Posted April 18, 2019
Top photo: First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides and Dr. Sam Hastings, former SLIS director
The School of Library and Information Science honored students, faculty and community leaders at the 34th Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony held on April 16 at the South Carolina State Library.
The evening began with the presentation of the Annual Literacy Leader Award to University of South Carolina First Lady Patricia Moore-Pastides by Dr. Sam Hastings, former director of SLIS. Hastings said Moore-Pastides was "a power to admire" and a true friend to the school and college.
"When she is on a mission, you either stand back or you join her," Hastings said, lauding the university's first lady for her active involvement in many Cocky's Reading Express activities. Instrumental in helping CRE obtain it's largest grant funds to date, Moore-Pastides wrote letters of support, was a special guest and presenter at family literacy events and hosted countless elementary students into her home to celebrate her love of reading. "Mrs. Patricia Moore-Pastides has been a great asset in the fight against illiteracy in South Carolina," Hastings said.
Nine students 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: Kathryn Casey Antonelli, Emily Carol Avery, Margarita Ekaterini N. Demetriadis, Ashley Jean Dover, Lisa M. Hilleary, Suzanne Summers LaPierre, Joseph Eugene Mikolai, Lara Sophia Szypszak and Chambrike M. Teasley.
Other honorees of the night were:
- Dr. Dick Kawooya — Carolyn Delton Service Award
Cocky — Carolyn Delton Service Award
Sponsored by LISSA, this award honors individuals who go above and beyond what they need to do for everyone at the school. - Stephanie Do — 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. - Travis Wagner — Robert V. Williams Research Award
This award honors a student who has made exemplary contributions to scholarly research. - Tommy Preston Jr. — 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. - Lara S. Szypszak — 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. - April Hobbs — William M. Trafton III Outstanding Student Award for Leadership
Given annually to an outstanding student leader who promotes a sense of community at SLIS through school work, professional participation and involvement with student organizations. - Thomas Maluck — 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. - Special Director's Award — Mike Corbo
This award was presented by Dr. Kawooya in recognition of the year-long assistance he provided the interim director during this time of transition.
Alumna Pamela Nash Davenport of the Library of Congress' National Library Service gave the annual Deans' and Directors' lecture. She discussed her journey into librarianship and her role as a consultant advising libraries on their services for the blind and physically handicapped. She explained that libraries should strive to provide equal services for all patrons, regardless of ability.
"Libraries are trusted places," Davenport said. "Libraries are meccas of learning and knowledge and a safe place. I see you standing with me as you understand and agree that blind, visually impaired and people being differently abled should never define who they are or decide what they, or you, are able to accomplish."