The Hardie Award is a special honor, presented every four years by Linfield University to community members who have a positive impact on the community, particularly when faced challenges of injustice or inequality. In light of the extraordinary situation of the year and in recognition of their extraordinary service to our local community, Linfield University officers selected two recipients for the 2021 award – Lindsey Manfrin, director of Yamhill County Health and Human Services, and Maryalice Russell, superintendent of the McMinnville School District.
Lindsey Manfrin – A leader in public health
Manfrin worked closely with Linfield administrators to contribute guidance regarding COVID-19 safety protocols during the school year. This collaboration ultimately allowed the university to resume in-person classes, while other college campuses around the nation were closed due to spiking COVID-19 cases.
“Linfield University has valued Manfrin’s partnership and collaborative problem-solving to keep our campus open,” said Susan Hopp, Linfield’s vice president of student affairs and admission. “We especially recognize her focus on public health related to underrepresented members of our community, which embodies the values of Thomas and Emily Hardie.”
Manfrin has served as director of health and human services since January 2020. She started working for the county as a public health nurse in 2007 and then moved into administrative positions, including the deputy director of Yamhill County Health and Human Services in 2017. She is involved in many aspects of state and local work focused on the social determinants affecting health, health systems improvement and community health.
“I am honored to be acknowledged for my work,” Manfrin said. “Public health is a team sport and so much of our accomplishments are because of the amazing public health staff, community partners and community members. Together we have worked hard to tackle the various elements of this pandemic.”
Maryalice Russell – Committed to educational excellence
Russell has served as the superintendent of the McMinnville School District since 2002 and is retiring in June after 19 years of serving the district. After starting in the classroom, she went on to serve as an elementary school principal, middle school principal and associate superintendent. In 2013, she was named Oregon Superintendent of the Year and a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year. During her tenure, she has led the district to consistently record one of the state’s highest graduation rates.
“The officers of the university have selected Dr. Russell as one of this year’s recipient for her work in creating and leading McMinnville’s excellent school district, leading with vision, reducing barriers and creating an educational environment where every student can achieve success,” Hopp said. “Dr. Russell’s long tenure in McMinnville and her national prominence as an educator has served both the city of McMinnville and Linfield University well.”
The award was established by Linfield alumnus Donald McInnes ’37 and his wife, Kathleen, to honor Thomas and Emily Hardie, who ministered “with love, compassion and integrity” to the McMinnville’s Congregation of United Methodist Church from 1930-1935 and to Linfield’s student body.
Manfrin and Russell were honored at Linfield’s annual Senior Recognition Ceremony, which was held virtually on April 21. A video of the 2021 Hardie Award presentation can be found on the Linfield University YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nGueLAF-0Y.
