Change Created

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  Expanded access to information and opportunity by establishing the Emergency Technology Fund to provide laptops to highest-need students and through innovative solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Philanthropy enabled the Library to acquire and produce thousands of online materials that ensured sustained access to information and opportunities to connect with faculty, peers, and personal networks during this uncertain time, critical work that earned the Library INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity award.

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  Achieved record-breaking special collections growth, totaling more than 300 additions to the Library’s rare books, local history, photojournalism, and other holdings through in-kind donations and Special Collections Fund acquisitions. As a result, this growth boosted hands-on experiential learning opportunities, particularly in the Library’s Archives and Special Collections departments, where the number of student fellows has doubled.

• Empowered scholars with cutting-edge research strategies by launching the Digital Research and Inquiry Lab, which educates students and faculty on how to incorporate digital research methods and tools into the research process and create more accessible and engaging final products.

• Fostered community building and student thriving by launching robust programming through the philanthropically funded Visionary Fund. Programs range from intellectual discussions with dignitaries and a speaker series exploring science through a pop culture lens to hands-on crafting sessions and stress-relieving activities during semester finals.