Graves Receives MCMLA Outstanding Achievement Award

Rebecca Graves received MCMLA’s highest honor, the 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Here are some remarks made by Lisa Traditi at the award presentation:

Diane Johnson shared, “Rebecca’s accomplishments at the national, chapter, and local level are noteworthy and numerous, qualifying her as a Distinguished member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals.”

“Rebecca’s paper, “Rethinking Instruction,” was highlighted by Amy Blevins, one of the official bloggers at the MLA Minneapolis meeting.  Amy talks about how Rebecca has mentored her since her library school days.  In fact, I think Amy would tell you that she chose her career path as an educational services librarian due to Rebecca.”

That’s not the first time Rebecca’s work has been recognized.  Her 1997 MCMLA poster won the research award and she is noted at University of Missouri for her collaboration and generosity in instruction within the schools she serves, even being surprised mid-session with a teaching award from the University of Missouri’s Physical Therapy Department!

As our annual meeting advisor, Rebecca helps us deliver meetings with the right mix of networking, learning, and teaching in a warm, fun, and relaxing atmosphere. Rebecca has safely guided all of our other local groups through every possible roadblock – from prima donna presenters and mismanaged hotels to worried meeting treasurers and last minute no show CE trainers. But, she doesn’t stop there.  Rebecca serves on other committees – she recently chaired the Annual Meeting Task Force to evaluate the feasibility of holding business meetings and conferences online.   I believe she also taught a class today, because helping to plan the meeting isn’t enough!

Finally, everyone remembers the first time they saw her dance!   Pat Hamilton wrote,  “…I first became acquainted with her .… [during] what I believe was her first MCMLA appearance as the now well known ‘Chapter Belly Dancer.”  This was my early indication of the passion and interest that she brings to most everything she does.”

“Her enthusiasm and sense of humor are attributes that few can miss.  I can generally locate Rebecca in a crowded room by her easy laugh.  You can tell she enjoys what she does.  She serves informally as one of my many mentors within MCMLA.  She’s ‘been there and done that’ and is ALWAYS willing to share her experiences with others.”

Her willingness to share her passion for dancing AND for librarianship with our chapter is a terrific asset; worthy of recognition as the 2012 recipient of the MCMLA Outstanding Achievement Award!