Posted on February 26, 2001 at 10:18 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — They've displayed strength, knowledge and compassion toward others, and on Thursday, March 1, they will be recognized for the women they are.

On that day, a reception will be held, 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Bartow Arena, Green and Gold Room, 617 13th Street South, to honor six Outstanding Women, Sarah Morgan, M.D., Beth Kitchin, Mary Nash, Linda Manchillas-Patterson, Eugenia Gamble and Lillie Fincher.

The awards are presented annually by the UAB Women's Center and the UAB Women's Studies Program to an outstanding student, faculty member, administrator, staff member and woman in the community. The honors go to women who have provided significant service to women, taken courageous stances, overcome adversity and made it easier for other women to achieve their goals.

Associate Professor Sarah L. Morgan, M.D., is Outstanding Woman UAB Faculty Member. She is the first female clinician director in Nutrition Sciences and Medicine.

In addition to her own successes, Morgan is facilitating the recruitment of qualified women faculty, as well as shepherding more than 20 students, mainly women, within the internship or master's program.

"One of Dr. Morgan's major achievements … is the initiation of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Clinic," said Assistant Professor Pi-Ling Chang, Ph.D., who nominated Morgan.

Its initiatives include working on the State Department of Public Health osteoporosis plan and developing the Alabama Tone Your Bones Hotline. With the help of several grants, a physical therapist now is on-site at the clinic, and a Tone Your Bones exercise and nutrition class has been established.

In addition to her clinical work, Morgan is active in community outreach related to osteoporosis, Chang said. She has given more than 50 lectures since 1995 on the topic.

"She [also] is known nationally for her studies using folic acid supplementation to alleviate toxicity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with low-dose Methotrexate," Chang said. "Besides her professional contribution to women, she also is a member of Zonta Club of Birmingham, which supports and contributes locally to the YWCA in assisting abused and homeless women."

Program Manager Beth Kitchin is Outstanding UAB Staff Member.

"Beth is a role model for many women of all ages. She teaches a nutrition course for nursing and medical school students," said April Peek, a graduate assistant in Nutrition Sciences. "For women in these programs, it is important for them to see Beth in her position of leadership. She is equipping women with knowledge about nutrition and health education. It is this knowledge that is empowering to women."

Kitchin also recently began doctoral coursework. Outside of work, Kitchin helps women with cancer or those desiring to learn more about it by holding workshops in the community. Kitchin reaches out to the community in other ways, as well. She hosts the radio show UAB Health Waves, which offers health information.

Kitchin also works in the UAB Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Clinic, where she conducts weekly in-depth nutrition and exercise luncheons and a Tone Your Bones exercise class.

"Beth also manages two countrywide hotlines, one for nutrition and one for osteoporosis information," Peek said.

Mary Nash, associate executive director for UAB Hospital is Outstanding Woman UAB Administrator.

"Mary is one of the most approachable, empathetic, caring executives I have ever known," said Susan McWilliams, UAB associate vice president for human resources management. "She sets high goals for her peers in nursing and other professions."

In addition to her professional duties, Nash also is involved in outreach projects, such as Habitat for Humanity. She credits her modest beginnings for making her a strong, successful and caring individual.

"Mary did not grow up in a wealthy family. She is proud of her humble beginnings and gives credit to her father's basic beliefs about life and hard work, in terms of creating opportunity, as one reason for her personal success," McWilliams said.

Linda Manchillas-Patterson, a senior in political science, is Outstanding Woman UAB Student. The dedicated mother of four not only is a full-time student, but also devotes herself to university programs and community outreach projects.

She is a member of the advisory board of Diversity University, a program sponsored by the community affairs committee of Operation New Birmingham. And she has dedicated countless hours raising money, awareness and quality of life for the women of First Light shelter.

"Her work has made it possible for homeless women to have a place to rest and nourish their lives," said Lane Conville, fellow board member of Diversity University. "She feels at home with these women and has a remarkable connection to their needs and their obstacles. I am certain these women feel her love and are warmed by her presence."

First Presbyterian Church Senior Pastor Eugenia Gamble is Outstanding Woman in the Community. Gamble has been senior pastor of her church since 1996.

"Because of her success, other doors have been opened to female ministers," said UAB student Linda Manchillas-Patterson, herself an award recipient.

Gamble is known for her work as pastor of First Presbyterian Church and for her great strides in bringing shelter to homeless women in Birmingham.

"Over two years ago, when homeless women began seeking shelter in unprecedented numbers, Rev. Gamble had the courage to lead the people of First Presbyterian and community members on a mission to provide more adequate housing and comprehensive programming to address this problem," Patterson said.

Gamble led the First Light Project, which raised more than $2.3 million to renovate the Hotel Granada into a new homeless shelter.

"When Eugenia first began to spearhead the effort to raise the $2.5 million to buy and renovate the Granada, she often was met with indifference or animosity. However, she tenaciously pounded the pavement for financial support from the city, community and corporate leaders," Patterson said.

Lillie Fincher has been awarded the Outstanding Woman in the Community Lifetime of Service honor. Fincher is retired from the Birmingham City School System and has been working in education for almost a half a century.

"A native of Birmingham, she has spent all of her adult life as a teacher, a reflection of her commitment and her perseverance toward educating and equipping students for what is asked of them in their lives and careers," said Frank Romanowicz, program coordinator for UAB International Programs.

"After Ms. Fincher retired from the Birmingham City School system, she became involved in several programs that were designed to teach our youth about human rights and the importance of acceptance," said Melinda Brooks, office services specialist for UAB International Programs.

Fincher co-founded the Institute on the Black Child, a program that focuses on minority youths. She works with other youth groups, such as the Caring Helps Another Make Progress, Top Teens of America and Make a Chance.

"Ms. Fincher's enthusiasm regarding new innovative ways to reach our youth is second to none. She makes herself available and stands in your corner with support and knowledge," Brooks said. "Ms. Fincher possesses those qualities that we look for in community leaders."