TROY , Ala. —Barbara Elithorp, assistant in the technical services area of the Troy University library, is the winner of the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for April.

Elithorp, who has been a member of the TROY staff since 1999, received the award during a ceremony held April 20 in the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor on the Troy Campus. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy University , presented the award to Elithorp, who was nominated by Helen Lam, head of technical services at the University’s library.

The McKinley Award is the highest honor that Troy University gives to a non-faculty staff member. It is presented monthly to an employee who has demonstrated outstanding attitude, innovation and work ethic. The award was established by former Texaco CEO John McKinley in honor of his father, Vergil Parks McKinley, who was a Troy University professor during the early 20th century and was key to the development of the university’s athletic program. Winners of this award receive an engraved clock and a $350 stipend.

A letter of nomination praised Elithorp for her work ethic. “Mrs. Elithorp has consistently demonstrated an excellent work ethic and proven to be a valuable asset to the library,” the letter said. “She is thorough, reliable and independent and can be trusted to perform all her duties to satisfaction. Mrs. Elithorp has a client-focus and is committed to provide quality library services.”

Elithorp resides in Troy with her husband Dr. Jim Elithorp, who is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Physics.