Author: Mrs. Patricia A. Savitts

Olivia Gillespie of Ocean City, New Jersey began studying at The University of Scranton in the fall of 2012 as an Exercise Science major. Before the end of the spring 2013 semester, she had changed her major to English Literature with minors in Spanish and Theology. It was just around that time when she approached me at the Circulation Desk inquiring about a work-study position. We corresponded over the summer and she began her work here at the Circulation desk with the start of the fall 2013 semester.

She loves being able to watch the campus community as they pass through the library. Her job allows her to meet new people while meeting their needs. She advises fellow students to utilize the library. There are so many librarians and resources that can inform you and make your education easier and more fulfilling.

Olivia is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English National Honor Society. She enjoys writing stories and poems. She’s won the Berrier Prose Award for her entries in Esprit, a literary magazine published by the students of The University of Scranton. In fact, Olivia is currently its Editor-in-Chief! She tutors English students in the CTLE and last semester she was a teaching assistant for Freshman Seminar.

Though English is her first language, she loves studying Spanish and Portuguese. Not only can she speak in all three languages, but she dreams in all three languages every night! In her spare time, she enjoys beat boxing and rapping. Her favorite movie is The World According to Garp.

Currently, Olivia is a semi-national finalist for a Fulbright Scholarship. If selected, she will travel to Brazil in March of 2017 to teach English in a college classroom. Her career aspirations are to become either a teacher, a lawyer or an interpreter or perhaps all of the above. Whatever the future brings, we wish her all the best.

Thank you Olivia!

Brianna Blozen of Nutley, New Jersey has been a student worker in the Library since the Fall of 2013. You’ll find her most evenings, working at the Circulation Desk where she loves the atmosphere and seeing her friends and professors moving through. She enjoys helping other students and advises them to save money by looking in the Library first before spending too much money on required readings.

Bri is a Counseling and Human Services major who is planning a career as a parole/probation officer after graduation in May. She is an active member of the Counseling and Human Services Association. The club’s moderator, Dr. Paul Datti is her favorite professor.

When Bri is not studying or working, she volunteers her time in the community whenever possible. In her spare time, she enjoys watching television and hanging out with her friends. Her favorite movie is West Side Story.

A fun fact about Bri is that she loves cats! She loved her cat Sheena so much that her face is tattooed across her back. In warmer months to come, you just might see Sheena peeking out over the edge of a tank top!

Thank you Bri!

This week the student spotlight is on Julianna Sacco of Kinderhook, New York.  Julianna, a Health Administration major, began working for Circulation Services in the Fall of 2013.  She understands what it means to work hard.  Before attending The University of Scranton, she assisted her father in the family funeral home business.  She enjoys working in the library because there is always something new to learn and Julianna always learns quickly.

And if being a full-time student and working in the library isn’t enough, Julianna also works for the Catering Department. In fact, students working for catering aren’t allowed to take time off during the last month or so of the semester, so when one of her scheduled catering shifts conflicted with the WML Student Work Study Celebration at the library last week, she volunteered to cater the event just so she could be in attendance!

She is an active member of the Health Administration Society and Dr. Spinelli is her favorite Professor. When she’s not busy with her studies and her work, she enjoys watching movies, reading, snowboarding and traveling.  Her favorite book is The Departed and her favorite movie is Gone With the Wind.

After Graduation in May, Julianna will continue her Graduate studies here at The University of Scranton.  Her advice to other students is to utilize the resources the library has to offer – especially the Reference librarians who are very helpful in locating resources.

Congratulations, Julianna, on your upcoming graduation. We’re all looking forward to you continuing your work and studies here in the Weinberg Memorial Library!

 

Almost four years ago, Erica Brown came from Baltimore, Maryland, to study Psychology at the University of Scranton. Right away, she came to the library and applied for a workstudy position. After talking to her about her work experience as a resident leader in a nursing home, and hearing her speak so passionately about taking care of people, I could see her pleasant personality and level of patience made her a perfect candidate to work in a customer service position.

Erica enjoys the environment of the library as well as the flexibility of her schedule. If she’s not working a shift at the Circulation Desk, you’ll often find her doing schoolwork here. She is a strong advocate for the library, advising fellow students to “Use the services the library has to offer for studying and researching!”

Erica is an active member of the Psychology Club. She also volunteers at St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen and the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter. She enjoys photography, games, outdoor activities, and reading.

Some Erica Fun Facts: her deep fondness and fascination for hippopotami; her 15 tattoos (one of which, you guessed it, is a hippopotamus); her favorite class is Abnormal Psychology and her favorite book/movie is Fight Club.

After graduating in May, Erica will continue to care for the elderly by pursuing a career as a social worker with a focus on gerontology and Alzheimer patients.  We wish her all the best!

Thank you Erica!!