Saint Joseph’s Health System held its annual McAuley Award ceremony in February where Ricks Anderson, a 19-year employee, was recognized with the honor.

Ricks Anderson was recognized with Mercy Care’s McAuley Award. The facilities manager was saluted for living out Venerable Mother Catherine McAuley’s ideals of serving everyone with dignity and compassion.

The recognition applauds a staff member who embodies foundress Catherine McAuley’s ideals of respect for the dignity of all persons, compassion, service and leadership. Venerable Mother McAuley is the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

The ceremony began with a soulful rendition of “How Great Thou Art” by Patricia Brooks and a blessing of the pin. Anthony Baskett described the nominee before the announcement by saying, “This person is always available to give guidance, to educate, even to speak publicly if it will help others to take courage.”

Anderson is the facilities manager, who oversees operations at six medical clinics and a fleet of mobile medical coaches.

When Anderson was called to the stage to receive the pin from Saint Joseph’s Health System President Tom Andrews and Mercy Sister Angela Ebberwein, he received a standing ovation mixed with cheers. Andrews pinned the golden cross on Anderson, congratulating him and thanking him for his service saying, “This Mercy Care giant is a loyal and sincere person who is doing God’s work here on Earth, a person who brings hope where before there was none.”

Anderson’s humility shone through when he spoke to his family and Mercy Care staff, saying, “I want to thank Jesus, who said those ‘who honor him, he will honor.’ I want to thank my coworkers for honoring me and also for this award.”