Kathy N. Waller, chief of internal audit for Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, received the Meliora Citation for Career Achievement from the University of Rochester on Oct. 21.
She joined Coke in 1987 as a senior accountant in accounting research. Prior to that, Waller worked as a senior accountant for Deloitte Haskins and Sells public accounting firm, in Rochester and Atlanta, and in the city of Rochester's budget office.
Waller earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, and an MBA from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University. The Meliora Citation is the College's most prestigious alumni award for professional excellence.
Waller is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She is an active member of the University of Rochester Multicultural Alumni Advisory Council, the Junior League of Atlanta, the National Association of Black Accountants, the National Association of Black MBAs, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
She is a past president of the University of Rochester Atlanta Regional Alumni Council and has previously served as the chair of the Atlanta Public Schools' Related Vocational Instruction Advisory Council, as a member of the Trustees Council of the College for the University of Rochester, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta.
Business executive Thomas R. Sloan of Greensboro, N.C., also received this year's Meliora Citation for Career Achievement.
Meliora Weekend, held this year on Oct. 21 to 23, combines homecoming, reunion, and family weekend with quality speakers and events for alumni, students, parents, members of the University community, and the public. Meliora, meaning "always better," is the University's motto, at the center of its seal, and emblazoned on many campus landmarks.