The prospect of a rematch between Alabama and LSU for college football's national championship was not the only thing on Bob Witt's mind Monday in the wake of the Crimson Tide's impressive victory over arch-rival Auburn.

The University of Alabama President, an Update reader, took the time to send us a great email after reading our story on Operation Grassroots. This effort is an unprecedented initiative by The BJF to raise 1000 new gifts or increases of at least $100 to obtain a $100,000 challenge grant. (See below link for story.)

"The work of The BJF has never been more important than it is today," wrote Bob shortly after the story appeared Monday. "My wife Sandee and I are pleased to participate as one of Operation Grassroots' new donors. I will mail a check for $100 to you this week. The gift is in honor of Daniel Odrezin, one of The University of Alabama's finest graduates."

Daniel, who went to Alabama for undergraduate school and who is now in his third year at Alabama's law school, will be joining our BJF staff after graduation. During his time at Alabama, Daniel has been a great asset to the school and a wonderful connection between the University and the Birmingham Jewish community.

Bob also has been a great asset to our community. He has aggressively recruited Jewish students to the Tuscaloosa campus and he and his administration have worked closely with The BJF and Hillel to strengthen Jewish life at Alabama.

We thank him for his continued interest in our Jewish community and thank him and Sandee for their Operation Grassroots donation. RTR -- thanks Bob for the Really Terrific Response!

Photo is of UA President Bob Witt and Daniel Odrezin. It was taken at the Levite Jewish Community Center where Dr. Witt spoke to Jewish high school students to encourage them to come to Alabama. Daniel, then an undergraduate, also spoke at the meeting.