Six GSLIS students have been named 2012 Spectrum Scholars by the American Library Association (ALA). Established in 1997, the Spectrum Scholarship Program was created to promote diversity among graduate-level library school students. Each scholar receives $5,000 from the ALA as well as over $1,500 toward professional development opportunities. In addition, GSLIS provides each scholar with a tuition waiver. Illinois recipients of the Spectrum Scholarship also receive a grant from The Sylvia Murphy Williams Fund, part of the Illinois Library Association.
Anthony Bishop (William R. Gordon Spectrum Scholar) is looking to specialize in information systems:
"I am honored and greatly humbled by receiving this prestigious scholarship. As an incoming student at GSLIS, I am looking forward to working with some of the top library science professors in the nation and gaining the skill set that will make me a qualified, productive and respected librarian in the near future."
Liza Booker (Leo Albert Spectrum Scholar) is pursuing a master’s degree with a focus on special collections and plans to work in archives:
"I am absolutely ecstatic about receiving the scholarship from American Library Association. With the ALA Spectrum award, I am being offered way more than a scholarship. I am able to join a community of not only the many members in the American Library Association but also relate with a group of library/information science students like myself. This scholarship helps to solidify my belief that I belong in this field, and I can excel in it. My GSLIS experience has been good so far. I have met some amazing professors and staff who really believe in the future of the students. The classes are engaging and I met a lot of interesting people."
Christina Nhek will be focusing on data curation during her time at GSLIS:
"I am honored that I was named a Spectrum Scholar because it will enable me to travel and study throughout the duration of the on-line LEEP program. This honor has opened many more doors for me, and the GSLIS program will help guide my way into a career path. I am excited and look forward to continuing my education journey here at Illinois."
Thomas Padilla will be pursuing an MLIS with a data curation specialization:
"I feel tremendously honored to join the Spectrum community. I am humbled by the dedication of ALA and GSLIS to ensuring that all students are afforded an opportunity to pursue courses of study that will undoubtedly have a positive impact in communities throughout the country. For my part, I look forward to working with all of my colleagues at GSLIS and UIUC as a whole to realize more effective utilization of data across multiple disciplines."
Charlotte Roh is interested in diversity in librarianship, digital inclusion, and the intersection between corporate and academic librarianship:
"I am so honored to be a Spectrum Scholar and to have the endorsement of the ALA and GSLIS. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about my move from New York to Illinois. I worried about the lack of diversity in the Midwest, and whether the program at GSLIS would be right for me. Fortunately, I absolutely loved my first semester—the professors and staff, the seminars and roundtables, the conversations with my classmates and the wonderful librarians on campus. As a Spectrum Scholar, I feel that I can now really enjoy my studies in the coming year without worry or distractions. I am very grateful and excited!"
Jose Miguel Ruiz (Ron Clowney Spectrum Scholar) is pursuing an MLIS focusing on user experience:
"I feel very fortunate to have received this scholarship opportunity that provides a great level of support for my education, as well as the education and professional development of other diverse students and future information professionals. The ALA Spectrum Scholarship does not only provide financial support, but also personal and professional. WIth the help of this scholarship, I look forward to attending GSLIS and participating in the expansive array of curriculum opportunities. Exploring classes, meeting faculty and peers, and joining professional organizations will provide a exciting graduate experience."