5 Years

ERIC CUSICK:
Eric was here long before I started, and I have had to lean on his knowledge of course reserves from the beginning. During that period, he has proven his worth repeatedly. He is quick to offer solutions to problems, share his knowledge with others, has several times covered the late shift, diligently performed his duties, and all the while keeping a jovial attitude. Eric’s friendly disposition ingratiates him to patrons and staff alike. He is part of what makes this a nice place, and the Library would indeed be much different without him.
–Burt Fields

GEOFFREY PRECKSHOT:
Geoffrey Preckshot is relentless in the pursuit of making U2 a better, safer, more efficient place to work. He is constantly adapting to help assemble what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most challenging jigsaw puzzles—the U2 collection. Geoffrey is a trusted member of the UMLD team and always pushes us to not be complacent; instead, looking ever forward to what we can still improve upon.
–Kevin McFillen

JACQUELINE RASH:
While this is Jacqueline’s first year as an Ellis Library employee, it is not her first time working in this building. She began her MU career in 2012. While she was working as an International Admissions Evaluator for the International Admissions office, she was one of the lucky Renew MIZZOU folks that shared Ellis Library with us. I am so pleased that she chose to apply for the Business Support Specialist Sr position in the University Libraries. Her positive attitude, incredible organization skills, and her calm demeanor are perfect for work in the Administrative Office. Thanks, Jacqueline, for all of the wonderful work that you do!
–Kathy Peters

MARY STUDER-LOGSDON:
I have been lucky with hiring good people for ILL Lending. Mary is no exception. I highly value her energy and willingness to serve our off-campus patrons. She is friendly and wonderful to work with in this sometimes very chaotic office. I would describe her as the calm “during” the storm. If it has to be done, she is always willing to do it or work with you to get it done. Here’s hoping for another 5 years of Mary on my team!
–Tammy Green
 

10 Years

DOROTHY CARNER:
The news is always on, and so it seems, is Dorothy Carner! Dorothy brings to the Libraries an amazing combination of energy, new ideas, high standards, and a love for libraries. Her passion for library instruction within the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) drove the creation of 57 instructional programs this year for journalism students and faculty. She never gives up on the planning for the digital asset management system needed for the RJI. She is a leader in the field of journalism librarianship, as evidenced by her frequent contributions at national meetings, fitting for our nationally-recognized programs in journalism. Dorothy always has a smile and a good word for everyone. Congratulations and thanks to Dorothy for 10 years of excellence at Mizzou!
–Deb Ward

SHANNON CARY:
Shannon is an excellent writer and thinker. She keeps the Libraries informed and works to create ways to help us reach out with information on our people and activities. She works very hard and does well supervising creative students. Her perspective and awareness demonstrate her value to the Libraries more with every project she does.
–Ann Campion Riley

RUTH FELDKAMP:
Ruth is often the first person people see when they enter our area. She is always chipper and friendly. She is an expert at finding obscure supplies and information on the Internet and she has an incredible gift for grammar and writing. Ruth has a superhuman ability to focus totally and completely on a single task. She never balks when asked to work on special projects or do work outside her comfort zone. Ruth’s skills and personality complement those of her co-workers in Physical Processing, making for a formidable team.    
–Michaelle Dorsey

PHILIP REDMON:
From the UM System wide ILS to our Islandora Digital Library platform, Phil tirelessly seeks improvements and efficiencies that allow us to do more with less. In addition to his technical competency, Phil has been successfully leading the UM Digital Library Working Group. His work with this group has helped organize multi-campus work on this shared system, and strike a balance between new features and reliable functionality.  Without his contributions, the UM Libraries would not have the shared infrastructure it enjoys today.
–Ernest Shaw

ANN CAMPION RILEY:
Recognized as a national and state leader, Ann is a true advocate, diligently championing our libraries and our dedicated librarians. She works hard to ensure that the libraries provide everything that Mizzou students, faculty, and staff need to be successful. Ann has been instrumental in fundraising for MU Libraries including a recent student initiative designed to enhance offerings and services. She has also increased partnerships with other AAU and SEC institutions. A quietly strong leader, she always strives to serve, and her devotion to Mizzou is inspiring.
–Garnett S. Stokes, Interim Chancellor and Provost

15 Years

DAN AKINS:
Dan Akins is the soft-spoken, even-tempered bedrock of our U1 operations. Whether it’s consulting on space issues or training a new student worker, I always know that Dan will approach the task with the utmost care. Dan is a great colleague and an invaluable part of what makes the UMLD work day after day.
–Kevin McFillen

ANSELM HUELSBERGEN:
Anselm is a consummate archivist, conscious always of the weight of the profession’s responsibilities to history and researchers of the future. His creation of records for collections and special items will serve the scholars of tomorrow for many years to come. He adds calmness, perspective and logic to every meeting he attends and has an unwavering commitment to documenting practices and creating rules and guidelines.  
–Ann Campion Riley

20 Years

IVY HUI:
Ivy is a dedicated and loyal worker in Interlibrary Loan. She always gets the job done with efficiency and a smile. Ivy is never one to panic and always brings a sense of calm to a busy and often hectic workplace. She is also very generous as exhibited by her willingness to help with food drives, diversity celebrations, and other outreach activities. I miss her in Health Sciences Library Interlibrary Loan, but I am glad that she still provides great service for MU Libraries in Ellis Library Interlibrary Loan. Ivy, here’s to many more years!
–Caryn Scoville

MICHAEL SPEARS:
Mike has been improving library service through technology for 20 years. During that time, there has been too many projects to count. His ability to stay focused on providing excellent customer service has been an invaluable asset to the libraries. Big or small he has always approached new projects with a can-do attitude that is essential for getting things done. Mike has remained dedicated and continues to gain new skills that help improve both himself and the libraries.
–Ernest Shaw

DEB WARD:
Deb is an energetic and dedicated librarian, with amazing levels of experience in all aspects of librarianship but of course primarily the health sciences. She leads with confidence and good judgment, and has created many excellent programs and hired many excellent staff in her years at MU. She works hard at creating a positive work environment, and contributes enthusiastically to staff development and diversity activities, as well as providing leadership in liaison work and specialized libraries.
–Ann Campion Riley

30 Years

FELICITY DYKAS:
Felicity Dykas has worked for the MU Libraries for 12 years and previously worked for UMKC for 18 years, for a total of 30 years with UM. We appreciate her hard work and dedication, always focused on improving access for our users. Felicity served on the original task force that resulted in the formation of our four-campus digitization committee and has been contributing to the growth of our digital services ever since. Her professional contributions extend beyond MU through committee work in several associations, including the American Library Association. Felicity regularly presents at conferences and has published in respected library journals. She is sought out by SISLT faculty as a guest lecturer and to provide support for students involved with cataloging, metadata, and digital projects. A recent note of appreciation about her committee work from the president of ALA ALCTS thanked Felicity for her “extraordinary effort, energy, creativity, and commitment.”  
–Jeannette Pierce

 

MU Staff Recognition Week is May 22-26. The purpose of the annual Staff Recognition Week is to acknowledge the hard work of MU staff and to allow staff an opportunity to understand the contribution of their fellow staff. The week kicks off with the Staff Recognition Award Ceremony, at which the staff with years of service anniversaries and Staff Recognition Week Award recipients are recognized. The rest of the week includes activities for staff, FREE luncheon, Human Resources Seminars, online auction benefiting the Education Award and the Arts & Crafts Showcase. 

And don't forget! Michaelle Dorsey will be receiving the Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Award for Technical/Paraprofessional Staff on Monday, May 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Jesse Hall Auditorium. Come cheer her on!