LAURINBURG — Rooney Coffman of Laurinburg has been named Manager of the Year by the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers.
Coffman, director of logistics at St. Andrews University, has been a member of NAOSMM since 1980.
The Manager of the Year award is the highest honor given by the association. The nomination process includes compiling letters of recommendation from colleagues, NAOSMM members and vendors. Community service is also considered, along with contributions to the profession and exemplary work at the nominee’s institution.
Coffman was instrumental in the formation of the first North Carolina Science Olympiad at St. Andrews in 1974. The event is now a national program. A 1968 graduate of St. Andrews, he has worked at the university for 45 years.
“He goes about his work quietly, unassuming,” said a fellow NAOSMM member. “He is the embodiment of true volunteer spirit that sustains NAOSMM.”
This award is not the first recognition Coffman has received. In addition to numerous service awards, his impact was acknowledged with the creation of the Rooney L. Coffman Science Sustaining Fund that is used to support the Science Program at St. Andrews.
“He is a role model for faculty, staff, and students and is adored by the administration,” said Paul Baldasare, president of St. Andrews University.