UAB continues to implement its Campus Master Plan through new facilities and renovations to enhance instruction, research, technology and student life.

The UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to William Benoit, Smita Bhatia, James Cimino, Gene Siegal and J. Michael Wyss and the rank of University Professor to Sylvie Mrug during its April 9 meeting.

A 48-year-old Japanese maple has been relocated successfully from the Education Building to the Alumni House, ensuring its continued growth as the Education Building is razed to make way for the Science and Engineering Complex.

In May 1971, Bracie Watson, a senior majoring in biology, became the first Black student elected president of the UAB Undergraduate Student Government Association. And UAB USGA presidents continue to be changemakers — hear 2020-21 President Tyler Huang tell his story in a UAB United video and UAB News.

One location of the campus food pantry has moved from Medical Towers to a newly renovated space at 1613 11th Ave. South; the Benevolent Fund offices also relocated there.

From the appoint of Aaron L. Lamar Jr. to associate vice president and dean of Student Affairs in 1978 to being named America’s No. 4 Best Employer for Diversity by Forbes, UAB has demonstrated a long commitment to its shared value of diversity and inclusiveness.

Before you hop on that bike to commute to work or head across campus, make sure you, your bicycle and your knowledge of the road are ready.

UAB aims to generate 20 percent of its electrical energy from renewable resources and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2025, and student and faculty governance groups are supporting the initiative.

In June 1970, UAB awarded its first degrees to 478 students. During this year’s commencement ceremonies — the first ones in person since fall 2019 — more than 8,550 will be awarded.

Royalty has come to campus in the form of two queen honeybees and their subjects — about 40,000 worker bees, and a second monarch waystation has been installed outside Honors Hall.