Message from the Vice Provost
As we wrapped up the academic year last month, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our newest Blue Hen graduates. Earning a degree requires focus, resilience and tenacity—and we celebrate all you’ve achieved. I hope you’ll always find your way back to the Library, Museums and Press as a resource and a place of inspiration.
Though the campus has quieted some, our work remains vibrant. This summer, we proudly announced our newest cohort of Open and Affordable Teaching Materials (OATM) Grant recipients—faculty members leading the way in advancing equitable, innovative approaches to education through the use of library-provided resources.
In June, we welcomed donors to a special gathering focused on building awareness and momentum for our Special Collections renovation. Construction is officially underway on the effort to Build a New Home for Special Collections, and I’m deeply grateful to those who have contributed to our $4 million campaign in support of this transformative project.
Summer has also brought new beginnings, as we greeted incoming Blue Hens and their families during New Student Orientation. It’s a joy to introduce students to the resources, expertise and opportunities that await them here—from their first year through their final thesis and beyond.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch our inaugural Open Data Impact Awards this fall and are finalizing an exciting calendar of workshops, exhibitions and events that reflect our mission and spark curiosity. Be sure to watch for details about Banned Books Week, when we celebrate the freedom to read and raise awareness about the ongoing threats of censorship.
On a personal note, I’ve been reminded this summer, as some of you may have been traveling, that a great book can take you just as far as any plane or train. Whether you’re reading from a sandy beach, a shady porch or somewhere in between, I encourage you to explore our curated Disability Pride Month collection—available both in-person and online—and let your imagination roam.
Cheers,
Trevor A. Dawes
Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums
May Morris University Librarian