This award is conferred upon an alumna or alumnus of the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in recognition of outstanding leadership and accomplishment in library service. Previous award recipients include: Gail Schlachter (2007), James Rettig (2006), Eugene (Gene) Engeldinger (2005), Michael J. Fox (2004), Barratt Wilkins (2003), Larry Hardesty (2002), Eliza Dresang (2001), Wallace Olsen (2000), Karen Krueger (1999), James Krikelas (1998), Sarah M. Pritchard (1997), Ginny Moore Kruse (1996), Nancy H. Marshall (1995), Beacher J. E. Wiggins (1994), James P. Danky (1993), Warren James Haas (1992), Kathleen De La Pena McCook (1991), Spenser Gilbert Shaw (1990.)

In 2006, a special Centennial Award was also given. Centennial Award Winners: Lawrence J. Jacobsen (1971), Nolan Yelich (1966), Nancy Kranich (1973), Kathleen T. Horning (1982), Lorene Byron Brown (Ph.D. 1974), Madge Hildebrandt Klais (1972), Roy Mersky (1953).

In 2008, SLIS changed the name of the award as well as the nomination process. SLIS alumni and other individuals with an interest in SLIS may submit a nomination for the award. Nominations should include basic information about the nominee (name, year of graduation, accomplishments and achievements, contact information). Letters of support of the nominee will be enthusiastically accepted. The deadline for such nominations is October 31st of each year.

In making the award, the jury will consider such activities or accomplishments as the following:

• community betterment through broadened scope and quality service;
• contribution to any area of services benefitting library users or members of the library community;
• distinguished service to the profession;
• outstanding participation in activities of professional library associations;
• notable publications and productions;
• leadership in education and in-service training for librarians;
• extension of library services through cooperation;
• improvement in library techniques or management;
• development of library facilities
• service to UW SLIS and/or its Alumni Association.

Send nominations to: Student Services Coordinator Andrea Poehling, UW-Madison SLIS, 600 N. Park St. Room 4217, Madison, WI 53706 Telephone: (608) 263-2909, FAX: (608) 263-4848.
Email: student-services@slis.wisc.edu