Dean George Assimos
The UA System Board of Trustees elevated seven former faculty to emeritus status during its Nov. 4 meeting. Those honored were Dean George Assimos, Peter J. Bellis, Joseph G. Van Matre, Harry William Schroeder Jr., Dean L. Sicking, Alexander J. Szalai and Sergey Vyazovkin.
Dean George Assimos, M.D., was named professor and chair emeritus in the Department of Urology at UAB for 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to UAB and its Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
Dr. Assimos, who exhibited excellence during his tenure as professor and chair of the Department of Urology, is recognized as a warm, compassionate, highly principled and dedicated person by his colleagues, staff and students.
Peter J. Bellis
Peter J. Bellis, Ph.D., was named professor emeritus of English in the Department of English for distinguished service to UAB and its College of Arts and Sciences.
Bellis, a committed teacher of American literature, was beloved by students and set an example in the department for generously teaching at all levels. He was a representative to the UAB Faculty Senate and chaired the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee for two years.
Joseph G. Van Matre
Joseph G. Van Matre, Ph.D., was named professor emeritus in the Department of Management, Information Systems & Quantitative Methods for 51 years of distinguished service to UAB and the Collat School of Business. He was the longest-tenured faculty member in the school’s history.
Van Matre provided service to the UAB community through representation on the Faculty Senate, UAB Athletics Committee, search committees, UAB Hospital TQM Design Team and more.
Harry William Schroeder Jr.
Harry William Schroeder Jr., M.D., Ph.D., was named professor emeritus in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology for 33 years of faithful service to UAB and the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
Schroeder was recognized by university faculty, staff and students as a thoughtful, honorable and dedicated individual, and he mentored more than 30 trainees — three of whom rose to the rank of chair for their department.
Dean L. Sicking
Dean L. Sicking, Ph.D., was named professor emeritus in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering for distinguished service to UAB, the School of Engineering and the nation.
During a research career that spanned four decades, Sicking created disruptive safety technologies, including NASCAR’s SAFER Barrier, and he was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President George W. Bush based on his contributions to roadside and racetrack safety.
Alexander J. Szalai
Alexander J. Szalai, Ph.D., was named professor emeritus in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology for nearly 30 years of distinguished service to UAB and the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine.
Szalai directed courses in the UAB Graduate School and the School of Medicine and mentored more than 50 trainees at all levels. He received numerous honors, including the Research Excellence Award, and he led the Research Acceleration Group during his tenure as associate director for research in the division.
Sergey Vyazovkin
Sergey Vyazovkin, Ph.D., was named professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry following 20 years of outstanding service to UAB and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Vyazovkin is a highly reputable teacher who developed and taught analytical chemistry courses to the praise and respect of his students and colleagues. He supervised and mentored multiple undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students who have embarked on successful careers in academia and industry.
