Patricia Walker, who has helped feed the Transy community for more than four decades, received the university’s first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Community Service on Wednesday.
Miss Pat, as she’s known on campus, received the honor during an MLK Jr. Week event featuring a keynote speech by Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II.
“Ms. Patricia Walker was chosen for the inaugural Martin Luther King Community Service Award for her 44 years of service in food services,” said award presenter Taran McZee, associate vice president for diversity and inclusion.
The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate the spirit of King, who personified a deep faith in what people working together could accomplish for themselves and their nation.
“I can tell you she is loved by all of her coworkers,” said Jennifer Dowling, general manager for Transylvania University Dining, which is provided by Sodexo. “She is the most pleasant, patient and hard-working person I have ever worked with. Nothing phases Miss Pat, and she will work out any obstacles. We could all learn to live as peacefully as she does.”
What has motivated Walker to work at Transy for so long? She said the students and other members of the Transy community are “really nice.” Also: “I like cooking for people.”