The 2017 College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards recipients were honored Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at a reception at the UAB Alumni House. Honorees and guests were welcomed by Dean Palazzo, and the awards presentation was emceed by WVUA-TV managing editor, Mike Royer.
These annual awards highlight the diverse talents, professional accomplishments, and community service of our alumni. Congratulations to the five deserving award winners!
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
The College's highest honor, this award is reserved for prominent alumni with a history of excellence in their careers.
Stephen G. Odaibo, M.D.
B.S. in Mathematics, 2001; M.S. in Mathematics, 2002
Dr. Stephen G. Odaibo is an ophthalmologist and retina specialist, as well as a mathematician, computer scientist, and physicist. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of RETINA-AI, a biotechnology company the specializes in developing artificial-intelligence software technology to improve physicians' ability to diagnose and treat retinal disease.
Xiaqing Wu, Ph.D.
M.S. in Computer Science, 2001; Ph.D. in Computer Science, 2003
Dr. James Wu is the co-founder and CEO of DeepMap, a startup in Silicon Valley which develops high-definition maps for self-driving cars. After graduating from UAB, Dr. Wu worked as a TechLead software engineer for companies such as Apple and Google.
Distinguished Young Alumni Award
This award honors young alumni who have made significant professional accomplishments at an early stage in their careers.
Andrew Brashier
B.A. in History; B.A. in Political Science, 2007
Andrew Brashier, principal at Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles P.C., has practiced law in the consumer fraud section since joining the firm in Sept. 2010. He has focused primarily on consumer class action lawsuits and whistle blowing, including representing consumers and financial institutions harmed by the Target, Home Depot, and Community Health Systems data breaches.
Walter Eric Meyer, IV
B.S. in Individually Designed Major, 2001
Eric Meyer is a managing partner and head brewer at Cahaba Brewing Company, founded in 2011 with the goal of providing clean and consistent craft beers. Meyer is also a full-time paramedic and firefighter for the Mountain Brook Fire Department.
Alumni Service Award
This award honors alumni who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the local, national, or global community.
Gillian Goodrich
M.A. in History, 1975
Gillian Goodrich, along with her husband Mike, is the co-founder of the Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation which serves and supports communities in the Birmingham metropolitan area, the Black Belt, and the State of Alabama since 2008. Goodrich later established the Woodlawn Foundation in 2012, whose mission is to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham.
She currently serves on the Boards of the YWCA, Gateway, and the Alabama Heritage Foundation Board of Directors.
