office (trailer) location 5900 Airport Highway, Birmingham, AL 35212. Note that, due to limited space availability, only (1) representative from each bidder will be allowed at the bid results announcement.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Parking Revenue Control System
Replacement Project
Project No. PD001.000.000

The scope of the work generally includes the following: full replacement of the existing parking revenue control system currently in operation at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Birmingham, AL.

A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 starting at 2:00 p.m. local time at The Southern Museum of Flight located at 4343 73rd Street N, Birmingham, AL 35206.
Beginning on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 , RFP Packages containing specifications and other contract documents may be obtained through the Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) Department of Project Management. RFP documents will only be issued electronically and only via the BAA. Printing and all other reproductions are the responsibility of the Bidder. Interested bidders should contact the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, at (205) 599-0786 or via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com ) to obtain the RFP package.

Each Proposal shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond, in an amount equal to five (5%) percent of the Proposal price and made payable to the Birmingham Airport Authority. Bid Bond should be submitted in accordance with the requirements established in the RFP documents. No cash, check, or money orders will be accepted. All bidders submitting Proposals in amounts exceeding $50,000.00 must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.

DBE Policy: It is the policy of the Birmingham Airport Authority (Authority) that DBEs as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, will have maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of all Authority projects and the bidders will take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that DBEs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform subcontracts. Additional DBE information is contained in the full RFP package.

Requests for information or clarifications regarding this RFP must be submitted via email to the BAA Project Manager, Tom Wesley, via email ( twesley@flybirmingham.com) not later than (7) calendar days prior to the bid date. Additionally, all interested bidders must notify BAA of their intent to bid prior to the published pre-bid date.
BT10/31/13

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ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, George Griswold on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Health System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013. The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to theProject Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

UAB FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT QBT, NEW HILLMAN, AND OLD HILLMAN
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
UAB Project No.: H135001A

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of replacing full and partial building fire alarm systems. Work includes new fire alarm system panels, devices, conduit, wiring, programming, and certification. Work also includes associated electrical work, repair of building finishes, and removal of old system components. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures. The contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal. Electrical Contractor/Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must have a State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s Certified Fire Alarm Contractor Permit which is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Engineer upon letterhead request sent by mail or scanned into an email to dhuddleston@ssoe.com.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than November 15, 2013 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Engineer:
SSOE Group
3504 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35222
205-323-2373
205-322-2731
David Huddleston
dhuddleston@ssoe.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to prequalified bidders is given, the prequalified General Contract bidders may obtain bid documents through the UAB Digital Plan Room at http://uab.algraphics.com/, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (Laura Loggins, telephone 205-252-8505 or email lloggins@algraphics.com). Prequalified General Contractor bidders must submit to Alabama Graphics a refundable bid check payable to SSOE in the amount of $200.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two sets issued to each prime General Contractor bidder upon return of documents in re-usable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Additional document sets for prequalified General Contractor bidders, subcontractors, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or dealers may be obtained as a direct purchase from Alabama Graphics, non-refundable.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Engineer; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Disclaimer: The Owner and Architect shall not be responsible for errors or erroneous information related to the Bid Documents copied and/or reproduced from sources other than previously listed. It shall be the responsibility of each pre-qualified bidder, subcontractor, vendor, supplier or other service provider to verify the correctness of Bid Document issue dates, addendums and all information related thereto, prior to preparing and submitting construction bids on the projects listed and/or described within this public advertisement.

Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Engineer. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is December 19, 2013 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of George Griswold, Project Manager, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on December 19, 2013 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on December 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the West Pavilion ground floor atrium elevator lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT10/31/13

_______________________________
ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, George Griswold on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35233 until 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013. The original and five (5) duplicates of submittals together with a .pdf-formatted electronic version are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hour.

UAB FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT WEST PAVILION AND SPAIN REHABILITATION ADDITION
For The
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
UAB Project No.: H135002A

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

Work consists of replacing full and partial full building fire alarm systems. Work includes new fire alarm system panels, devices, conduit, wiring, programming, and certification. Work also includes associated electrical work, repair of building finishes, and removal of old system components. Work will be performed within the operating hospital facility using high levels of infection control measures. The contractor should have experience with the implementation and maintenance of infection control measures and interim life safety measures in a hospital environment as well as experience in performing construction in an operating hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal. Electrical Contractor/Subcontractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must have a State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s Certified Fire Alarm Contractor Permit which is to be included in the pre-qualification submittal.

Only bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 4:00 PM Central Time, November 8, 2013, after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Engineer upon letterhead request sent by mail or scanned into an email to dhuddleston@ssoe.com.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than November 15, 2013 by 5:00 PM Central Time.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Engineer:
SSOE Group
3504 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, Al 35222
205-323-2373
205-322-2731
David Huddleston
dhuddleston@ssoe.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to prequalified bidders is given, the prequalified General Contract bidders may obtain bid documents through the UAB Digital Plan Room at http://uab.algraphics.com/, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 (Laura Loggins, telephone 205-252-8505 or email lloggins@algraphics.com). Prequalified General Contractor bidders must submit to Alabama Graphics a refundable bid check payable to SSOE in the amount of $200.00 per set. The deposit is refundable in full on the first two sets issued to each prime General Contractor bidder upon return of documents in re-usable condition within 10 days after the bid opening. Additional document sets for prequalified General Contractor bidders, subcontractors, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or dealers may be obtained as a direct purchase from Alabama Graphics, non-refundable.

Bid documents will be available at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Engineer; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912; and electronically through McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.

Disclaimer: The Owner and Architect shall not be responsible for errors or erroneous information related to the Bid Documents copied and/or reproduced from sources other than previously listed. It shall be the responsibility of each pre-qualified bidder, subcontractor, vendor, supplier or other service provider to verify the correctness of Bid Document issue dates, addendums and all information related thereto, prior to preparing and submitting construction bids on the projects listed and/or described within this public advertisement.

Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Engineer. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is December 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM Central Time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB System Planning, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening at the Office of George Griswold, Project Manager, 2020 Building, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35233, until 12:00 noon. After 12:00 noon of the date of the bid opening, proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 p.m. on December 17, 2013 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on December 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the site of the work. Meet at the West Pavilion ground floor atrium elevator lobby. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT10/31/13

_______________________________

Magic City Wobble

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

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Photo Collage

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

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72nd Annual State Farm Magic City Classic Presented by Coca Cola Presents 2013 Ambassador Ice Cube

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

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ICE CUBE, born O’Shea Jackson on June 15, 1969 is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor, screenwriter, film producer, and director. He began his career as a member of the hip-hop group C.I.A. and later joined N.W.A. After leaving N.W.A. in December 1989, he built a successful solo career in music, and also as a writer, director, actor and producer in cinema. Additionally, he has served as one of the producers of the Showtime television series Barbershop and the TBS series Are We There Yet?, both of which are based upon films in which he portrayed the lead character.
Cube is noted as a proficient lyricist and storyteller and is regarded as a brutally honest rapper; his lyrics are often political and he is considered one of the founding artists in gangsta rap. He was ranked #8 on MTV’s list of the 10 Greatest MCs of All Time.
Following his role as ‘Doughboy’ in Boyz n the Hood, in 1992 he starred alongside Ice-T, and Bill Paxton in Walter Hill’s action film, Trespass, and then in The Glass Shield.
John Singleton had encouraged Ice Cube to try his hand at screenwriting, telling him, “If you can write a record, you can write a movie.” With this encouragement, Ice Cube wrote the screenplay for what became the 1995 comedy Friday, in which he also starred, alongside then up-and-coming comedian Chris Tucker. Friday earned $28 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget, and spawned two sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next. On March 9, 2011 he announced that he was making the final sequel called Last Friday.
In 1997, Ice Cube starred in the action thriller Dangerous Ground as a South African exiled to America who returns 15 years later. He also had a supporting role in the film Anaconda that same year. He wrote, executive produced, and made his directorial debut in The Players Club in 1998, and in 1999 starred alongside George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg in the critically acclaimed Three Kings. Ice Cube starred in the commercially successful movie Barbershop, as well as All About the Benjamins. In 2004, he appeared in Barbershop 2: Back in Business, and Torque; in 2005 he starred in the action movie XXX: State of the Union, as well as the family comedies Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet?, co-starring Nia Long.
Ice Cube and basketball star LeBron James have paired up to pitch a one-hour special to ABC based on James’ life. Ice Cube’s Are We There Yet television series premiered on TBS on June 2, 2010. On August 16, 2010, Are We There Yet? was renewed for 90 additional episodes

Miss Magic City Classic Alumni Queen for Alabama A&M University

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

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Terri Southall is a native of Springfield, Illinois. Terri graduated from Alabama A&M University in 2003 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 2010, Miss Southall received her Master of Engineering degree from University of Alabama in Birmingham. Terri has been in the construction industry for 10 years and is currently employed with Southern Company. She is a 2012 graduate of the Southern Company Engineering & Construction Services Leadership Program and a member of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
Having a heart to serve her community, Terri tutors students focused in S.T.E.M. and is a member of the Birmingham Change Fund, a local philanthropic group with a mission to invest in and serve the community.
Terri is also an active member of Greater Birmingham Area – Alabama A&M University Alumni Association. In addition to serving the community, Terri enjoys hosting dinner parties with family and friends, concerts, plays, and traveling.
Congratulations Terri as you reign Queen for the Greater Alabama A&M University Alumni Chapter.

Foluso Oluade named Miss Alabama State University 2013-2014

By

Birmingham Times

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October 24, 2013

0

By Jessica Jones

Foluso Oluade, a senior at Alabama State University, has been crowned Miss Alabama State University 2013-2014.
She is the daughter of Olujide Oluade, of Nigeria, and Patricia Oluade of Lexington, Miss.
A native of Jacksonville, Miss., Oluade, chose to attend ASU because of its renowned arts department, and because of a longing to “get away from home.”
During her academic career at ASU, Oluade, an English major, said she has taken away more than just what she learned in the classroom.
“What is most dear to me about Alabama State University is the life lessons I have learned at the school,” Oluade said. “The diversity of the school, with students from all over, brings a lot of enlightenment, as well as challenges, that prepare me for my next step in life.”
Leading up to running for the Miss ASU title, Oluade’s intentions were to, not only be an outstanding Miss ASU, but to also be as true to herself as she possibly could.
“My expectations were that I could easily handle my positions and that I would have a template of how to be the best Miss ASU to date,” she said. “Being Miss ASU certainly has been no walk in the park, not because this is not an awesome position to be in, but because there is no template that explains how Foluso can be the best Foluso. This means there is no template for me, in my own right, to be the best Miss ASU to date.”
Whether or not she would win the crown wasn’t a concern for Oluade, who has a slightly different definition of winning; for her, winning doesn’t always mean coming in first place.
“I had a feeling that I was destined to win,” Oluade said. “Even if I had lost the election I still would have won because I learned about positive dimensions in myself due to the process of running.”
As confident as she was while running for the title, she still expressed her surprise at winning.
“When I won I could not believe it,” she said. “All that was going through my mind was Thank you, God! I am sure that this was duly noted by the students when I fell to my knees and screamed it.”
As the representative of the school, Oluade understands the responsibility that she has been given is great. For her, it brings to mind several emotions, yet none can quite describe the feeling perfectly.
“It is a wonderful feeling, a powerful feeling, and at times [a] scary feeling to be a representative of Alabama State University,” Oluade said. “Being Miss ASU can’t be [summed] up in a few words. I would have to write a book about how tremendous a feeling it is to be my university’s queen.”
Aside from positively representing her school and herself, Oluade said she will also serve her community and peers.
“I am in a wonderful position to nurture and enlighten others through forums and events geared towards wise choice making,” Oluade said.” Wise choice making as far as health, peer pressure, every aspect of life I can touch on.”
In addition to her fulfilling duties of Miss ASU, Oluade is also a member of ASU Elite Models, the W.E.B Dubois Honors program, ASU peer mentoring, and assists with the ASU Aspire mentoring program.
After graduation, Oluade has plans to become a model, or performer as she desires any career that aligns with her love of the arts. She also plans to move to New York to persue a double major in women/gender studies and law.