On April 12, 2022, the Hesburgh Libraries held their annual recognition celebration. Members of the library staff and faculty were recognized for milestone years of service; several staff received an annual Library Award for Excellence and select faculty received a Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award.

During the welcome, University Librarian K. Matthew Dames reflected on the theme for National Library Week 2022—Connect with Your Library. The theme highlights the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology, media, programs, ideas, and communities.

“This is especially meaningful since libraries have played an integral role in fostering and sustaining communities throughout the unprecedented challenges of the COVID pandemic,” said University Librarian K. Matthew Dames. “Here at Notre Dame, this team has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and skill during the past two-plus years to keep the Hesburgh Libraries central to fostering academic and social communities on the University’s physical and virtual campuses.”

In honor of their work, expertise, and dedication, special recognition was given to members of the staff and faculty for their exceptional achievements beyond their regular job responsibilities.

Congratulations to our winners of the Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award and the Staff Library Award for Excellence. This year’s awardees include:

Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award

Willie Baer — For excellent leadership and dedicated service

Anna Michelle Martinez-Montavon — For commitment to continuous improvement, accessibility and user experience

Leslie L. Morgan — For making significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the Libraries and across campus

Library Award for Excellence

Jennifer Brcka — For dedication to finding efficient and functional solutions to problems and leadership in advancing organizational knowledge

James Cachey — For outstanding dedication, work ethic and integrity

Kristie Clark — For outstanding teamwork, reliability, and leadership

Barb Dean-Davis — For commitment to continuous improvement in alignment with organizational goals and for sharing invaluable perspectives for program success

Steve Mattison — For achievements in accountability, teamwork, and leadership

Mike Mueller — For outstanding teamwork and for leadership in service excellence

Michele Shaw — For being a careful listener who fosters and supports creativity and turns challenging situations into opportunities for growth

Abby Vande Walle — For the creation and leadership of innovative service model improvements