For Immediate Release
June 24, 2008
Contacts:
Roberta Longworth 703-324-8313
Scholarships Awarded to Future Librarians
Fairfax, VA –The Fairfax Library Foundation proudly announces the 2008 Friends Scholarship Fund awardees. Four merit-based academic scholarships were awarded to outstanding students pursuing a Masters degree in Library Science. The Friends Scholarship Fund was established to deliver expert library services to County residents by attracting highly qualified future librarians to the Fairfax County Public Library.
Four Master of Library Science students have been awarded $12,500 in academic scholarships. Congratulations to Adrienne Leo, Fairfax County Public Library volunteer and Library Assistant at the Reston Regional Library, studying at the University of Michigan; Mary T. Saulsgiver, Library Aide at Lane Elementary School, attending the University of Maryland; and Matthew Vavrina, Library Aide at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, studying at the University of Maryland. Each was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Additionally, Young Adult Information Assistant, Pohick Regional Library and Catholic University of America student, Constance Osborne earned special recognition of the Edwin S. ‘Sam’ Clay, III Scholarship. This $3,500 scholarship is named in honor of more than 25 years of service by the Fairfax County Public Library Director. Constance Osborne received a plaque before the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees on June 11, 2008.
"Passionate librarians are the ones that will chat with you about the books you are reading and recommend more; or are relentless in searching for the answer to your question or finding the materials you need”, stated Osborne, “I look forward to becoming a librarian of Virginia and putting my passion and heart into its libraries."
To date, over $60,000 has been awarded to meritorious individuals pursuing a Masters in Library Science degree through the Fairfax Library Foundation’s Friends Scholarship Fund. In an effort to maximize existing resources, nearly $17,000 more has supported the continuing education of Fairfax County Public Library staff and volunteers.
Call 703-324-8300 for more information about the Fairfax Library Foundation’s Friends Scholarship fund.
Fairfax Library Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation committed to providing supplementary support to the Fairfax County Public Library. The Foundation, while reinforcing the need for continued and increased public support for the Library, serves as a catalyst for attracting private funding from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations to enhance library services for our community.