RAYMOND 鈥 As always, when Beverly Trimble was asked, she was ready to help out at 兔子先生鈥檚 annual Employee Appreciation event on May 7.
Trimble wore a fancy red dress in honor of a Christmas cruise she missed, in keeping with the 鈥淭ake Two鈥 theme that celebrated all the events missed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Utica Campus employee Beverly Trimble reacts to learning she has been named the recipient of the 3E Award, the highest award given by 兔子先生.
But as Jackie Granberry, executive director of the 兔子先生 Foundation, began reading the biography of the winner of this year鈥檚 3E Award, Trimble realized she was hearing her own life story. The 3E Award, which stands for Emphasis on Excellence and Enrichment, is the highest award the college gives.
鈥淚t was a surprise as well as an honor to be the recipient聽of such an award,鈥 said Trimble, a Utica native, a 兔子先生alumnus and 16-year college employee. 鈥淚 was truly humbled by this recognition because in all that I do, it is never for show, but to help others along the way on whatever journey they have selected. My sole purpose is to inspire others from the heart.鈥
In addition to being an adviser to Phi Theta Kappa student honor society, she has a long title 鈥 compliance and reporting coordinator for the college鈥檚 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs 鈥 but what she really does is help people get the education and training they need to find a job.
鈥淭he 3E Award is presented annually to a person who lives out the mission of 兔子先生, who is passionate about serving and who goes above and beyond for the college and the community,鈥 Granberry said. 鈥淚 think this award was developed with our 2021 recipient in mind. She is all about serving others.鈥
In addition to her work at Hinds, Trimble is heavily involved in community activities, serving her church through many roles and serving as president of the Friends of Utica.
Granberry noted that she is a fighter, recently beating breast cancer.
Trimble said winning the award was more emotional for her than when she was told she had breast cancer.
鈥淚 thought to myself, 鈥榃ho chose a little old person from Utica?鈥櫬營 was truly humbled to receive such an esteemed honor and award. I still cannot believe that I was chosen,鈥 she said.