On April 12th, we proudly honored our outgoing 2024–25 Fellows during the annual Celebration of Service. This year’s event was presented by our longtime partner, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and graciously hosted by the Samford University College of Health Sciences, our Academic Supporting Sponsor.
The 2024–25 Fellowship class included 20 outstanding graduate students representing Alabama State University, Auburn University, Samford University, the University of Montevallo, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). These Fellows brought a diverse range of health disciplines to the program, including counseling, dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, and social work.
We also took time to recognize key individuals who played a vital role in supporting the Fellows and their community-based projects over the past year. Selected through nominations submitted by the 2024–25 Fellows, this year’s award recipients include:
- Outstanding Community Advisory Board Member: La Donna Brendle, in partnership with Fellow Eileen Knott
- Outstanding Community Educators: Ryan Pratt, Mikaela Dedona, and Dr. Lawrence Brack, of the Equal Justice Initiative Health Clinic
- Outstanding Academic Mentor: Dr. Janene Sims, UAB School of Optometry
- Outstanding Site Mentor: Dr. Ronald Bayles, Titusville Development Corporation
These awards were generously sponsored by the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science.
In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of our outgoing Fellows, we also welcomed the 2025–26 Fellowship class, recognizing each new Fellow and their respective institutions as they begin their service projects.
Both cohorts—and their guests—were inspired by our 2025 Humanitarian of the Year, Dr. John Dorsey, founder and executive director of Project Horseshoe Farm, whose words challenged us all to remain purpose-driven in our efforts to serve others.
This photo slideshow captures special moments from the annual Celebration of Service, where we honored the incredible work of our outgoing Fellows, welcomed the 2025–26 cohort, and recognized the mentors and partners who made this year possible.
Take a look at the presentation slides from our 2025 Celebration of Service. This visual recap highlights the impact of our Fellows’ community-based projects, the individuals and organizations that supported their journeys, and the broader mission of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama to train future health leaders committed to equity and service.
