Looking to the Future

Garlands Aid Children of UAB Women & Infants Center Employees

James and Natalie Garland

The Natalie T. and James A. Garland Educational Assistance Fund Endowment recognizes the outstanding patient care and support services provided to the patients of the UAB Women & Infants Center by the dedicated nursing and support staff of UAB Hospital. The Garlands have established this scholarship to help UAB students who are children of employees of the UAB Women & Infants Center and to work in conjunction with the university’s educational assistance program. The couple hopes to personally enhance the fund in the coming years and encourages others to contribute.

“Our goal in establishing this endowment was to generate ongoing scholarship funds that could be supplemented by future contributions from ourselves and others, rather than giving a one-time gift,” Mr. Garland says. “This fund will provide continued assistance to worthy students over an extended period of time. We also wanted to honor the dedicated nursing and support staff of the Women & Infants Center by providing financial assistance to their children as they pursue their educational goals at UAB.”

Mrs. Garland graduated with honors from UAB with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a certificate in gerontology. She subsequently received her social work license from the state of Alabama and was employed at Carraway Methodist Medical Center working with an elderly wellness program. She now continues to be involved in volunteer activities with her church and especially enjoys working with preschool children, elderly members, the sanctuary choir, and international students involved in conversational English studies.

Mr. Garland, a professional architect, began his career at UAB in 1974 as director of architecture and engineering and subsequently served in various >senior leadership positions including as associate vice president for financial affairs and administration. During his later years of employment at UAB, he also served as associate vice chancellor for financial affairs-facilities for The University of Alabama System.

In 1999, Mr. Garland was awarded the UAB President’s Medal in recognition of his distinguished service to the university, and he also was inducted into the State of Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame Class of 2006 in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the health-care industry in Alabama. He retired from UAB in 2007.

“Mr. and Mrs. Garland have dedicated their lives to UAB and our community,” says Wally Carlo, M.D., director of the Division of Neonatology. “Mr. Garland was instrumental in advancing the concept of a state-of-the-art women and infants facility at UAB. With this endowment, the Garlands will support the current and future employees of the UAB Women & Infants Center who dedicate their lives to caring for so many women and their infants.”

Maintaining the Momentum / Summer 2011