UNIVERSITY PROGRAM COUNCIL
It has been said that college is merely a warm place between high school and marriage. That may be true for some, however, in the case of the late 1960s through the close of the 1970s, especially for those at The University of Alabama who worked on the University Program Council, their college experience proved to be so much more.
Over the years many have wondered why there was so little information about the UPC during that particular span of time. For journalists and academic researchers probing cyberspace for information, it was as if the entire period was little more than a footnote.
In 2024 when the University published a story about the UPC in an Alumni magazine, it opened the door for this effort. There has been a UPC Facebook page for a long time. Hopefully this website will enhance that effort.
UPCalabama.com is dedicated to the many women and men who worked on the Program Council, a heartfelt tribute to their dedication, creativity, and hard work on behalf of fellow students as well as the surrounding Tuscaloosa community. The UPC provided color and imagination to the lives of thousands with a steady stream of impressive concerts, unique events, and activities. The staff also booked newsmakers, international political figures, bestselling authors, Broadway shows and various cultural acts, bringing them to campus for appearances and speaking engagements. The Program Council brought the biggest names in pop, soul, jazz, rock and more to Tuscaloosa making memories that will live on forever.
One former UPC chairman said, “I guess you had to be there,” which is certainly true. But for those who were not, maybe the stories, pictures and other memorabilia on this site will help.
We sincerely hope that you will enjoy UPCalabama.com, and consider contributing by offering your comments, photos, artifacts, and memories of a special time in history that will likely never be repeated.
SPECIAL THANKS
A thank you to the many former Program Council members who have generously shared recollections, resources, and goodwill.
It has been wonderful to reconnect with old friends like Kent Öztekin, Ken Kingery, Steve Wombacher, Richard Blake, Edward Journey, and Barry Bukstein. Phillip Rawls wrote several terrific columns; he also provided invaluable insights and wise suggestions along the way. He directed us to former UPC president Will Ferniany who is a fountain of wonderful stories. Cleo Thomas also gave us comments and recollections of his years with the Program Council. Cleo, Cynthia Alley Pifke, Ted McCreless, Ray Waites, Joe Miller, Loyd Riley, Bill Alford, Michael Muscari, Clay Bargeron, and others big-heartedly came to the table sharing stories, providing quotes, and memorabilia.
It would be a serious omission not to mention the pioneering work of Mike Trucks, Doug Casmus, Gary Weinberger, Mark Gaughn, and the late Tony Ruffino, who was perhaps the most important component in the UPC success story.
Thank you all for your contributions. This website is sincerely dedicated to so many special people during a special time.
FEATURED ARTISTS