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Shelby Hall
U.S. SENATOR RICHARD C. SHELBY, AL ’57 HONORED
$50 Million Interdisciplinary Science Building Dedicated in the Name of Alabama Chapter Alumnus
Encompassing more than 200,000 square feet, Shelby Hall will be one of the largest academic buildings on the University campus and one of the most modern academic science facilities in the nation. It will provide specially designed research and teaching facilities for University research coalitions and centers in transportation, geosciences, energy, biosciences, chemical sciences, and material sciences, in addition to housing the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry. Some of the initial research will involve fuel cells, alternative fuels, and next-generation engines.
Located at the corner of Campus Drive and Hackberry Lane, Shelby Hall is designed to be the academic anchor of the University’s north campus. Construction is expected to be completed in 2002.
“This magnificent science facility will make a dramatic difference in the University’s science programs. The age of the individual scientist working solitarily in his or her lab has long passed. Today, scientific research brings together experts from many fields to investigate complex questions,” said University of Alabama President Andrew Sorensen.
“Such interdisciplinary research requires sophisticated facilities that support exploration and innovation. The University’s research funding has more than doubled in the past three years. This visionary, state-of-the-art building, which incorporates both teaching and research wings, will provide the foundation for further acceleration and expansion of our research programs. We have this marvelous facility thanks to the unwavering interest of Senator Richard Shelby who was instrumental in supporting our funding efforts. We are pleased to recognize Senator and Dr. Annette Shelby’s longstanding friendship and support of this institution by dedicating this complex Shelby Hall.”
Richard Shelby, Alabama’s senior senator, received his B.A. degree from the University of Alabama in 1957 and his L.L.B. degree from the University’s School of Law in 1963. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1987, after having served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1979-1987. He was an Alabama State Senator from 19701978, Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama from 1969-1971, and U.S. Magistrate for the Northern District of Alabama from 1966-1970. From 1963-1978, he practiced Law in Tuscaloosa, and served as City Prosecutor from 1963-1971.
Currently, Dick, as he is known by his fellow Brothers of the Alabama Chapter, serves as the Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence. As the third ranking member of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, he is a member of the following subcommittees: Financial Institutions and Regulatory Relief; Securities; and Housing Opportunity and Community Development. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, and is a member of the following other committees: Defense; Treasury and General Government; Foreign Operations; Veterans Affairs; Housing and Urban Development; and Independent Agencies. He is also a member of the Special Committee on Aging.
The continuing focus of Senator Shelby’s legislative efforts include: the protection and encouragement of small businesses; reform of the nation’s tax code; reform of immigration laws; and fiscal responsibility. His economic and pro-business agenda has resulted in many awards from constituent groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Taxpayers Union, and the National Federation of Independent Business. He is also a leader in the movement to balance environmental concerns with the rights of private property owners.
Dick’s wife, Annette, is also an accomplished person in her own right, being a member of the University’s President’s Cabinet and The University of Alabama National Advisory Board. She is a graduate of The University of Alabama, as well as being a former professor at both the University of Alabama and Georgetown University.
Editor’s Note: The photo below as well as the cover photo are courtesy of the University of Alabama’s Office of University Relations as is most of this story. Elements of the story are also from the Chapter’s alumni newsletter, The Counselor.
On June 26, 2000, on The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) and his wife, Dr. Annette Nevin Shelby, were special guests at a site dedication ceremony for the $50 million Shelby Hall, an interdisciplinary science building to be built at the University.
