Story by Beth Potter, HDI Director of Information Services
The University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute (HDI) has awarded the prestigious Paul Kevin Burberry Award to Emily Moseley. Emily began a research assistantship with HDI in 2019 and has worked on several projects related to people with disabilities and their experience with COVID-19 and information services. Emily is entering her second year of graduate studies to obtain a master’s degree in Social Work and the HDI Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities. This field of study will equip her to promote social justice and equity while being of service to others.
“Emily is an exceptional student and a joy to work with. With her strong leadership capabilities, genuine care and concern for people, as well as an unbridled passion for the HDI and Developmental Disabilities, Emily truly exemplifies qualities of an outstanding Social Worker,” Sara K. Green, Graduate Advisor from the UK College of Social Work said. “As her Academic Advisor in the College of Social Work, I am so proud of her ongoing academic achievement as well as her many personal and professional accomplishments, the prestigious Paul Kevin Burberry award included. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient.”
The annual Paul Kevin Burberry Award honor is given to a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to people with disabilities, academic excellence, and the leadership qualities exemplified by Burberry’s own life. It is named in memory of the Berea native who was the first student with significant physical disabilities to graduate from Berea Community High School. He went on to Berea College and UK, as a philosophy major. While a student at UK, Burberry worked with HDI to create training modules to train medical and allied health students on developmental disabilities. Though his life was cut short before graduation, he was posthumously awarded his UK degree with highest honors in 2004.
Beth Potter, HDI Director of Information Services says, “Emily’s work performance is evidence of her commitment to the HDI mission and vision which align with the extraordinary example set forth by Kevin Burberry.”
