The University of Tennessee will host fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, December 13. UT Libraries takes the opportunity to recognize graduating library staff and student assistants and to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

Kelseigh Bien. Kelseigh Bien received the Master of Science in Information Sciences (MSIS) in August. Kelseigh began her position as a Public Services and Engagement Librarian in March, working with — as she says — “the greatest people in the world.” “I was thrilled to return to Public Services after working there as a GSLA [Graduate Student Library Assistant] when I first started the MSIS program. Following graduation, I plan to continue my professional development in my current position, learning as much as I can and doing as much as I can! … I can’t say it enough: I love the people that I work with, and I love getting to work with my team to see creative engagement opportunities come to life for the campus community.”

Daisy Cui. Daisy Cui graduates this semester with a Master of Science in Information Sciences. Daisy already holds a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design from UT’s College of Architecture + Design. Since fall of 2023, she has worked with the Research Impact and Open Access unit as a Graduate Research Assistant, providing support for TRACE (UT’s digital repository) and for the V.O.L. open-access journals hosted by UT Libraries. She says of her library experience: “I’ve enjoyed working with my coworkers, who are passionate about breaking down barriers in scholarly communication and improving research impact that benefits academia and the public. One of the best parts of working here is seeing our efforts make a tangible difference in bringing findings to a broader audience and helping them succeed.”

Hannah Didsbury. Hannah Didsbury, a Student Library Assistant at Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, will receive a bachelor’s in Information Sciences. What she has enjoyed about working at Pendergrass: “Getting to meet so many wonderful people from the Pendergrass staff, to the CVM [College of Veterinary Medicine] students, to my fellow SLAs. The time I’ve gotten to spend learning from, working alongside — and even just chit-chatting with others — has been so important to me. The UT Libraries have always felt like a community where I have both been supported and been able to support others.” She plans to move to Vermont with her partner in January and continue to pursue a career in libraries.

Dennis Koch. Dennis Koch graduates with a Master of Science in Information Sciences along with a certificate in Research and Data Management. As a Graduate Student Library Assistant with Assessment Programs and Collection Strategy, he has helped manage the government document and maps collections through updating catalog records, sorting and inventorying material, and helping federal depository libraries in Tennessee identify gaps in their federal collections. He is currently seeking employment in academic libraries or archives.

Patrick Minton. Patrick Minton, a Public Services staff member, receives his Master of Science in Information Sciences this fall. “After graduation, I’m planning on staying at UT Knoxville for the foreseeable future — but who knows! What I’ve enjoyed: The camaraderie in Public Services is one of my favorite things about working for UT Libraries. I also think that we have some of the most engaged patrons!”

Roshni Patel. Roshni Patel, a Student Library Assistant at Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She plans to become an analyst. She says of her library experience: “I’ve enjoyed working at Pendergrass because all the amazing staff have been very welcoming to me since freshman year. I couldn’t have asked for a better team and am grateful for everything they’ve done for me!”

Abby Robertson. Abby Robertson, a Student Library Assistant at Pendergrass Library, will receive her bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology. “Pendergrass feels like home to me,” she says. “The staff are wonderful, the patrons are passionate, and the environment is warm and welcoming. My time at Pendergrass has meant the world to me!” Her plans for the future are to pursue a doctorate in cancer biology to prepare for a career in biomedical research.

Mina Shawky. Mina Shawky is graduating with a bachelor’s in biology. He says of his position as an IT technician in the Libraries’ Discovery and Technology Solutions unit: “My favorite part of working here is exploring new ways to make our technology easier to use and working with all the wonderful people at the library! Also, taking in the amazing views of Knoxville from different areas on the top floor of Hodges. After graduation, I plan to continue working at Hodges and help people with all their tech needs!”