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People of UAB • October 08, 2026

September marked the official start of fall, but Blazers found plenty of time in the shorter days to cheer, splash, study and shop around our lovely campus.

Our photographers share their favorite images from the month in this slideshow.


A crowd in the Volker Hall Atrium cheers as Dr. Marnix Heersink looks around and Mary Heersink looks on

“Dr. Marnix Heersink beams in the white coat presented to him by UAB, as his wife, Mary, looks on during a recital held in the Volker Hall Atrium. The event honored the Heersinks, who gave the largest philanthropic gift in UAB history five years ago. The emotion from Dr. Heersink, Mary and all the layers of smiling faces in this image gives it big energy.” — Andrea Mabry, senior university photographer


Read more about the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Heersinks' gift.

A UAB employee and a UAB student go down a waterslide at Blazer Splash

“I have been interested in photographing Blazer Splash for the last three years, but this year is the first time it's actually happened! Blazer Splash is much more than just a water balloon fight; there are also inflatable water slides, a dunking booth and water soakers. I think this photo of a co-worker and her intern are the perfect example of how much fun everyone had that afternoon. I really love the joy and the vibrant colors. It was a gorgeous sunny day and the water felt great.” — Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer


Blazer Band drum corps plays while a student looks on

“I really loved this shot I got at the first UAB home football game tailgate. Usually when someone is center frame like this, they are in focus as the main subject, but I instead focused on watching the Marching Blazers, just like he was. It adds interest to an otherwise normal shot of the band performing.”— Ian Logue, university photographer


A group of students and faculty juggle tennis balls outside Gorrie Hall

“School of Engineering Dean Jeffrey Holmes, middle, and engineering instructor Ian Berg, left, juggle in the Science and Engineering Complex lower plaza with a student. Dean Holmes hosts a juggling lesson at the beginning of each fall semester as a way to get to know students. Dean Holmes's joyful concentration and his relaxed posture seems reflected by the surrounding tennis balls frozen in motion.”— Andrea Mabry, senior university photographer


A student studies outside Heritage Hall

“The summer around campus may be peaceful, but I like it better when students return! It's certainly more interesting, and as a photographer of people, I love the opportunities that fall provides. I don't think I could have set up a better scene than this particular one I witnessed on a morning while out photographing "student life" images. This student very kindly agreed to let me document her studying on the patio of Heritage Hall. I like this photograph for several reasons: the simple color palette; the perfectly organized laptop, case and notebook on an otherwise clean surface; and the way the green branch beside her leads the viewer visually to her. I even don't mind the dappled light because it further explains the setting without spoonfeeding us. We know she's underneath branches as well, but that information is inferred because they're not seen. I think that's neat."— Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer


Clouds reflected in the windows of the School of Nursing

“When the photographers go out around campus, it's usually to capture the everyday life of the UAB student or the pretty view around campus. I enjoyed this shot I got while I was walking around and saw this huge cloud in the reflection of the School of Nursing building. It sort of gives me the feeling of looking out the window while you're sitting at your desk and wishing you were outside getting some sun.” — Ian Logue, university photographer


Students get sprayed with water at Blazer Splash 2026

"As I mentioned before, I couldn't have been happier when the stars aligned and I finally got to photograph Blazer Splash! (The number of times I was hit with water balloons was a little unexpected, but I was prepared, and my camera was wrapped in a protective case.) I really like this photo because of the action that moves your eyes from left to right and the anticipation of the water reaching the people on the right side of the frame. I also find it appealing because of how the sun is illuminating the water droplets. It almost feels electric!"— Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, university photographer


A student looks at posters outside the Hill University Center

“In September, I was outside the Hill Center in the amphitheater, where they were having a poster sale. I enjoyed this shot of a student browsing the small card stands. I framed this image through the two stands so you can see the subject browsing and what she is looking at all in the same frame. I also love the bright colors.” — Ian Logue, university photographer


A group of students and employees doing yoga on the Campus Green

“Yoga on the Green, hosted by the Campus Rec, created a visually beautiful and inwardly powerful presence. The layers of greenery, clouds and a campus landmark surround the students, who are stretching their bodies and quieting their minds.”— Andrea Mabry, senior university photographer


Do you need images, graphics and video for your presentations? Check out the downloadable resources available to all Blazers in UAB's Digital Asset Library.

 


Photos by: Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, Ian Logue and Andrea Mabry
Written by: Jennifer Alsabrook-Turner, Ian Logue and Andrea Mabry

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