Wayne & Shirley Wiegand recently made a planned gift commitment to the College of Information. The “Jean Lowrie Endowed Scholarship” was established in honor of Wayne’s former professor and mentor from Western Michigan University. Dr. Jean Lowrie was instrumental in providing Wayne with the opportunity to receive a National Defense Education Act Fellowship while at Western Michigan University’s School of Librarianship.

“Little did either of us know how much that fellowship would mean to me, how much easier it made my efforts to finish my education, provide for my family, and prepare for what has been a wonderfully rewarding career in the world of librarianship. Despite the huge demands on her schedule, she somehow always found time to counsel and advise me. I am forever grateful to her.”

Dr. Lowrie was director of the school of librarianship at Western Michigan University (1963–1981). She served as president of the American Library Association (1973-74), was the first recipient of the ALA/AASL Distinguished Service Award (1978), and founded the International Association of School Librarians.

The “Jean Lowrie Endowed Scholarship” will support students in our school media program with scholarships and fellowships. Dr. Lowrie will be honored at the College of Information reception during the Florida Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, May 6.