Graduating UHM LIS Program students Brianne Imada and Martina Nagasako are the first recipients of the Lillian Nicolich Memorial Award. The award is presented to a graduating student who lifts others up and can demonstrate \u201csupporting the larger community,\u201d and \u201cproblem solving for others.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brianne Imada researched how libraries are developing a \u201cTrauma-Informed\u201d practice that builds on her previous degree in Social Work. She recently gave a presentation on how she developed that project as a way of encouraging other students to create their own meaningful research. She also volunteered to help a book drive for women inmates and helped Chaminade library expand their resources for mental health for students. She\u2019s also helped other students to enjoy life beyond campus and has been a mentor and friend to many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Martina Nagasako is both a graduating student and the School Library Media Specialist at L\u0101hain\u0101 Intermediate. There, she\u2019s been a strong force to help students cope with life after the Maui fires and imagine new paths. One student praised Martina for a book subscription program she started after the fires. Students received a personalized box of books from the library along with other fun goodies to \u201cpromote a joyful experience and resilience in a difficult time.\u201d A fellow student noted how \u201cThis project epitomizes the spirit of this award as it was a creative use of resources, demonstrated empathy for students\u2019 wellbeing, and promoted lifelong learning through a connection with literacy.\u201d She\u2019s also been involved with the Hawai’i Association of School Librarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The award was just launched this year by alumni who remember the late Lillian Nicolich (NICK-oh-lich) who <\/em>graduated from the LIS Program in 2006, and passed away in 2024. Lillian was a friend, problemsolver, and adventurer who volunteered to help the Program as it coped with the 2004 Hamilton Library flood. You can learn more about Lillian and the award criteria at https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/lis\/introducing-the-lillian-nicolich-memorial-award\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Award candidates were selected from the semester\u2019s graduating MLISc cohort by an award committee appointed by the LIS Program Director. The committee collected nominations from LIS students, faculty, and the professional community. Nominations highlighted how Imada and Nagasako positively impacted the LIS program and community, demonstrated empathy for the wellbeing of others, exhibited collaborative problem solving to address challenging needs and situations, and promoted lifelong learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To make a donation, click on the link below, that will take you to the giving page that preselects the Lillian Nicolich Memorial Fund:<\/p>\n\n\n\n