Date: June 20, 2012
Tolley Gorham and Karen Glenn Receive Yosemite's Highest Honor
Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher announced last week that Tolley Gorham, Telecommunications Specialist, and Karen Glenn, Budget Analyst, are the recipients of the 2011 Barry Hance Memorial Award. Although the award is presented to one Yosemite employee annually, the Awards Committee felt that two nominees were deserving of the award. Therefore, for the first time since the award was created, the Awards Committee presented two Barry Hance awards. The awards were given during an all employees meeting on Thursday, June 14, 2012, in Yosemite Valley. The ceremony was attended by approximately 300 people, including several past Barry Hance Award recipients.
"I am pleased to present the Barry Hance Memorial Award to two incredible Yosemite employees. This award illustrates an individual who cherishes and loves Yosemite National Park, always has a smile on their face, is always willing to help others out, and really makes a difference in the lives of other people. Tolley Gorham and Karen Glenn exemplify these highest qualities," said Neubacher.
Gorham has worked for Yosemite National Park since 1991, following his service in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career, he has worked in several positions in the park. Gorham started his career working as a Mobile Equipment Servicer. Over the years, he worked as a Mechanic and an Electronics Technician. Gorham is currently working in the Telecom Shop under the Visitor and Resource Protection Division as a Telecommunications Specialist.
"I had the privilege of working with Barry. He had this way of showing you how to do things without making you feel bad. That is one of the things I always remember about him. I have tremendous respect for Barry. I miss him a lot. To receive this award is quite an honor. I will continue to do my best in my job and in my life that will embody the meaning of this award," said Gorham after receiving his award.
Glenn has worked in Yosemite National Park since 1973 and for the National Park Service (NPS) since 1975. She worked at the bank in Yosemite Valley prior to the start of her career with the NPS. Glenn first started her NPS career working in the Division of Administration. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to the Division of Facilities Management, and then the Denver Service Center Field Office in Yosemite. She currently works under the Division of Project Management as a Budget Analyst.
"I am deeply honored to receive the Barry Hance Award. I had the opportunity to work with Barry. Even though his accident occurred over 15 years ago, I still miss him all the time. I am shocked, overwhelmed, surprised, and honored to receive this prestigious award," said Glenn upon receiving her award.
The award is named in honor of Barry Hance, a long-term Facilities Management employee who died in an avalanche while plowing the Tioga Road in 1995. This award is given annually to employees who exemplify the qualities and attributes of Barry Hance. These include a positive attitude, a concern for fellow employees, a willingness to work with other divisions in the park, getting the job done, and a love for Yosemite National Park.
Editors Note: Photos of the Tolley Gorham and Karen Glenn are available by emailing.
