Holly McKelvey Wins 2022 Calian Award for Campus Community Service

Holly McKelvey, administrative assistant for academic support, is the 2022 recipient of The Calian Award for Campus Community Service. The award honors an exemplary member of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary community who demonstrates excellence in carrying out responsibilities and volunteer assignments and also expresses a caring spirit of good will and hope, essential in life together as a community.

For the past 18 years Holly McKelvey has faithfully served Pittsburgh Seminary in a variety of roles. She began as one of the three administrative assistants to the faculty, back when skills like taking notes in shorthand and typing were more needed than they are today. In her current position, she works with the Seminary’s faculty in class preparation, research, and writing. This requires a lot of time spent in the library, preparing materials for classes.

Holly also supports the operations of the Center for Writing and Learning Support and Field Education. And as the Seminary is currently engaged in the process of reaccreditation, Holly is an invaluable member of the team doing the self-study work. She organizes meetings, collects data, and records meeting minutes. The impact of her work is felt across the entire campus.

“In my role I get to be involved in the whole community,” says Holly. “I see students as they start and follow them all the way to graduation, and I interact with all of the faculty and so many of the departments here. So it’s nice to be part of so many things with so many people.”

Members from across the Seminary have noted appreciation for Holly’s steady presence and willingness to always help as needed. Several people nominated her for the Calian award this year, including Director of Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects Erin Davenport, who wrote:

“Holly is integral to the work of reaccreditation. She has taken on this work, in addition to her many other responsibilities, with energy and enthusiasm. Though this is true of all members of the community involved in reaccreditation, Holly’s work load is greater, her effort incredibly thoughtful, and her work ethic is impeccable.”

The announcement of the honor at the graduation brunch on May 27 came with enthusiastic affirmation from students, faculty, and staff, who gave Holly a standing ovation.

When asked if she was surprised to receive the Calian Award, Holly said, “Yes, and I was overwhelmed by the response I received when they called my name.”

The award was a well-deserved and rare moment in the spotlight for Holly, who in her own family is perhaps best known as the baker for wedding cookie tables. For her, baking is a relaxing hobby, and yet another way she quietly yet meaningfully helps others to shine.

The entire community of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is blessed by Holly, who shines brightly in her own right with daily commitment, a reliable presence, and a spirit of service.

Sam and Doris Calian and their children (Lois and Dennis Trautvetter, Jill and Philip Calian, Sara and Raffi Kaprielian) contributed an endowment to establish this annual award.