WAYNE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES 2010 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI RECIPIENT

Orrville, Ohio, April 29, 2010 – The University of Akron Wayne College Alumni Association is proud to recognize Helen Walkerly as its 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The award will be presented at the Wayne College academic and graduate recognition ceremony on May 7.

Walkerly has been employed at Wayne College since 1991. She began as a part-time faculty member in social services technology, and was promoted to full-time instructor in 1994. Walkerly advanced to assistant professor in 1997 and to her current position of associate professor of social services technology in 2001.

Walkerly began her college career as a nontraditional student, coming to Wayne College in January of 1982 after earning her General Educational Development (GED) in 1980. She attended classes, worked part time and raised her children as she pursued her associate degree in social services technology, which she received in May of 1985.

Walkerly’s success at Wayne inspired her to continue her education.

“Wayne College changed my life and that of my family,” says Walkerly. “Higher education is now a highly placed value in my family, not only supporting it, but expecting members to graduate from high school and college.”

Walkerly continued her studies and earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron in 1987 and a master’s degree from Ohio State University in 1988.

Within the community, Walkerly received the “Shining Light Award” in 2008 from the Wayne-Holmes Mental Health & Recovery Board. She also is a past president of the local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, a member and past president of the Ohio Coalition of Associate Degree Human Service Educators, a member of the Suicide Prevention Coalition and co-chair of the Wayne-Holmes Mental Health Coalition.

Wayne College Dean Jack Kristofco says Walkerly is an excellent choice for the Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Helen is an exceptional role model for our students, especially those who must balance work and family responsibilities along with their studies,” says Kristofco. “She is a very student-oriented faculty member, an accomplished professional in her field, and a strong contributor to the well-being of the community.”

Walkerly has been active on Wayne College committees throughout her career and currently co-chairs the diversity task force.

She and her husband Ken live in Wooster where Walkerly’s hosta and lily gardens have attracted much local attention.