May 15, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Occupational Therapy in the School of Health Professions presented three awards during its annual Awards Day ceremony April 27.

Gary Edwards, Ph.D., Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Greater Birmingham, received the Excellence in Community Partnership Award, given each year to recognize an organization or individual for contributions and/or opportunities provided to the UAB OT program.

Lisa L. Stewart, a UAB alumnus and senior occupational therapist and director of Therapy Services at UAB Medical West, received the Carroline [cq] "Cat" Amari Excellence in Clinical Education Award, which is given each year to a clinician who works with OT students in the clinical setting and recognizes his or her outstanding work as a teacher and mentor.

Laura Jackson Foster, a UAB OT student, received the Carroline "Cat" Amari Endowed Scholarship in Occupational Therapy, which is awarded to a second-year OT student who demonstrates professionalism and excellence as a student and colleague and who is in need of financial assistance to complete his or her studies.

About UAB OT

The UAB Department of Occupational Therapy is a part of the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ranked 17th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report among occupational therapy graduate programs, the department offers two master's degree programs (entry-level and post-professional) as well as a graduate certificate in low vision rehabilitation.