The School of Information Science honored students, faculty and alumni leaders at the Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony on April 23. The annual event, which was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held virtually this year with former deans Fred Roper and Dan Barron among those in attendance.
The evening began with a lecture by Crosby Kemper, the sixth director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS, an independent government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation's museums and libraries. Kemper discussed the crucial role libraries can play in the dissemination of helpful and accurate scientific information in the post-pandemic world.
David Lankes, director of the iSchool, hosted the event and awards ceremony.
"These are incredible students who represent a whole class of incredible students," Lankes said. "They truly have demonstrated not only expertise in their class and great ability but also compassion and connection."
Susan Rathbun-Grubb inducted five students into Beta Phi Mu, the library and information science honor society. Inductees were selected by the faculty based on scholarship, leadership and service. The initiates were:
- Mackenzie Anderson
- Alana Bubnis
- Laura Collins
- Emilie Hancock
- McCabe Rentz
Other honorees were:
- Erica Barnette
Samantha K. Hastings Undergraduate Student Service Award
This award honors an outstanding undergraduate student in the school. This is the second year this award has been given. - Valerie Lookingbill
Robert V. Williams Research Award
This award honors a student who has made exemplary contributions to scholarly research. - Madonna Stoehr
F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the school and whose career reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to the advancement of the profession. - Callie Smith
Wayne S. Yenawine Distinguished Student Award
This award is presented to a graduate from the previous year's class based on the entirety of the student experience including grade point average, quality of class participation and the ability to assimilate information and pass it on. - Laura Thorp
John N. Olsgaard Distinguished Service Award
This award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the school at large through a sharing of their time and expertise and is an outstanding representative of the profession, the school and the university. - Travis Wagner
William M. Trafton III Outstanding Student Award for Leadership
This is given annually to an outstanding student leader who promotes a sense of community at the iSchool through school work, professional participation and involvement with student organizations.