The McKinley Award was established by Helen H. and John K. McKinley of Darien, Conn., and Tuscaloosa in honor of John McKinley’s father, Vergil Parks McKinley. The award recognizes enterprising employees who by action or idea contributed to the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. The monthly award carries a $400 cash prize. Vergil Parks McKinley came to UA in 1918 and retired as head of the College of Education’s trade and industrial development department in 1945. If you would like to nominate an employee for future awards, contact Human Resources at 348-6690.
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| Lydia Riley |
Lydia Riley, administrative specialist in the office of university relations and a University employee for 10 years, has made a recent and especially enterprising contribution to the University. Her nominators agree that Riley is dedicated to performing her duties in an excellent manner and goes above and beyond what is required. Her supervisor, Janet Griffith, assistant vice president for university relations, cites her willingness to answer a call for help and assistance from a different area that was facing large changes in organizational needs because of extreme advances in technology. She wrote, "Lydia helped recruit and train a new staff assistant, gave sound recommendations and follow-through on reorganization, and she handled the assignment with enthusiasm and a smile." Griffith calls her a model employee.
Riley’s second nominator, Jan Pruitt Duvall, associate director of university relations and director of marketing communications, calls her consistently helpful, kind, and thoroughly competent. "On top of all that, her wonderful sense of humor has gotten many of her coworkers through some grim times with lighter hearts and restored perspectives."
Both nominators agree that her long and meritorious service is second to none. "No matter how hectic the pace, Ms. Riley always rises to the occasion," writes Griffith. "Her kindness and friendliness are constant and are much appreciated by all who meet her," Duvall writes. Her remarkable abilities and personality make her a model McKinley winner.
McKinley Award -- Mary Ann Bradley
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| Mary Ann Bradley |
Mary Ann Bradley, senior records specialist in the College of Communication & Information Sciences for 10 years, plays a vital role in C&IS. Her nominator, Dr. Mark D. Nelson, professor and associate dean of C&IS, has acted at Bradley’s supervisor for six of the 11 years he has known her. He calls her "for all practical purposes, the ‘Registrar’ " of the college. "With no formal training and very little supervision, Mary Ann dug in with both hands and managed to learn the ropes of the Registrar’s Office for our College," wrote Nelson.
"Mary Ann’s influence reaches well beyond the College of Communication & Information Sciences. She is a vital resource for personnel in other divisions, because her knowledge of university regulations and policies is unparalleled," Nelson continued.
According to Nelson, Bradley’s contribution to the College can be seen in all the flower and gifts from students and parents that fill her office. "Mary Ann has one of the most time consuming jobs in our college, and yet she finds time to meet the needs of everyone who enters her door."
Nelson made clear that Bradley truly embodies the spirit of the McKinley Award.
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