Student, staff and partner feature stories.
Gunnar Tuininga now champions a cause he never thought he’d have to consider. Nothing could have prepared Gunnar for the phone call he received in March of 2025 when he was informed that his fraternity brother, Colin LeMoine, had passed away by suicide. The events from that day now run together, but the hysteria and…
Before Avionne Steele could find a student organization, the University of Alabama Afro American Gospel Choir found her. The daughter of a church choir leader, Avionne grew up harmonizing gospel music in her hometown of McDonough, Georgia. Gospel is more than her favorite musical genre. It’s a ministry and a chance to celebrate her faith and spread…
Arriving on campus as a first-year student, she was determined to make The University of Alabama feel like home. What started as a search for community quickly grew into a journey of leadership, service, and personal discovery.
What began as a simple summer lifeguarding job quickly became something much deeper for Hannah Martz. At University Recreation, she discovered a community that pushed her to grow, step into leadership, and find a sense of belonging she never expected—right in the place she’d known all her life.
Many evenings, University of Alabama officers spotted Raymond Woods pedaling through rain, shine, and cold, delivering food across Tuscaloosa. With help from UAPD and Student Care & Well-Being, he received a new bike, a small gift that made a big difference.
Transferring to The University of Alabama, Kaylynn Tawbush embraced the challenges and opportunities of a new campus. She continues a family legacy while making her own mark at the Capstone.
When Gavin Weakley left Kentucky for The University of Alabama, he came for an education and found a deeper purpose through service. His work with UA’s Habitat for Humanity evolved from hands-on volunteering to leading the organization, where he combined his passion for affordable housing with valuable project and leadership experience. This commitment not only…
From his first steps on campus to leading the Student Government Association, Samad Gillani found purpose in serving others and building lasting connections. His journey at the Capstone became more than just a college experience— it became a lifelong commitment to leadership, community, and impact.
Driven by a deep commitment to advocacy, Rylie Voyles transforms her passion into meaningful action on campus. Through her internship at the Camellia Center, she discovers how purpose and community can create lasting change in the fight against sexual and domestic violence.
Growing up surrounded by Crimson Tide pride, Mishay Long found more than just tradition at the University of Alabama — she found a community that inspired her to grow and give back. From deepening her roots in Alabama to launching a career at NASA, her journey shows how belonging and boldness can take you beyond…
