UA Student Receives Award for Character, Service

The University of Alabama honored a man and a woman of the graduating class and a non-student who have been helpful to and associated with the University.

Malik Rashaun Seals received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for excellence of character and service to humanity.

When Seals' mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2011, he was rocked to his core.

Everything about his life changed that day and the Columbus, Mississippi, native found himself drawn to research and medicine. Now, as a biological sciences major on a pre-med track, he seeks to become equipped with the skills he needs to eradicate MS.

He's already presented at the largest North American conference for MS, Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, and has been published in the Journal of Neurology.

He will be attending graduate school with the intent to study microbiology and immunology in his pursuit to advance his scientific foundation to continue studying MS and neurodegenerative diseases.

In his time at UA, he's served as president of National Pan-Hellenic Council, vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., assistant team leader for the Center for Service and Leadership, on the SGA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion cabinet and as the University's first Movember Student Ambassador, a role in which he raised awareness about men's mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.

He said he tries to live with the constant awareness of the work that needs to done at UA and in the community.

His mother is Danyell Smith and his father is Derrick Seals.

Alexus M. Cumbie, of Birmingham, was the other student recipient.

To view these students click here: https://ua.meritpages.com/achievements/UA-Student-Receives-Award-for-Character-Service/119115