The School of Information Science honored students, faculty and alumni leaders at the 40th Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards Ceremony on March 6. The evening was marked by poignant tributes to two influential figures in library science alongside recognition of outstanding achievements in the field.
Lyda Fontes McCartin , director of the iSchool, led an evening that balanced remembrance with celebration, honoring the legacies of former Dean Fred Roper and alumna Cynthia Graham Hurd, while recognizing current excellence in the profession.
"The event underscored the school's central belief that the heart of librarianship lies not just in managing collections or building programs, but in transforming lives and communities," McCartin said.
The evening featured a special commemoration of Cocky's Reading Express's 20th anniversary of promoting literacy, induction of new members into Beta Phi Mu, and recognition of exceptional students, faculty and alumni making significant contributions to information science.
Donna Barba Higuera, a New York Times best selling author of "Middle Grade" and picture books that reinvent history, folkore and/or her own life experience into compelling storylines, gave the keynote address.
Among the honorees were student Katie Levey for her innovative research, alumna Leesa Aiken for her workforce development initiatives, and Lisa O'Connor, recipient of the F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award for her transformative leadership in library education.
Through stories of service, scholarship, and community impact, the event celebrated both the rich history and promising future of the School of Information Science at USC.
Honorees were:
Sydney Kaufmann
Samantha K. Hastings Student Award for Undergraduate Leadership - This award honors an outstanding undergraduate student leader in the school.
Mateo Moyon
Undergraduate Scholarship - This award honors an outstanding undergraduate student for academic excellence.
Amie Freeman
Adjunct Teaching Award - Given to an adjunct faculty who excels in the classroom and
in the profession.
Yi Wan and Laila Conway
Robert V. Williams Research Award - This award honors a student who has made exemplary contributions to scholarly research.
Beth King
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.
Terri Moorer
John N. Olsgaard Distinguished Service Award - recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the iSchool through
a wide variety of service to students, faculty, and staff.
Heather Kiessling
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.
Leesa Aiken and Katie Levy
Director’s Award for Excellence
This award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to
the school.
Lisa O’Connor
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.
Jennifer Bartell Boykin, Beka Darrah, Cody Alan Drinkard, Margaret Cook Jackson, Wing
Ling Tang, Isabel Ann Turk, Cory C. Watson
Recognition of Beta Phi Mu Initiates - Inductees are selected by the faculty based on scholarship, leadership and service.