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Dave Yakley added to exclusive list of UCDA Award recipients

The UCDA Award was created in 1995. This beautiful award is presented by the UCDA Board of Directors in recognition of those who have donated their valuable time, service, and support to further UCDA’s goals. Individuals receiving this award have significantly contributed to the organization’s success. 

Over the last 27 years, the board has presented the UCDA Award to 21 individuals.

At the 2022 UCDA Design Conference in October, one more deserving member was added to this exclusive list: Dave Yakley.

Dave Yakley (center) receives the UCDA Award during the UCDA Design Conference on October 17, 2022. Pictured here with 2022 UCDA president Christine Prado (right) and incoming 2023 UCDA president Brian Yohn (left). Photo by Matthew Lester.

20 years ago, Dave first joined UCDA, and what followed was years of solid commitment and participation to UCDA. Dave has left a legacy of volunteerism in his wake that continues even here in New Mexico. Dave was elected to the board of directors for two terms, which are typically four years, but served a total of ten consecutive years on the board due to board vacancies. He also served as conference chair, chaired countless committees, and hosted workshops.

Past recipient Richard Jividen said: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Dave Yakley. For 20 years, he has been the smiling face behind the scenes helping, supporting, and advocating for UCDA and its members. It has been a joy to watch Dave’s personal and professional growth into the leader he has become.” 

UCDA past president and board member Tina LeMay added: “Dave was a constant model on how to lead with a service-oriented mindset. He was a dedicated volunteer, and I am forever grateful to have had the fortune of sharing my time on the UCDA board with such an amazing individual and friend.”

Past president and Designer magazine editor Kirsten Ruby said: “Dave embodies the spirit and promise of UCDA: He participated, joined, volunteered, rose to leadership, and gave back. He is willing to jump in and take on any challenge. Workshops? Sure! Serving an extra couple of years on the board to fill a vacancy? Of course! Need someone to introduce a speaker, pick up foam core from the loading dock, and take a group of first-time attendees on a run in 100% humidity? Dave’s your guy. I’m so pleased he’s receiving the UCDA Award. His dedication, steadfastness, and commitment to UCDA shines through in all he does.”

Matt Krob recalled: “When you serve on the board for ten consecutive years it goes without saying that Dave is a fiercely dedicated and loyal individual who willingly gives his time and energy to the betterment of UCDA. In my time serving on the board with Dave, the only thing I saw him more loyal to was his beloved flip phone.”

Current board member Gina Gray added: “Dave is one of the most dedicated and selfless people I’ve ever met. UCDA has him to thank for personally recruiting so many to the board and other volunteer positions, including myself! Dave had such historical knowledge of UCDA and was always willing to lend a hand or share a story. I really appreciated his unique perspective and the time he gave to UCDA. We were lucky to have him on the board for so long!” 

Amanda Earnest-Reitmann expressed the same sentiment: Dave was one of the first UCDA folks I met when attending my first UCDA Conference in Savannah in 2008. Thanks to him and a few others, I got involved in UCDA and haven’t left. He is a hard worker and dedicated, and I’ve seen him involved in every aspect of UCDA.” 

As we recognize the individual whose support has meant so much to our organization, we must also acknowledge the institutional support he received that made all of this possible. 

For the past 24 years, Dave has worked for Malone University, and is currently serving as the Director of Design. “I was a student at Malone from 1990-1995,” Dave recalls. “and returned to work for my alma mater in 1999.” 

Anyone who volunteers for UCDA knows how critical the support of their institution is to their level of success. There is no doubt, however, that Malone University also benefitted from his involvement with UCDA. 

Dave said: “Working at Malone has afforded me several opportunities including a second shot at being in the classroom as a teacher. I have taught classes for the communication arts department, sharing the joys of Adobe products with newbies, and teaching communication skills.”

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to become involved in UCDA,” he continued. “I have learned so much and been inspired by the numerous conferences and events. But it's been the people I've met that have been the biggest benefit. I love having colleagues and friends across the country!”