Posted on April 8, 2002 at 4:09 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Stephen Hajduk, UAB professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics, has been named the 2002 recipient of the Odessa Woolfolk Community Service Award. The award, which carries a cash prize of $2,500, is presented annually to a UAB faculty member in recognition of significant contributions made to the Birmingham community.

"Dr. Hajduk has distinguished himself internationally as one of the top scientists in his research field," said Larry DeLucas, director of the UAB Center for Biophysical Sciences & Engineering. "A number of his scientific accomplishments have been nationally recognized."

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Hajduk is director of the Center for Community Outreach Development (CORD). As director of CORD, he has developed a universitywide outreach center with an annual budget of more than $1.5 million.

Hajduk's award will serve as a parting gift in a way. He will leave UAB in January to develop a center for global pathogenesis in Woods Hole, Mass.

From 1999 to present, Hajduk has helped to establish many programs in area schools through CORD, including BioTeach for High School Teachers, a summer molecular biology course for teachers; a genetics course for high school students; a two-week summer genetics institute for Birmingham high school teachers; a microbiology course for high school students; a microbiology institute for high school teachers; the X-philes Program, which provides middle and high school students an opportunity to work with UAB scientists on experiments with bacteria isolated in Antarctica; and the Summer Science Institute for High School Students.

In all, Hajduk has helped to establish more than 25 programs for Birmingham students. Johnny Brown, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, said Hajduk's work with the school system has been invaluable.

"Dr. Hajduk epitomizes the cooperation that should exist between universities and their communities, in this case the Birmingham City Schools," Brown said. "He is very supportive of the Birmingham City School System and is our partner in several programs that benefit students. The academic world needs more individuals like Dr. Hajduk."

Hajduk has received several awards and honors for his work in science. In 1994, he was named Fogarty International Scholar. He is a member of many editorial and review boards, including the Experimental Parasitology editorial board and the Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology editorial board and is regional editor for Parasitology International.

Hajduk is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Protozoologists, the American Society of Cell Biology, the American Society for Microbiology, the American Society for Parasitology, the RNA Society, the American Society of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Science Teachers Association. Hajduk has had more than 90 articles published and is in the process of preparing seven more manuscripts. He presents numerous lectures each year.

Woolfolk, a tireless volunteer in the Birmingham area, was UAB’s special assistant to the president for community relations until her retirement in 1993. She directed UAB’s Center for Urban Affairs 1981-1991, then spearheaded development of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute before becoming its director. Officials established the Odessa Woolfolk Community Service Award in 1998 to recognize faculty who provide outstanding service to Birmingham through education, economic development, health-care delivery, the arts, social services, human rights or urban and public affairs.

Nominees are judged on their involvement with students, positive contributions to society, demonstrated humanitarianism and the longevity of their community service.