SILS celebrated the public launch of its comprehensive campaign, part of the historic Campaign for Carolina, on November 4 in Manning Hall. The event gave alumni and friends an opportunity to learn more about the School’s current programs and initiatives, and allowed the School to thank its leadership donors, whose gifts and commitments totaled $13.4 million – over half of SILS’ $20 million goal – on the day of the celebration.
The afternoon started with a keynote by SILS doctoral candidate Samantha Kaplan, who shared her preliminary dissertation findings in a presentation titled “Misinformation in Context: The Case of Mama Natural.” Guests then selected among short seminars offered by SILS faculty members, who highlighted current topics in SILS’ four areas of research excellence: digital curation (Helen Tibbo), health informatics (Javed Mostafa), information interaction (Rob Capra), and libraries of the 21st century (Mary Grace Flaherty).
Guests then gathered in the SILS Library for drinks and dinner. Before the evening program began, UNC Chancellor Carol Folt dropped by to say a few words about the important role SILS plays at the University. She also saluted the leadership donors who were helping to secure SILS’ future with their generous support, and chatted with several faculty, students, and alumni in attendance.
SILS Campaign Co-Chair Charles Lowry welcomed guests to the picnic-style dinner and after the meal, Dean Gary Marchionini delivered remarks that outlined SILS’ three campaign priorities: 1) Maximize the student experience. 2) Attract and retain the best faculty. 3) Drive innovation and impact.
Alumna Joyce Ogburn (MSLS ’82) closed the evening’s formal program by sharing her SILS’ story and what motivates her to give back. “We hope that tonight has informed you, and that it has whetted your appetite for supporting the faculty and students who are at the heart of the bold vision for the future,” Ogburn said. “So when Gary or Stephanie or one of the campaign committee members asks you to have a conversation, please say ‘Yes’.”
See more photos from the event on the SILS Flickr Album.
Learn more about the SILS campaign priorities and keep track of our campaign’s progress at campaign.unc.edu/school-information-library-science
UNC School of Information and Library Science Campaign Committee
Charles Bryan Lowry (MSLS ’74): Campaign Co-Chair
Marcia Duncan Lowry (MSLS ’75 - FSU): Campaign Co-Chair
Mary Boone Bernsen (BA ’66, MSLS ’73): Committee Member
Bob Martin (PhD ’88): Committee Member
Joyce Ogburn (MSLS ’82): Committee Member
Susan Perry (MSLS ’66): Committee Member
Mary Jane Petrowski (MSLS ’78): Committee Member
Mae Rodney (PhD ’86): Committee Member
Fred Roper (AB ’60, MSLS ’62): Committee Member
Bernie Todd Smith (MSLS ’73): Committee Member
Duncan Smith (MSLS ’80): Committee Member
Sarah Snow (MSIS ’04): Committee Member
