ATHENS, Ga.--Southeastern Regional Credit Union Schools (SRCUS) announced that Lindsey Clever has been awarded the 2023 Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award.
The award, named in honor of the late Tom McWilliams, recognizes a student that exemplifies empathetic leadership, inclusiveness of others and appreciation for their perspectives, excellent communication and listening skills, and a commitment to service and willingness to participate.
Clever, training manager for South Carolina Federal Credit Union in North Charleston, SC, accepted the award on June 23 during this year’s session of the Southeast CUNA Management School in Athens, GA.
“Being the recipient of the 2023 Tom McWilliams Service to SRCUS Award is surreal, especially because there were many [students] deserving of it,” said Clever. “I didn't have the honor of meeting Tom in person but I can only imagine how wonderful it would have been after witnessing the passion he displayed over Zoom my first year of SRCUS. This award isn't going to just hang on my wall. It is going to be a constant reminder to me of Tom McWilliams' dedication to and passion for SRCUS and the credit union movement, and my opportunity to carry on his legacy as a servant leader.”
Tom McWilliams was an advocate for the credit union industry for over 30 years and had a tremendous passion for career development, serving as senior vice president for the Mississippi Credit Union Association (MCUA) and as vice chair for SRCUS until his passing on March 11, 2022. The award was established and first presented in his honor later that year.
“This award is eligible to any student among the three classes,” noted Lauren DeAngelis, former chair of the SRCUS program, longtime friend of the late McWilliams, and chief learning officer for the Carolinas Credit Union League. “We ask staff and instructors to observe the students throughout the week and from those observations, not only identify a leader but also who goes above and beyond, who’s extending that service mindset – open to helping others. I’m so proud that this year’s recipient is Lindsey. She’s a standout leader in many ways here in the Carolinas so it’s no surprise to see her character shine through at SRCUS.”