ACTIVE LEARNING CENTER UPDATE

What a few years ago seemed a pipe dream, the Active Learning Center (ALC) is now one step closer to reality after action on April 26, when the Indiana Legislature approved $50.0M toward the cost of constructing the ALC. As a reminder, the first step was the request to the Indiana Higher Education Commission (ICHE) last summer after the ALC was ranked the number one capital project by the University. Later in the fall, ICHE recommended to the Legislature an appropriation of $50.0M (rather than the $60.0 M requested) of the $89.0M project (including the estimated amount up to $17.0M to demolish the old Power Plant and the Engineering Administration Building). Besides the $60.0M from the state, the University has committed $13.0M from University reserves, leaving $16.0M to be raised from donors to complete the funding.

With the Legislative action to fund the project at $50.0M it does reduce funding by $10.0M. However, through new University building guidelines, there is every expectation that the program statement and square footage specified therein can be accommodated within the budget.

The Participatory Design Committee will be completing its report from its research around May 10. That document will contribute to the overall ALC Program Statement that a larger committee of university-interested parties is working on that includes three Libraries representatives (Vicki Killion, Michael Fosmire and yours truly). The University’s Capital Projects Committee (CPC) will approve the Program Statement for the ALC in August so that an architect can be retained by September to begin design development.

Now the final stage comes into play, the fund raising of $16.0M from generous donors. Of the total amount needed, $6.4M is the share that Libraries is responsible to raise (our portion of the square footage of the ALC). By the end of May we anticipate that we will have pledges or funds in hand of $2.1M or nearly a third of our share. The remaining funds are to be a collaborative effort between Libraries, the Provost and the President.

So stay tuned, the pipe dream will become a reality before we know it (2017-18), after a lot of hard work, collaboration, frustration (to be perfectly honest) and excitement.

CELEBRATING OUR STAFF

Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries — Lil Conarroe
“Winning this award showed me that I am truly blessed with friends, who are also coworkers, as only a true friend would do this for me. Thanks to everyone who smiled at my good fortune, it made my heart glad to see all those smiling for me. Again, thank you.”

Joseph M. Dagnese Memorial Award for Excellence in Service to the Libraries — Teresa Brown
“This award is extra special because I knew Joe and I served on the committee that set the foundation for this annual award. I am truly grateful for the opportunities my job allows me to be a part of and especially meeting and working with the Libraries staff. Thank you!”

John H. Moriarty Award for Excellence in Library Service — Charlotte Erdmann
“Thank you for this unexpected honor! Over the span of my career, I have enjoyed working on many challenging projects that have stretched my knowledge and expertise. Clients bring a variety of questions from the routine to the demanding. My ability to serve clients and continue to acquire expertise is not possible without supportive supervisors, colleagues and co-workers. I am grateful for this show of confidence!”

Dean’s Award for Individual Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries — Vicki Killion
“When I came to Purdue in 1991, I told then Dean Emily Mobley, that I was looking for an organization that was not afraid of change and moving forward. What I didn't realize was that it would frequently seem like a never-ending road trip with few rest stops along the way! However, I wouldn't want it to be any different. Thank you for the kind words and the recognition. It is a great honor and truly appreciated.”

Dean’s Award for Individual Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries — Dean Lingley
“I was surprised and thrilled to receive a Dean’s award this year. It was truly a great honor. Thanks to all who nominated me and everyone whom I get the privilege of working with every day in the Purdue Libraries!”

Dean’s Award for Team Achievement —Advancement & Marketing Team: Sandy Howarth, Elaine Bahler, Teresa Brown, Kim Weldy
"I am extremely proud of this team. I often present them with stretch goals or challenges reframed as 'opportunities' and they always meet and often exceed these goals. They always think about what is the best way to present the Libraries in the most professional manner to our donors and friends in an effort to further our initiatives and strategic plan. I feel blessed and honored to be a co-worker of the Libraries Advancement/Marketing Team." – Sandy Howarth

Dean’s Award for Team Achievement — HSSE Re-purposing Team: Brenda Meagher, Candy Sheagley, Cindy Yeoman
“We were so surprised and excited to receive the Dean’s Team Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Libraries, Press and Copy Office. The HSSE Re-purposing Team would like to give a very heartfelt thank you to the people who made this honor possible. Calculating, organizing, making spreadsheets, shifting, transferring of books, withdrawals, changing records, putting up shelves and making new call signs is a lot of hard work. With this recognition it makes it all seem worthwhile. Thank you again for the Dean’s Team Award.”

Purdue University Libraries Award for Excellence in Teaching — Hal Kirkwood
“I am honored to receive the Excellence in Teaching Award and thankful for the support I have received to further business information literacy. Information literacy is a crucial objective within the Libraries Strategic Plan as well as crucial for continued student success and retention. It’s my continuing focus and dedication to the students to become the best possible instructor and to always strive for excellence in teaching. The students deserve no less. I’d like to express my direct appreciation to Tomalee Doan for her continued support and guidance as well as my wife, Monica Kirkwood for her support and toleration of all the late night grading.”

2013 Annual Staff Awards: Front row: Vicki Killion, Charlotte Erdmann, Jim Mullins. Back row: Brenda Meagher, Cindy Yeoman, Candy Sheagley, Dean Lingley, Elaine Bahler, Sandy Howarth, Teresa Brown, Lil Conarroe. Not pictured: Hal Kirkwood, Kim Weldy.

2013 LIBRARIES STUDENT AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

PULSE Awards

Ciatu Fahnbulleh is a senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience from Avon, Indiana. Fahnbulleh has worked at the M. G. Mellon Library of Chemistry for eight semesters. Her supervisor, Sharon Sturgeon wrote, “Her customer service skills always include a greeting, a smile and going that extra mile in helping patrons find needed references.”

“I am truly honored to be a recipient of the PULSE Award. This scholarship will be put towards continuing my education and helping me to become a better leader. I have loved working for the Purdue Libraries for the past four years and I am thankful for all the great memories that it has given me on Purdue's campus,” said Fahnbulleh.

Brannon Springer is a junior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Biology from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Springer has worked in the Veterinary Medical Library for six semesters. Her supervisor, Tonya Wichterman, commented, “Brannon is a treasure. She is capable of helping every patron get the information they need. Most often she can lead them to the answer herself, but if she can’t she can lead them to the appropriate person to answer their question.”

“Being a recipient of the PULSE award means a great deal to me. I have gained more experience than can be put into words and from working with a great group of staff members who are always willing to show or explain things when I have questions. It is very rewarding to see that all the time I have put into helping patrons and working in the Libraries has not gone unnoticed! It is a true honor to receive the PULSE award,” said Springer.

Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship

Christopher Marks is a senior majoring in Medical Laboratory Science from Gainesville, Florida. He has worked for the Libraries IT Department for six semesters. His supervisor, Stephan Miller said, “Chris has been with us for a few years and during that time has been a valuable asset on every major project Library IT has had.”

“I am extremely honored to have been awarded the Dorothy Newby McCaw Scholarship. Three years ago I was hired at Purdue Libraries shortly after I moved here from Florida. My first interactions with people at Purdue and in Indiana were with the staff and faculty at the Libraries. Everyone was so warm and welcoming that I didn't just feel like I had started a job, but I felt that I had joined a big family. The work environment in my future endeavors will have great difficulty in matching the tremendous environment here at Purdue. The skills and experience I've gained as a student employee at Purdue Libraries' will last me a lifetime,” said Marks.

Dr. Albert Viton Scholarship

Eric Thompson is a sophomore in Professional Writing, English Literature, with a minor in Chinese and Management from Sunnyvale, California. Thompson is finishing his second semester with the Purdue Libraries and Purdue University Press. His supervisor, Dave Scherer, commented, “His enthusiasm to understand the issues in publishing and scholarly communication and his dedication to Purdue e-Pubs has allowed the repository to grow its collection and services tremendously. Eric has shown that he is a valuable member of the Purdue Libraries and a future advocate of open access.”

“Receiving this scholarship is a great honor, and I can only attribute it to being able to love the work and profession enough to where it no longer is a time for work, but a time to collaborate and illustrate the wonderful information that Purdue e-Pubs displays to beyond just the Purdue community,” said Thompson.

Amelia Earhart Scholarship winners

The Amelia Earhart Scholarship is given annually in honor of Amelia Earhart, a remarkable and unique woman who demonstrated exceptional desire to succeed in her chosen field.

Recipients of this scholarship must exhibit exemplary leadership skills, determination and potential while possessing a minimum grade point average of 3.2 after 48 semester hours. Each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship award.

Nicoletta Fala is a junior studying Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Cyprus. She is currently a Resident Assistant for University Residences and she is also finishing up her flight training to be a private pilot. Fala’s interests include aircraft systems, astrodynamics, product design, project management and engineering education.

“It is a great honor for me to receive the Amelia Earhart Scholarship. Earhart has been a role model for me in all aspects of my life, especially at college, and I admire her passion and motivation. Both as a pilot and as an engineer, I strive to live by everything that Earhart did to make the world a better place where young people could follow their dreams,” said Fala.

Bethany Sexton is a sophomore majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from Danville, Illinois. Her activities include Hunger Hike and volunteering for Mental Health America.

“I am so grateful to be a recipient of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship. This scholarship helps make finances less of a burden and motivates me to continue following Earhart’s hardworking and courageous way of life. After graduation I plan on pursuing a degree and certification in Speech Language Pathology and working toward making speech therapy an option for more people around the world,” said Sexton.

Kelsey Tuholski is a junior majoring in Soil and Crop Science from La Porte, Indiana. Her activities as a Boilermaker include acting as recording secretary for the Agronomy Club, playing bass trombone in Purdue’s American Music Repertory Ensemble and becoming the first ever woman to compete on the Purdue men’s lacrosse team.

“I am both pleased and honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship. Whereas Earhart’s spirit stemmed from making ground breaking flights, my spirit originates from making ground breaking discoveries in the field of agriculture. As I continue with my education at Purdue University, I hope to exude the same spirit and passion that set Earhart apart as a role model and inspiration to all,” said Tuholski.

ONE BOOK HIGHER HIGHLIGHTS OUR STRENGTHS AND HISTORY

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Scholarly Communication Partnerships and Collaborations at the Purdue Libraries
By Neal Harmeyer, Courtney Matthews, David Scherer

Made Me LOL
A 20-year INSIDe Look @ Libraries
By Teresa Brown

Most Interactive
Banned Books
By Patrick Whalen

Most Creative
A 20-year INSIDe Look @ Libraries
Teresa Brown

Best Furthers Strategic Plan
Purdue University Research Repository
By Brandon Beatty, Courtney Matthews

Most Innovative Idea
Banned Books
By Patrick Whalen

Viewer’s Choice
A 20-year INSIDe Look @ Libraries
By Teresa Brown

LIBRARIES STAFF A-Z