The School of Library and Information Science Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony, held on April 3, 2014, was filled with laughs, memories and an insightful lecture from guest speaker Pamela Wright.
"Tonight, we're honoring the people who keep our school in the limelight and help us take a message to the community that we are leaders," said Dr. Samantha Hastings, director of the school.
The event began with an awards ceremony, recognizing 10 students who were inducted into Beta Phi Mu, the library and information science honors society. Inductees were selected based on character, academics and professionalism. The initiates were: Ann-Marie Asbill, Thomas S. Jonte, Katie A. Malone, Ann Merryman, Sara A. Norman, Robert P. Smith, Clanitra L. Stewart, Kelly Trowbridge, Jolanda Peita VanArnhem, and Bella Wenum.
Special awards were given to individuals who are involved in the community, passionate about library and information science and invested in the school. Honored were:
- Morgan Kinder — William M. Trafton III Outstanding Student Award for Leadership
- John Zelenka — Wayne S. Yenaine Distinguished Student Award
- Mamie Anthoine Ney — F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award
- Jane K. Olsgaard — John N. Olsgaard Distinguished Service Award
- Lewis Zeigler — Carolyn Delton Service Award
- Dr. Feili Tu-Keefner — Carolyn Delton Service Award
Pamela Wright, chief innovations officer at the United States National Archives, gave the Deans' and Directors' lecture. She discussed how the Archives is evolving from materials-centered to user-centered.
"The brand is no longer the product," she said. "We are realizing that our brand is not just the records themselves, but it's the quality of engagement with our users. That's revolutionary for the Archives."
Wright also challenged students to not be afraid of failure.
"If you don't fail, you're probably not being innovative."
This is the 29th year of the Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony.
Article by Tiffiney Miles, graduate web assistant