Steve McKay, farm manager at the Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm in Freeville, has been chosen as the 178th recipient of the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service.
McKay’s supervisor, Glenn Evans, director of operations for the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES), in his nomination letter wrote of McKay’s “outstanding ability to collaborate with faculty, field assistants, students, research technicians and the administration” of the CUAES, noting especially his work with local food banks, service on the CUAES Sustainability Action team and “exceptional day-in and day-out service and support” to faculty.
“He constantly makes suggestions to individuals, departments and college leadership about ways to improve the status quo. … I doubt there is a single faculty person or graduate student who would not give Steve their highest marks for professionalism and support,” wrote Marvin Pritts, chair of the Department of Horticulture, in his nomination letter.
The longest running and most prestigious universitywide, peer-nominated award, the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service is given by the Employee Assembly to staff members who consistently demonstrate a high degree of excellence in doing their jobs and who extend themselves to help others and go above and beyond the normal expectations of their job responsibilities.