The WLA Foundation is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2012 library and continuing education scholarships:

Rebecca L. Jones, public relations specialist at the UW-Whitewater's Andersen Library, was selected for the Library Education Scholarship in the amount of $1,150. Rebecca says that before she worked in the library, she was a graphic designer and marketing specialist for the technology department at UW-W.

Because Rebecca, a lifelong Wisconsin resident, plans to continue a career in librarianship, she realized that a master's degree would be essential - and the scholarship makes it possible for her to pursue the degree.

Adrienne Evans, Archives and Special Collections Assistant at the University of South Dakota, has received the Sally Davis Scholarship in the amount of $1,050. She will begin the master's program at UW-Madison SLIS this fall.

Adrienne is choosing to continue her career path to "further explore ways to utilize archives and libraries for the promotion of social justice." In particular, she says she has realized that "As archivists preserve and present the past to the public, they become active participants in the historical process and have a unique opportunity to promote the history and cultural understanding of marginalized groups."

Brittany Katib, student at UW-Milwaukee SOIS, received the Vida Stanton Scholarship ($1,300) to support her future in library media or youth services. Brittany's essay brought to life her work with a program called Our Next Generation (ONG), which works to bridge the gap between school and home for Milwaukee center city students. By working with the young people who participate in ONG, Brittany sees first-hand the impact of library services.

Brittany says, "Prior to volunteering at ONG, I knew I wanted to be a librarian. I knew I wanted to be involved in young adult and children's services. What I did not know is how much influence I could have as a librarian." Brittany also references the inspiration provided by Dr. Vida Stanton to students at UW-SOIS even today, years after her retirement.

The George Bauer Scholarship of $650 goes to Gary Warren Niebuhr, director of Greenfield Public Library. Gary plans to attend the 22nd International Book Fair in Havana, Cuba in February 2013. Gary expects to gain insight into the country of Cuba and its literary heritage. When he returns, he will prepare a video of his trip for a presentation at the 2013 WLA Conference, as well as for community organizations. WLAF looks forward to learning all about his experience.

The WLA Foundation thanks all scholarship applicants for their efforts and invites students and current professionals to apply next year.