2022 McAlpin Award Winner

The McAlpin Award, named for MAC’s first president, Arthur B. McAlpin, is presented each year to honor dedication, an outstanding commitment to the club’s social activities, and volunteerism. This year, the award celebrates someone who is the ultimate volunteer. Her sincere love of MAC and the community is an inspiration to us all.

Congratulations to Bridget Connolly, chair of the Holiday Decorating Committee, for her outstanding commitment to brightening the holiday season for both MAC members and employees. The Holiday Decorating Committee spends countless hours year-round planning, creating, and acquiring decorations for the upcoming year. Bridget has served on the committee for nine years, starting out as the lead of fine-dining garland, she then co-chaired in 2020 with Alex Page and chaired in 2021.

Bridget is not afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty and tackle large-scale projects. In addition to designing and building the 2021 lobby scene and other decorations throughout the club, Bridget and the committee also participated in the city-wide Porch Parade event. With the help of MAC volunteers, the committee was able to create and display handmade roses to show the club’s love for Portland.

Decorating and volunteering is a family affair for Bridget. Her parents, longtime MACorps and former committee members, come to help every event she leads. Her background in education is highlighted not only by her creativity but her problem-solving skills!

As a lifelong club member, Bridget has devoted herself to multiple other committees, including Karate, Athletic, Nominating, 20s/30s, and Membership. Her devotion to community started at a young age as a referee and soccer coach, a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and reader for the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. Her continued efforts in the MAC community and larger Portland area are truly inspiring.

Bridget joins the ranks of former recipients: Jeff Gudman, John Herman, Evelyn Page, Susan Prows, Nancy Sergeant, Elaine Zehntbauer, Hazal Phillips, Barbara Crawford, Cary Taylor, Sheryl McDonald, Ellen Miller, Rea Janes, Bud and Janet Lewis, Rosalie Stevenson, Carol Wright, Barbara Ueltschi, Diana Callaway, Kris Freiermuth, Fred Ing, Richard Horswell, Todd Husband, Julie Branford, Jan Jackson, Jutta Allen, Mike Mathews, Ione Clair, Sydney Baer, Ann Blume, and the Multnomah Athletic Club Balladeers.