This season, the Department of Athletics is honoring outstanding University of Virginia faculty and staff members with the Cavalier Appreciation Award. During Saturday’s home football game against the University of Oregon, Kelvin Tyree, a patient care technician in the Outpatient Surgery Center at the U.Va. Health System, will be honored. 

In May, Tyree was the recipient of a 2013 Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award, the highest U.Va. honor staff members receive for their dedicated service to the University.

As a patient care technician, Tyree is responsible for setting up and cleaning operating rooms, positioning patients and stocking. His dedication was highlighted when some temporary room closures at the Outpatient Surgery Center required the treatment team to relocate to the main operating rooms to perform surgeries.

“Tyree made the process work by ensuring that all of the necessary equipment was in place and the staff from both locations could work together in a cooperative way,” the athletic department announcement said. “Keeping the center running smoothly and providing quality care takes the efforts of many people, and Tyree’s leadership qualities are key to making that possible.”