Retired IU professor honored

Valerie Markley is retired. The papers are signed, and the proverbial “t’s” are crossed; her 39 years at the IU School of Nursing and the Purdue and University of Indianapolis campuses have come to a close.

Yet, her support of the mental health community continues.

On Dec. 16, Markley’s dedication was recognized by the Mental Health America of Indiana association. She received the Heroes for Recovery award.

“I was just so amazed, it’s hard to explain,” Markley said. “There are so many deserving people, I almost thought: why me? It just seems unnecessary.”

Mental Health America of Indiana was created to work toward both the mental health of all citizens and victory against mental illness.

It is a statewide organization comprised of more than 60 local chapters and branch offices and is the largest Mental Health Association in the country.

Choices Inc. partnered with Mental Health America to decide this honor.

Choices Inc. provides management, support and training for communities with the goal of keeping youth in their homes and communities.

This organization is dedicated to serving youth involved with the child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health and special education systems.

Leaders from both organizations decided whom the Heroes for Recovery award would
recognize.

This honor celebrates Markley’s commitment toward promoting the recovery of individuals and the treatment of serious and persistent mental illness.

Jane D. McLeod, the president of the Monroe County chapter of Mental Health America, nominated Markley. 

“Valerie has performed virtually every type of service one could imagine for the mental
 health community, and she’s done so over a long career of advocacy,” McLeod said. “She has been a tireless worker for people with severe and persistent mental illness and for their families and caregivers as they struggle to create a meaningful life.”

Markley has served several positions on the Monroe Countychapter of Mental Health America of Indiana since 1970.

She is also on the Statewide Steering Committee for Together We Learn to Cope support groups.

“I like being around these ‘consumers,’” Markley said. “I feel very at home with them; we benefit from each other.”

Although Markley’s time with IU has come to a close, she plans to continue to teach and support the local mental health community.

She has founded three support groups in Monroe County: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance chapter, Schizophrenics Anonymous and the Together We Learn to Cope support group for family members.

Her time will be devoted to the maintenance of these organizations.

“We always need strong supporters,” Markley said.

And after more than 39 years of dedicated work, Markley continues to remain one of them.