The University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science honored students, faculty and community leaders at the annual Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony held on April 2, 2015.
The evening began with an awards ceremony, recognizing 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: Jason Monroe Broughton, Jessica Dai, and Eve Alexandra Ross. Inducted in absentia were Morgan P. Kinder, Teresa Welborn Linebarger and Rachel Lane Walden.
"The best thing in my life is graduation, orientation and giving out awards," said Dr. Samantha Hastings, director of the school, who presented special awards to individuals who are involved in the community, passionate about library and information science and invested in the school.
Dr. Curtis R. Rogers received the 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. Rogers is the Communications Director and Coordinator of the South Carolina Center for the Book for the South Carolina State Library.
Others honored at the awards ceremony were:
Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb and George Shaw, Jr. — Carolyn Delton Service Award. Sponsored by the Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA), this award honors individuals who go above and beyond what they need to do for everyone at the school.
Morgan Kinder — 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.
Cathi Cooper Mack — 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.
