TROY, Ala. – Brenda Walker, a payroll specialist in Troy University’s Office of Human Resources, has won the University’s Vergil Parks McKinley Award for April.

Walker, who has been a member of the University staff since 1998, received the award during a ceremony on April 19 as her family members looked on, including her husband Averyt, a printer in the University’s Creative Services department, who is a past recipient of the award. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor, presented the award to Walker, noting that this was the first husband-wife duo to have achieved the honor.

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.

In a letter of nomination, Susan Quarles, payroll manager, remembered the words of Aristotle, “Pleasure in job puts perfection in work,” in describing Walker as a worthy candidate for the award.

“These words describe how Mrs. Brenda Walker approaches her professional responsibilities on a daily basis,” Quarles said. “With steadfast dedication and unquestioned proficiency, Brenda approaches each task with motivation, a positive attitude and treats those she encounters during the course of her day with the highest levels of service and professionalism. She is ethical, forthright and always willing to adapt to change with enthusiasm. In every way she is a team player and never fails to finish the task at hand, no matter how challenging. Brenda always goes the extra mile and expects very little in return.”

Walker and her husband reside in Banks. The couple’s son Daniel, a TROY alumnus, and daughter-in-law Hanah and a daughter Becky, who will graduate from TROY in May, were also in attendance at the awards ceremony on Wednesday.

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