Celebrating Diversity
At the 2013 UAB Diversity Awards Banquet, SON's Frank Wiser received the President's Diversity Award for a Staff Member from President Dr. Marchase.
Mr. Wiser is the Director of Grants and Contracts Administration for the UAB School of Nursing and in his day-to-day duties he is a dynamic and powerful force who freely shares his talents, enthusiasm, and expertise with others. In both his professional and personal life, Mr. Wiser lives by the basic tenet of a commitment towards helping others. And in helping others, his scope is all about inclusiveness and embracing diversity.
The overall growth and success of UAB and the School of Nursing as center of higher learning and research is directly attributable to the fact a core value of the University is the commitment to embrace and supporting diversity. As members of the UAB community we are all called upon to embody this ideal; however some among us, like Mr. Wiser, go above and beyond.
Giving Back to the Community
From the day Wiser began work at UAB, he sought out opportunities to volunteer his time to the UAB Community. He is a Safe Zone member, is an active member of the Alliance for LGBT Equality at UAB and serves on its scholarship committee. He was also an integral part of the Alliance's campaign to establish and award the first scholarships for UAB students who have demonstrated leadership within the LGBT community. Outside of UAB, Mr. Wiser serves as a board member at AIDS Alabama. He generously gives of his time, expertise, and advice for AIDS Alabama’s pursuit of grant funding. In 2012, AIDS Alabama was awarded $1.5 million in funding from the CDC. Mr. Wiser was an integral part of that process. And there is more! For the past 3 years Mr. Wiser, with the support of the SON community, has been the #1 contributor to the AIDS Alabama’s Holiday Wish program. The program provides clothing, toys, and other gifts to children of families affected by HIV/AIDS. Much like in everything that he does, Mr. Wiser goes the extra mile here as well. He personally makes sure that every child’s wishes are fulfilled and if they are not, he personally sees to it that they are. What I find to be especially touching is the joyful enthusiasm that Mr. Wiser gives to this yearly project. His excitement is contagious which has consequentially aided in the success of this venture.Mr. Wiser is also an Adult Mentor for the Birmingham Alliance of Gay, Straight, & Lesbian Youth (BAGSLY). He is an active member of the Birmingham Gay Softball League and in the past, served as its commissioner.
Mr. Wiser in his basic nature, exemplifies all of the qualities and ideals of a person who contributes towards the development of creating a more culturally diverse, competent and inclusive environment - not only here at UAB, but for all of those whose lives are touched by his good works.
