On Tuesday, April 22, following National Library Week (April 6 – 12), 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 6 – 12. Tuesday of National Library Week is designated as National Library Workers Day and is a chance to celebrate the people who make libraries work.

During the welcome remarks, the dean of the Hesburgh Libraries reflected on the theme for National Library Week 2025, “Drawn to the Library.” This year's theme shines a light on the unique role the Hesburgh Libraries plays at the heart of the University’s academic core.

“It’s an honor to celebrate this year’s library award winners, a group of faculty and staff who have made profound contributions to the work of the Hesburgh Libraries over the past academic year. Whether supporting faculty and student research, managing data, advancing our technical infrastructure, or improving access to our services and collections, these colleagues have made exceptional efforts to improve and extend the reach of the Libraries across campus and around the world,” said Margaret Meserve, Interim 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 Hesburgh Libraries staff and faculty members 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

Aaron Bales, Head of Digital Strategies and Technology — For his achievements in leadership in excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

Patrick Milhoan, Head of Distinctive and Academic Collections — For his vision, leadership, collaborative spirit, and the utmost care that he dedicates to our collections.

Eric Lease Morgan, Digital Initiatives Librarian — For his dedication to service excellence and contributions to the profession.

Library Staff Award for Excellence

Jason Kauffman, Archives Specialist — For his efforts in workflow development and collaboration in a critical area of the University Archives.

Bobbie Lou Philotoff, Senior Metadata Technician — For her dedicated support in passing on local knowledge and contributing effectively to the onboarding process.

Michael Runyon, Senior Systems Engineer — For his proactive approach, technical skills, and commitment to bolstering Library IT's infrastructure security.

Jayne Schlutt, Archives Technician — For her broad contributions to data quality and dedicated efforts to service excellence.

Kim Shreve, IT Support Coordinator — For her commitment to high-quality service and attention to detail in providing crucial data to the Business Library.

Leigh Taylor, Acquisitions Assistant — For going above and beyond in pursuit of the Hesburgh Libraries’ mission.

Andy Wetherill, Senior Web Developer Engineer — For his flexibility, commitment to service excellence, and dedication to elevating the Libraries brand.