Distinguished gentlemen

In 1967, Dr. Charles “Scotty” A. McCallum moved to Vestavia Hills to raise his family. In 2000, he became mayor and during his two terms, oversaw  changes such as the addition of businesses and the purchase of a new library property.

Today, he can’t help but smile when asked why he chose this community more than 40 years ago.

“I selected Vestavia Hills because of the wonderful schools and the people,” McCallum said. “I feel very lucky. It’s such a beautiful place.”

McCallum will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th annual Leadership Vestavia Hills Citizens of the Year banquet on March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. Other honorees are Dr. Ronald Alvarez and the nonprofit organization Cooking with Cancer founded by Dr. Luis Pineda. The program recognizes individuals and groups who make significant contributions to Vestavia Hills through volunteerism, generosity, fundraising and lifetime service.

“All of these honorees have remarkable stories,” said event chair Brent Irby.

McCallum is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to UAB Medicine, Birmingham and Vestavia Hills. He spent more than 50 years at UAB holding positions as chairman, dean, vice president for three different medical departments, and University president.  McCallum was Mayor of Vestavia Hills from 2000-2008 and has volunteered for several community organizations.

Alvarez will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award for his leadership in medical research. Alvarez is currently a professor, director and vice-chairman and the holder of the Ellen Gregg Shook Culverhouse Chair at UAB. He is nationally recognized as a leader in research and development for ovarian cancer and screening and prevention strategies for cervical cancer.  

Alvarez worked under McCallum when he was UAB president.  Like McCallum, he is proud to call the city his home.

“Vestavia Hills is such a welcoming community,” Alvarez said. “Everyone here is embraced.”

Nonprofit organization Cooking with Cancer, located on Laurel Road, will receive the Citizen of the Year Award. Pineda researches and develops beneficial recipes for cancer patients as well as their families, friends and caregivers. He has compiled well-researched recipes into a Cooking with Cancer cookbook with a goal to give a free copy to every cancer patient who wants one. So far, 25,000 cookbooks have been distributed worldwide.

Banquet tickets are $45 and may be purchased from the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce or online at leadershipvestaviahills.com. The banquet is open to the public and sponsorships are available by contacting James Robinson at james.robinson@energen.com.