Drawing inspiration from losing his mother early on, Tyler Thomas is committed to caring for others. He is earning his Doctor of Optometry, Master of Science in Vision Science and Master of Business Administration degrees this May.

On April 8, 2025, the University of Alabama at Birmingham hosted a reception for the 2025 Service Award winners. In total, 26 College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff members with 20 years or more of service were recognized at the event.

After an accomplished four years on UAB’s campus, Patel will walk across the commencement stage to graduate with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.