This month’s spotlight award goes to Frances Rose Rouse. Hailing from McKittrick, Missouri, Frances recently returned to the area to be closer to family. Since then she started at MU Libraries in Circulation at the Health Sciences Library where she is a Library Information Assistant.

Frances is a regular Francophile, having obtained a degree in French from Central College in Pella, IA. Her interests have even taken her to the City of Light: Paris, France! Being the coolest place Frances has ever visited, she was excited about being able to stay in the Louvre until 10pm on a Wednesday night. Magnifique!

When asked what person (real or fictional) she would like to have a drink with, Frances opted for a mojito with Ralph Fiennes.

When Frances is not at work, she can be found spending time with her dog Indy and her two cats (Violet and Tiger) and reading a book, watching a movie, or catching the latest English Premier League game.

This month’s MULSA spotlight award winner is Michelle Patrice Baggett! Be sure to congratulate this Columbia, MO native the next time you’re in the Engineering library.

The MUSE Co-Editors recently had a chance to sit down and interview (read: survey via email) our winner for the month of February. Michelle has worked at MU Libraries for seven years, and prior to that, she was a part of Central Methodist College’s final graduating class with a BA in history (fun factoid: Her husband was a part of Central Methodist University’s first graduating class!)

At the Baggett household, one might come across a collection of scrapbooking materials and paper crafts (two of Michelle’s hobbies), and perhaps a photo of the Tower of London (the coolest place Michelle has been to). If you hear a calling out for “Moosho” or “Suzie”, expect the household doggies to be not far behind. Other fun pets that the Baggetts own include: several salt fish and marine life, betta fish, and a bearded dragon named Derek.

In the movie about Michelle’s life, she would like Kathy Bates to portray her. In the movie, Ms. Bates may be sporting purple danskos, Michelle’s favorite pair of shoes. The actress playing Michelle may be working toward one of Michelle’s aspirations, writing books (specifically romance books). The soundtrack will be done by Adele. All excellent choices!

When asked the question “what person would you enjoy having a drink with”, Michelle opted for a kinky liquor (mixture of mango and passion fruit liquor) with Jack the Ripper.

Updated to add this great picture of Rachel Brekhus, MULSA Vice President, presenting the Spotlight Award to Michelle.  Congratulations!

This month’s MULSA Spotlight Award winner is Ann Campion Riley, Associate Director of the Access, Collections, and Technical Services Division at MU Libraries. Originally from Peoria, IL, Ann is now a solid Missourian, and a part of MU Libraries for the past 5 years (as of June this year!)

Ann received an AB in English and her MA LIS from University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and travelled westward to obtain an MA in English at UMSL and doctoral studies at Saint Louis University in English and Comparative Literature. Ann also shared the topic of her dissertation: “Fifteenth Century Conduct and Culture in the Prose Works of Christine de Pizan”. This was all while accruing experience as a reference librarian and teaching Freshman Composition for 16 years.   Not too shabby!

When not working away at MU Libraries, Ann spends her time cooking, watching movies, listening to decent light jazz, travelling and attending the occasional wine tasting. She has two long haired cats that enjoy her company, Hamilton and Guinevere. When asked about the coolest place she’s ever been to, she replied with Skagway, Alaska.

In a movie about Ann’s life, expect to see Jennifer Garner playing the lead role of this librarian. Ms. Garner will likely be sporting a replica pair of Ann’s favorite shoes, a pair of Black Christian Louboutin pumps with 3 inch heels. Mrs. Riley would love to see a feature of her in Cosmopolitan, a favorite magazine. And if she could have a drink with anybody? She’d have a Manhattan with Stanley Fish.

Asked if there’s anything she’d like to share, Ann said the following: She’s been married to her fascinating spouse Dave for over 30 years, whom she has three wonderful grown children with—one who is a lawyer, one who is a biologist, and one software designer/engineer.