What’s the most gratifying thing you have ever done? For Star Bloom, founder of Al’s Pals, it was connecting underserved elementary students in the Tuscaloosa community to UA student mentors.
“Al’s Pals has played an important role in helping our students be successful. One-on-one mentors build positive relationships with our students, which helps our students feel more confident in completing assignments and participating in activities. It truly takes a village and Al’s Pals is a part of our village.”
Dr. Kim Lavendar, Matthews Elementary Principal
In Star’s words, starting the innovative program in 2010 “was a win-win. It was the first time that someone told these young students that the sky is the limit. And it gave our UA students a different perspective about what’s important in life.”
Al’s Pals was the highlight of a career that started in the apparel industry. For 23 years, Star and her husband, Stan ran a successful apparel manufacturing company, Coed Collar Co. Throughout that time she carried a passion for education, staying involved in the PTA and volunteering for school functions.
After closing their doors, Star joined the Tuscaloosa Academy staff to launch the school’s computer lab, one of the first of its kind. She found that she loved working with high school students, and often set high expectations for them. “That was one of the most important lessons I learned, that students will meet the high expectations you set.”
In 1985, Harry Knopke, who would later become The University’s Vice President of Student Affairs, asked Star to join his staff to launch a new outreach program that broadcast science and Japanese courses in rural schools across the state. Once again, she was helping create an innovative program, charting a new path and building relationships.
Over the years, Star continued to serve the community, notably working on a Tuscaloosa task force to open what is now Tuscaloosa’s One Place (TOP). This group of local leaders concluded that if the community was serious about improving high school graduation rates and reducing the number of households living below poverty level, it had to muster additional resources for young children and their families.
To supplement TOP’s efforts after a large grant was secured, Star, having built strong relationships across the UA campus, successfully advocated for students to receive college credit for volunteering in underserved schools.
The program began with Honor’s College students, but later shifted to a Division of Student Life initiative where it officially became Al’s Pals. The program, developed by Star and two student workers, launched with 50 UA student mentors, and now enlists over 1,000 who serve in a variety of leadership and mentoring roles for elementary students across Tuscaloosa.
Star retired in 2016, but Al’s Pals continued on, and is now lead by Allison Espey, who Star says “is so passionate.” The program allows UA students to experientially learn the value of community engagement to make a difference. They’re developing leadership and mentorship skills while investing in young students to build brighter futures.
Star retired in 2016, but Al’s Pals continued on, and is now lead by Allison Espey, who Star says “is so passionate.” The program allows UA students to experientially learn the value of community engagement to make a difference. They’re developing leadership and mentorship skills while investing in young students to build brighter futures.
Star remains invested in the UA community by serving on the Student Life capital campaign committee. She and her husband also established the Bloom Scholarship award, which recognizes a student each year who has improved relations among different groups.
The Capstone is grateful for Star’s many contributions to the University and the Tuscaloosa community. She built a strong legacy of investing in students’ success and leadership development. The impact she has made on Al’s Pals participants and across campus through the years is immeasurable.
By supporting Student Life in the Rising Tide, your gift will enhance our ability to support students with experiential learning opportunities like Al’s Pals that build skills for leadership, holistic development, and intercultural and community engagement.