MSLIS student Nathaniel Allen (Nat) Pila has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Ruth Fine Memorial Student Loan, awarded annually by the District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA). The award will support Pila as he begins his studies in the iSchool at the University of Illinois.
The interest-free loan, which supports students in the DC metro area, may be forgiven if the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA or higher for twelve months following the award. To date, nearly all recipients have had their loans fully forgiven.
Pila is currently a library associate in the Outreach and Inclusion Department at the DC Public Library. His work in outreach helped him solidify his commitment to librarianship. He enjoyed meeting residents from different backgrounds and figuring out how the library could help them with their specific needs.
"Having been a lifelong library user myself, I've always known that libraries are important," Pila said. "But seeing the direct impact that they make in people's lives is what made me want to be a part of this incredible profession."
When researching graduate programs, Pila was drawn to the iSchool's MSLIS degree program because of its flexible curriculum, which allows him to tailor his coursework to reach his goals. Pila holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College and an associate's degree from Montgomery College. Before joining the DC Public Library, he served as an AmeriCorps volunteer.
Thanks to the Ruth Fine Memorial Student Loan, Pila will be able to purchase new devices to support his academic success.
"I am deeply honored and so grateful to have been chosen as its recipient this year," he expressed. "I cannot thank the DCLA Student Financial Assistance Committee enough."