May 7, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) will honor the School of Public Health Class of 2003 in ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The ceremony will salute 121 students earning their master's or doctoral degrees in public health. U.S. Rep. Artur Davis will address students and guests.

Alberta Cook, parish nurse coordinator for the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement and community activist, will receive the Alabama Public Health Hero award, presented annually by the school in recognition of an individual’s effort to improve and protect the health of Alabamians.

Student awards also will be presented during ceremonies. The award for Outstanding Doctoral Student will be given to Isis S. Mikhail, Dr.P.H., and the award for Outstanding Master's Student will be presented to Maziar Abdolrasulnia, M.P.H.

Faculty and alumni awards will be presented during the “Evening Before” event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The Faculty Award for Outstanding Public Health Service will be presented to Donna J. Petersen, Sc.D., professor of public health with the departments of health care organization and policy and maternal and child health.

Mary E. Hovinga, Ph.D., associate professor and interim chair of the department of epidemiology will receive the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This is the second time Hovinga has received this award, making her the first two-time recipient of the honor.

The 2003 Alumnus of the Year award will be presented to Dr. Michael Fleenor, a 1988 graduate the school. Fleenor is now the health officer for the Jefferson County Department of Health.