The Alumni Association recently presented employee Ron Ivery the Honorary Alumni Award for his 25 years of service to the Maintenance Department. Scott Griggs, Head of School, gave Mr. Ivery this award at the annual Alumni Association Reception, and Mr. Ivery spoke in honor of the occasion.

"Ron’s comments that evening and the number of people who came to see him indicated that this was quite a special honor for Ron and that he has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many people," Mr. Griggs said.                                                     photo by alexa kutler

The Honorary Alumni Award is given to employees who have made significant contributions to the alumni program without being alumni themselves.

Though it is not an annual award, it has been presented to nine employees since 1988, including Dick Hall in 2003 and the school founders Helen and Bernard Fulton in 2000.

Elaine Velvin, director of alumni relations, began working as an employee on the same day as Mr. Ivery. She helps with the Alumni Board to decide who should be selected to receive this award.

"You just have to be an important part of the lives of the alumni," Ms. Velvin said.

Mr. Ivery began working in the Maintenance department as a groundskeeper in 1982. He and had occupied several positions, including maintaining the gymnasium and serving as a day porter for the Middle School, before he was reassigned to general repairs in 2002.

Bruce Thompson, head of maintenance, has been working with Mr. Ivery for five years.

"We always call him our Maintenance PR man," Mr. Thompson said.

Mr. Ivery has also worked as a minister at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church for 25 years, as well as a professional referee for basketball games in the Dallas Chapter for 15 years. He also has chaperoned for Lower School campouts for a number of years.

Mr. Ivery will also be receiving an award and a picture in the Montgomery Library at the end of this school year for his 25 years of service.

Mr. Ivery expressed his feelings about the importance of the past and present students and faculty in his life.