American Idol Ruben Studdard to Kick Off UAB Home Football Opener, United Way 2003 Campaign September 4

America’s idol, Ruben Studdard, will come home to Birmingham September 4 to help kick off two events at Legion Field: UAB’s 6 p.m. home football opener against Southern Mississippi and the United Way of Central Alabama’s 2003 Kick Off Celebration. The UAB Health System and VIVA Health will sponsor his appearance.

July 28, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — America’s idol, Ruben Studdard, will come home to Birmingham September 4 to help kick off two events at Legion Field: UAB’s 6 p.m. home football opener against Southern Mississippi and the United Way of Central Alabama’s 2003 Kick Off Celebration. The UAB Health System and VIVA Health will sponsor his appearance.

“We are thrilled that Birmingham’s hometown hero will join us to launch UAB’s home football season and United Way’s campaign,” UAB President Carol Z. Garrison said. “Like UAB and United Way, his drive and talent have been put to good purpose, and he’s a wonderful ambassador for our city.”

Studdard won the nation’s heart as its favorite “Velvet Teddy Bear” on the Fox series “American Idol,” and took home the winner’s title on the ratings-buster May 21 series climax. Back home on Sept. 4, he will visit the United Way campaign kickoff, a tented event at Legion Field, before the UAB vs. Southern Miss game.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of campaign efforts by United Way of Central Alabama, Inc., the largest non-governmental provider of funds for social services in the area. Under the volunteer leadership of 2003 Campaign Chairman Alan Martin, executive vice president, Alabama Power Co., hundreds of volunteers, including over 75 loaned executives, will begin calling on area businesses, holding fund-raising rallies and taking pledges that will fund social service programs in Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, St. Clair and Blount Counties.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Carol Garrison for giving United Way an opportunity to involve and unite more Birmingham area residents around the critical needs in our community,” Martin said. “With this partnership, our two organizations are working together to build a stronger and healthier community.”

“UAB Health System and VIVA Health are delighted to make it possible for Ruben’s hometown fans to see him in person and show their appreciation for his accomplishments and the recognition he has brought to our city,” said UAB Health System CEO David Fine.

Studdard will perform a song in the halftime show, and UAB’s Garrison will make a special presentation to him. Joining Studdard will be members of the local Boy’s & Girls Clubs of America, the United Way agency closest to his heart. From age seven to 12, he was a member of the organization, participating in the club’s after-school and summer camp programs. The club’s executive directors, Jean and Tom Cleckler, remember him singing “Lean On Me” during a talent show. He attended the club’s summer program, Camp Jimmy Goodwin, near Jasper.

For more information on the United Way Campaign Kickoff, call (205) 458-2050.

UAB, a member of Conference USA, will play five home games this season: Southern Miss, Troy State, University of Cincinnati, Army and Tulane. Tickets are on sale in person or by phone (975-UAB1) at Bartow Arena, by phone at SouthTix (933-1280) or online at www.uabsports.com.