Student award recipients announced

Berner-Nash Memorial Award

Presented to Zachary Kilhoffer

Zachary Kilhoffer's dissertation, “Human Factors in The Standardization of AI Governance: Improving the Design of Risk Management Standards for Ethical AI,” thoughtfully bridges and expands the interdisciplinary fields of technology policy and FAccT (Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency of AI). His research provides in-depth analysis of current AI Risk Management standards and novel empirical findings and lessons on how privacy engineers deal with privacy and security standards. Further, he presents empirical support to inform future decision-making around AI standards, as well as broader risk-oriented regulation of AI. 

Anne M. Boyd/Beta Phi Mu Award

Presented to Evan Allgood

Evan Allgood has maintained a 4.0 GPA, demonstrating exceptional academic performance. He is a thoughtful and engaged student who balances theory with practical application in information settings. His strong commitment to equity and social justice is evident in class contributions and assignments. Evan served as a graduate assistant for Library Trends and the Community Data Clinic and as a volunteer at Quatrefoil Library, supporting LGBTQIA+ communities in the Twin Cities. His professional contributions include presenting a poster at the 2025 Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Conference and delivering a well-received webinar on generative AI for Niche Academy.

Downs Faculty Special Award of Merit

Presented to Audrey Bentch

Audrey Bentch is recognized as an exemplary leader and trusted expert at the Help Desk by both IT staff and fellow graduate assistants. She demonstrates a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a consistently welcoming and supportive attitude. Audrey proactively fosters a positive team environment and ensures colleagues feel valued and included. As the lead trainer for first-year GAs, she provided guidance and mentorship. After identifying gaps in support, she took the initiative to improve GA onboarding. Audrey also led the iSchool’s accessibility initiative during a staff leave, independently managing multiple projects. 

Downs Faculty Special Award of Merit

Presented to Mahir Thakkar

Mahir Thakkar is one of the highest achieving students in his graduating class, with exceptional leadership potential and a strong willingness to contribute to his community. His professional experience includes internships with Microsoft and Synchrony Bank in the US and EnergyTrack in Vienna, Austria. Mahir founded and served as co-president of Product Space, a nationwide student organization with 15+ chapters that provides workshops, capstone projects, and training to develop product skills. He also served as project manager in the Business Intelligence Group and held multiple executive roles in Design for America.

Entrepreneurial Promise Award

Presented to Taviana Barlow

Taviana Barlow demonstrates a strong drive, creativity, and commitment to making meaningful change. As a student, she developed Blogthought LLC, a social platform focused on providing community-driven support and accessible mental health resources for underserved populations. It was her firsthand experience of the barriers her peers faced in accessing mental health care that led her to create an alternative solution for those who cannot afford traditional therapies. Taviana participated in the Cozad New Venture Challenge to further refine and hone her startup. Her long-term goal is to scale Blogthought LLC and pursue further education to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, with plans to open her own mental wellness clinic. 

Herbert Goldhor Award for Public Librarianship

Presented to Delia Kerr-Dennhardt

Delia Kerr-Dennhardt plays a key leadership role in fostering a positive, inclusive team dynamic among Help Desk graduate assistants. She enhances the Help Desk environment through seasonal decorations, window painting, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Delia designed the Help Desk t-shirts and organized multiple social and teambuilding events. She actively recognizes and uplifts peers, serving as the primary nominator and designer of recognition awards for fellow GAs. She designed a resource shelf and guide for future iSchool students, offering long-term value to incoming cohorts. Delia was commissioned to paint murals for the Bloomington North Public Library’s pathfinding project, blending artistic talent with public library service. 

Henderson Award for Service and Social Justice

Presented to Adam Beaty

Adam Beaty independently created and maintains a digital repository of queer nightlife in Urbana-Champaign. He demonstrates advanced skills in digital preservation and metadata, paired with deep ethical engagement. Tackling critical, timely questions about digital visibility of queer history and its implications, Adam’s project is exceptional not just at the student level but within the broader field of LIS and digital archives. Adam actively shares his work with peers and LIS professionals, contributing to conversations on queer history and digital preservation. Undertaking this work during a time of increased scrutiny and regulation demonstrates Adam’s courage and integrity. He shows a strong, authentic commitment to social justice in digital archival work, beyond academic or professional gain.

Lohrer-Meckstroth Award for K-12 Library Services

Presented to Katie Skoufes

Katie Skoufes has the exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, fostering trust and respect. She creates an inclusive and supportive learning environment through genuine curiosity and warmth. Katie demonstrates a strong connection with students of all ages, particularly in elementary and middle school libraries. She is committed to continuous learning and self-reflection, always seeking ways to improve her practice. Katie is passionate about education, consistently striving to design high-quality instructional opportunities and resources. She adapts and tailors teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students, showcasing innovative approaches to instruction.

Yingbo Zhou Memorial Award

Presented to Zhixuan (Kyrie) Zhou

Zhixuan (Kyrie) Zhou is deserving of this award because of his sustained efforts to change policies and improve PhD student experiences at the iSchool. He has played a key role in reducing the number of required courses for doctoral students, resulting in long-lasting positive impact. Kyrie has demonstrated a strong passion for research and service throughout his studies at the University of Illinois. He has inspired undergraduate and master’s students to pursue graduate school through his mentorship and leadership.