On Thursday, April 18, following National Library Week (April 7 – 13), the Hesburgh Libraries held their annual recognition celebration. Library staff and faculty members were recognized for milestone years of service; several staff members received a Library Award for Excellence, and select faculty received a Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. This year, National Library Week was April 7 – 13. Tuesday of National Library Week is designated as National Library Workers Day and is a chance to recognize the people who make libraries work.

During the welcome remarks, the dean of Hesburgh Libraries reflected on the theme for National Library Week 2024—Ready, Set, Library! This year's theme shines a light on the many ways that libraries enrich the communities they serve and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day.

“Congratulations to our faculty and staff. Each person who works at the Hesburgh Libraries is dedicated to fostering human flourishing and academic excellence as we advance research, teaching, and learning at Notre Dame. I am proud to honor these efforts annually during National Library Week and throughout the year,” said K. Matthew Dames, Edward H. Arnold Dean, Hesburgh Libraries and University of Notre Dame Press.

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 Library Staff Award for Excellence. This year’s awardees include:

Zavislak Library Faculty Recognition Award

Dan Johnson – For exemplary professional service, campus community ambassadorship, and scholarly empowerment.

Mark Robison – For leadership and extraordinary efforts to serve the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Notre Dame.

Marcy Simons – For taking on additional responsibilities during a transitional year and creating a dynamic and positive work environment.

Library Staff Award for Excellence

Paula Bales – For demonstrating leadership and initiative for a high-profile service performed to benefit the University and its graduate students.

Helen Cawley – For consistently exhibiting the University and Hesburgh Libraries' core values through her work.

Kathy Colbert – For her teamwork, adaptability, integrity, and success with new challenges.

Jared Collins – For his excellence in data remediation work and unit leadership.

Elizabeth Hogan – For her expertise, outreach, and commitment to the mission, vision, and goals of the Hesburgh Libraries.

Rob Kolic – For his commitment to stewarding University resources in alignment with the University’s strategic framework.

Jenna Mrozinske – For her dedication to advancing team and organizational goals and going above and beyond to contribute to the success of colleagues.

Trish O'Rourke – For her ever-expanding expertise, tireless attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

Whitney Young – For their dedication to high-quality customer service and initiative during a major transition.