Off the Mark

I am finding it very hard to believe but, as of today, I am a grade-ALA, certified Librarian.

Take time to give thanks
Make time to be giving
I’m going to stop and think twice
About the way that I’m living

I’d like to thank my Mom for believing in me and being there all these years!  I wish I could be with you today, but I’ve given you the 2nd best thing I can think of—another Mother’s Day graduation.  If I time things right there might even be a 3rd one in a couple of years.

Did I say a kind word
Am I proud of my actions
You know a job well done
Gives me satisfaction

I’d also like to thank my children, Jeremy & Sara, for setting such a wonderful example for me, and for also believing in me.  My sister Deb and her family, and my Dad and his family also deserve my gratitude and thanks.

Can I earn your trust
Your love and affection
Just one step at a time
In the right direction

My mentor and one of my best friends ever, Maureen Brunsdale, deserves more than I can ever repay her for.  I know that she’d say different, but it is how I feel and always will.  My graduation is hopefully a good start towards the debt that I feel for all of her love and support over the past several years.  And yes, Mo, I know that it is the best thing I could do by you.  Yes, I did it for me, but I feel that I also owed it to you.  Thank you for every thing, my friend!

Going to aim for the sky
Keep my feet on the ground
Raise my voice to the heavens
Make a joyful sound

Many other folks, librarians, staff and students, at Milner Library and Illinois State University deserve my deepest gratitude.  Joan Winters, Maureen Brunsdale, Katie Sawyer, Diane Mather, Sharon Naylor, Vanette Schwartz, Bruce Stoffel, many others, and especially all of my patrons. 

Dr. Richard Stivers, Dr. David Anderson, Donna Larsen, Iris, Mimesis Reading Group, Dinner & an Argument Reading Group, Kierkegaard Reading Group, …

Greet everyday with full purpose
With passion and pride
I’m going to follow my heart
And have nothing to hide

Many folks here at GSLIS also deserve my thanks — Carole Palmer, Betsy Hearne, Linda Bial, Boyd Rayward, Taylor Willingham, Kathryn La Barre, Linda Smith, Jill and Garret Gengler, Matt Beth … [I might get all gushy here but I get to hang out with these fine folks (and more) for a few more years].

A moment of insight
I know why I’m here
You know when the time just stops
See it all real clear

I’ve got to set an example
Make some mischief and fun

Can you believe they gave me an award?  Seriously.  I am honored.

The Peggy Harris Award.  The Peggy Harris Award was established in 1995, in memory of Peggy Harris, a former staff member. It is given to the individual who most exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, and a concern for others and for the welfare of the School.

I got to work hard everyday
And give it my best
Grab hold of fear and negativity
And lay them to rest

Several of my friends are also receving awards.  I am humbled by human beings like these [official Convocation program : pdf]

• Honore Bray:  The Library School Alumni Association Student Award
• Matt Cordial:  Social Justice Award
• Julia Derden:  Jane 
  B. and Robert B. Downs Professional Promise Award
• Maggie Hommel:  Herbert Goldhor Award for Public Librarianship
• Annette Lesak - Anne M. Boyd Award (Beta Phi Mu)
• Michelle Maloney - Bryce Allen Award for Reference Services
• Kyle Naff:  C. Berger Group Entrepreneurial Promise Award
• Richard Urban:  Jane B. and Robert B. Downs Professional Promise Award

These folks come from near and far, large and small, are all ages and are all wonderful people.  I wish them all well in their endeavors and am excited that Annette and Richard will be here with me for a while longer.  Annette is also starting on a CAS and Richard is starting on a PhD.

I know my time here’s important
Can I do the right thing?
Practice patience and forgiveness
Feel the joy that they bring

The ever amazing Elizabeth is graduating in August and also moving into the PhD program.  Speaking of Team Awesome , it’s about to be decimated.  Everyone except Angie is graduating now or in August:

• Elizabeth Edwards
• Mark Lindner
• Kristin Schar
• Karin Suni
• Perry Trolard

E is staying as her gig is e-learning.  I may stay and do some classes in the fall as an hourly depending on what opportunities present themselves.  I could do far worse than working with wonderful people like those on Team Awesome.  And it’s one of the better paying jobs.

Can I lay down tonight
Without feeling regret?
I know the love that I give
Becomes the love that I get

My rambling song is about finished, although incomplete.  I am forgetting many people, no doubt.  But before I go, I’d like to say thanks to Emily Rogers and Cindy Welch for looking after me and helping me to grow.

Well do you hear what I’m saying
Making sense to you?
Well if you feel it in your heart
Then you might want to sing too

The String Cheese Incident. "Joyful Sound"  Outside Inside

Fellow bloggers, readers, others I’m addressing, authors I’m engaging, ….  Thank you for all of the conversations, non-conversations, opportunities to screw up, learn, and grow [Of major continued positive influence: Angel, Jenica, Laura, Walt] .  I hope to get back to more of the scholarly here.  Expect to hear about thesaurus construction over the next 4 weeks.  Maybe even a plea for help.  If I can get it adequately worded.

Thank you one and all and congrats to all of the new librarians!