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NEW! HDI's Annual Kevin Burberry Award Recipient Announced

7/1/2009 2:14:41 PM

Click here for pictures from the award ceremony.

The sixth annual Paul Kevin Burberry Award recipient was announced Friday, June 19 at the Human Development Institute’s quarterly all staff meeting. Bev Harp was selected to receive the award in honor of Kevin, a student at the University, a pioneer in the field of disabilities and a consultant of the Institute.

The selection committee, which included Kevin’s parents, the Reverend Clyde David and Susan, selected Harp for her outstanding achievements, advocacy and commitment to the field of disabilities. As Susan Burberry noted in presenting the award to Harp, “her perseverance, thoroughness, and thoughtful” is very much like the attitude that Kevin took in all that he did.

Bev completed her bachelor’s degree in social work at UK and is presently in the master’s degree program in the College of Social Work. She is a research assistant for HDI’s Post Secondary Inclusion Partnership project, and worked to design its Web site, as well as to support students served by the project. She has presented on both the state and national level about the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and initiated a young adult group for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome.

“Kevin Burberry was such a shining star and source of inspiration for all people,” Harold Kleinert, executive director of the Institute said. “We are excited to be able to offer this award as a tribute to Kevin’s accomplishments not only in the classroom, but also in life.”

The Paul Kevin Burberry Award is given annually to a student who:
• is associated with HDI via our Graduate Certificate, Research Assistantship, practicum student, or other significant Institute involvement;
• has demonstrated a strong commitment to people with disabilities through university and community projects and experiences;
• has demonstrated the leadership qualities exemplified by Kevin’s own life; and
• has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence in his or her chosen field of endeavor as indicated by course achievements, presentations or publications.

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