2026 Alumni Awards

Celebrate excellence, leadership, and service at the 2026 UAB Alumni Awards on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the UAB Alumni House. This annual event recognizes outstanding members of the Blazer community whose accomplishments, dedication, and impact exemplify the spirit and values of UAB. Join fellow alumni, university leaders, and campus partners for an inspiring evening as we honor individuals whose achievements have strengthened UAB, advanced their professions, and made meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. Tickets for the seated awards dinner are $25. 5:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception6:30 p.m. - Seated Dinner & Awards CeremonyBusiness or cocktail attire is encouraged. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. 2026 Alumni Award Recipients Honorary Life Membership Award • Dr. Marnix Heersink | Co-Founder, Eye Center SouthDistinguished Alumni Award • Dr. Xiaqing (James) Wu | Vice President and General Manager, NVIDIA's DRIVE Sim & DeepMap | College of Arts and SciencesHonorary Alumni Award • Ken Cater | Emeritus Director, Parkinson Association of AlabamaUAB Young Alumni Rising Star Award • Dr. Christina Bankston | Assistant Professor, HEERSINK School of Medicine | College of Arts and SciencesUAB Young Alumni Rising Star Award • Dr. Thomas Cameron Brimer | Regional Medical Director and Physician, Lee Health | College of Arts and SciencesUAB Young Alumni Rising Star Award • Dr. Rodney Dixon Dorand, Jr. | Physician, Tennessee Oncology | College of Arts and Sciences & Honors CollegeUAB Young Alumni Rising Star Award • Dr. Kenneth Liu | Owner, Northport Periodontics and Implant Dentistry | School of DentistryUAB Young Alumni Rising Star Award • Dr. Rachel Marie Sasser | Instructor and VAN Co-Coordinator, UAB School of Nursing | School of Nursing