In 1967, Santa Claus himself spread holiday cheer to UAB Hospital Staff during a busy workday. More than 50 years later, Blazers can still find the Christmas spirit on campus with various holiday activities.

In 1992, UAB had recycling mascot Trash Gordon. Now, we have a Sustainability Strategic Plan that aims to reduce disposal of waste in local landfills and develop the university grounds for ecological stewardship. And you can help — by recycling correctly.

In 1968, Anita Sellers, secretary in the Office of Communications, posed with the new 96-page campus directory listing all employees, offices and programs. Today, the campus directory is housed online at uab.edu/directory and requires BlazerID log-in to protect against phishing.

Take a cue from Jo Ann Hyatt, who perused the library’s collections in 1958, and check out Reynolds-Finley’s featured exhibits on nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale and its collection of 30 pre-1500s printed books.

As Homecoming Week approaches, mark your calendars for noon Oct. 18 to catch our favorite dragon showing his UAB spirit alongside the original Blazer, UAB’s vintage 1969 Chevy K5 Blazer.

Campus has been home to an ROTC program since 1980. Nearly 40 years later, the corps has a new $3 million training facility with classrooms, office space, a cadre lounge and more. The facility’s formal grand opening is scheduled 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25.

Members of the UAB School of Optometry’s first class were recruited by founding dean Henry B. Peters and began their studies in September 1969, exactly five decades ago.

The west side of UAB’s campus, formed in 1958 during an urban renewal project, looks a bit different these days with the opening of the College of Arts and Sciences’ new University Hall.

In 1971, members of the first social sorority manned a table during recruitment. Today, there are dozens of ways for students to learn about UAB clubs, organizations departments and interest groups.

There’s a key element of summertime fun missing from this vintage photo of medical students relaxing on a sunny rooftop in 1949.