Jaye Anderton honored with Elizabeth Gillis Award

Welcoming, generous, tireless, unique, positive … all of these qualities have been used to describe Jaye Anderton, winner of the 2011 Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service.

President David Leebron presented Anderton, manager of the Rice Gallery, with the award during the town hall meeting Feb. 22 in Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall. Established in 2000 by the Rice Board of Trustees, the Gillis Award recognizes outstanding achievements and service by a staff member in support of the university’s mission.

	President David Leebron (left) presented Jaye Anderton, manager of the Rice Gallery, with the 2011 Elizabeth Gillis Award for Exemplary Service. The award is named for Elizabeth Gillis (right) and recognizes outstanding achievements and service by a staff member in support of the university’s mission.

In her 27 years at Rice, Leebron said, Anderton has made a remarkable contribution to the university and is recognized campuswide for her smile and continued engagement.

In addition to managing Rice Gallery exhibits, training and supervising student attendants, planning and overseeing annual solicitations and handling communications, Anderton still has found time to serve on several campus committees and as an associate at Baker College. She is also a tireless supporter of Rice Owl Athletics.

“Jaye is a reminder that what each of us does and how we act every day are what make this university great,” Leebron said.

Similar sentiments can be found in the 14 nomination letters sent by fellow employees, professors and patrons that have worked closely with Anderton.

“Service implies acting for the greater good, and it is by this singular rule that Jaye Anderton lives,” wrote Rice Gallery Director Kimberly Davenport. “Jaye, however, elevates this moral imperative to an even higher level by simply being who she is: a person of great style with a flair for living and a gift for imparting her joy of life to others.”

Karin Broker, professor of visual arts, described Anderton as “the backbone of the Rice University Gallery team,” who is known for her positive approach and wisdom-filled tact.

“Jaye manages to remain sane and positive under all circumstances,” Broker wrote. “I truly feel that her character has no equal on our campus.”

Gallery patron Virginia Rorschach wrote: “Jaye is a phenomenon! As manager of the Rice Gallery she has brought expertise, enthusiasm and innovation.”

Anderton joins a distinguished list of recipients of the Elizabeth Gillis Award that includes Suzanne King (2001), Melinda Sue Hutchings (2002), Nelson Correa (2003), Nancy Letness (2004), Adria Baker (2005), Eusebio Franco (2006), William Deigaard (2007), Joyce Bald (2008), Debra Kolah (2009) and Rachel Miller (2010).