A doctor who treats Myanmar refugees in Thailand, a father of modern trauma surgery and the founder of a nationwide college readiness program are among the UC Davis alumni who will be honored at an event on Jan. 30.

The Cal Aggie Alumni Association invites the public to attend the 2010 Alumni Awards Gala, beginning with an alumni winemaker reception at 6 p.m. in Freeborn Hall and followed by a dinner and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets or a table, contact Jennifer Thayer at (530) 754-9098 or jsthayer@ucdavis.edu.

The award winners, all California residents, are Terrance Smith of Clarksburg; Michael W. Chapman of Sacramento; Mary Catherine Swanson of Olivenhain; Michael Child of Atherton; Craig McNamara of Winters; and Marc Facciotti of Davis.

Terrence Smith — Smith, ’79, is the recipient of the Emil M. Mrak International Award for his distinguished career and service outside of the United States. A volunteer at the Mae Tao Clinic in Thailand, the doctor treats displaced ethnic migrants and refugees from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Smith began his international volunteer work in 1999 when he joined Doctors of the World. He spent time in Mexico, Vietnam and Thailand. He is also a part-time physician at the Davis Community Clinic during his return trips to California.

Michael Chapman — Chapman, ’58, professor emeritus and former chair of the UC Davis Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be awarded the Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award for extraordinary service to the alumni association, the UC Davis Foundation and the university. Under his leadership, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery became one of the most respected in the nation, and he is recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern trauma surgery. He has recently agreed to be one of the founding members of the cabinet heading up UC Davis’ first comprehensive campaign.

Craig McNamara — McNamara, ’76, owner of Sierra Farms and founder and president of the Center for Land-Based Learning, will receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award for displaying exceptional achievement, promoting innovative change and making professional contributions to the community and to UC Davis. McNamara, who practices science-based organic farming, founded the Center for Land-Based Learning to provide high school students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture.

Mary Catherine Swanson — Swanson, ’67, will be honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award for exemplary conduct and achievement. She is the founder, past executive director and member of the board of directors of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Swanson started the student support program in 1980 with 32 students in one San Diego school.

Michael Child — Child, ’76, will be awarded the Aggie Service Award in recognition of his recent dedication of time, energy, volunteerism and leadership in support of the alumni association and UC Davis. Child, managing director for a private equity firm in the Bay Area, advocates on behalf of the university and works with alumni. He is a member of the Chancellor Laureates, individuals who have contributed $1 million or more to UC Davis.

Marc Facciotti — Facciotti, ’97, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at UC Davis, is the recipient of the Young Alumnus Award, which honors a recent graduate who has made outstanding professional contributions to the community or to UC Davis. In addition to teaching classes, he mentors local high school students as well as undergraduate and graduate students at UC Davis.

More information is available at www.alumni.ucdavis.edu. Brooke Converse is CAAA’s communications officer.