BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for Aging bestowed its annual awards saluting leaders in the community making a difference in the lives of older adults at the Eighth Annual Celebration of Life reception at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Oct. 11 reception and awards recognized the tremendous contributions of older adults to society as a whole and served to thank those who have helped support research, education and service programs of the Center for Aging.
Harry Vickers was the recipient of the McCallum Award, named for former UAB president and mayor of Vestavia Hills, Charles A. "Scotty" McCallum Jr., D.M.D, M.D. Vickers was chosen for his leadership in business and community service, and his generous support of the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) Unit at UAB Highlands. The McCallum award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service on behalf of the Center for Aging and its mission.
The New Horizon Award recognizes not-for-profit organizations that have worked to enhance the health and well-being of older adults in the community. This year's winners were Sister Jane Bishop, OSB, and the Community of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Jefferson County Meals on Wheels and Honor Flight. The award is named for New Horizons at UAB, a self-governing organization of older adults who design a curriculum to meet the diverse interests of its members.
The Bynum Award honors an adult 75 years or older who continues to work to improve the health and well-being of older adults in the community. The awardees were Emmie C. and Herman D. Bolden, Nelldeane Price, Elois Ramsay and Gertrude "Trudy" A. Tharpe, Ph.D. The award recognizes Robert Bynum's many years of service to older adults as deputy administrator of Social Security, as a member of the Alabama Commission on Aging, and as an employee and consultant for the Center for Aging.
New this year is the Grandparents Award, created to recognize grandparents who have inspired young people to have a positive outlook on aging, to serve older adults or to strengthen families. Inaugural awardees were the Rev. J. A. "Jerry" Cherry, Julia Cochran, Edith Farmer, Ella B. Gaines, Weesa and William Matthews, Patricia Bolle Shepherd and Phyllis Grusin Weinstein.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the UAB Center for Aging in honor of the recipients may send it to the UAB Center for Aging, 933 South 19th St., Suite 201, 35294.
About the UAB Center for Aging
The UAB Center for Aging is a world leader in creating and using knowledge that will optimize function, enhance management of illness and reduce health disparities among older adults. The center involves an interdisciplinary community of more than 200 faculty members and staff working together to promote the health and well-being of older persons and their families.