June 30, 2021
A Proper Send-Off for Vice Provost and Dean, Betsy Wilson
If you missed the live event, you can view the recording on the Libraries YouTube channel.
On Thursday afternoon, June 24, University of Washington Libraries hosted a special virtual farewell celebration in honor of retiring UW Libraries vice provost and dean, Betsy Wilson. Over 200 friends, family members, colleagues and staff past and present tuned in to the event featuring an amazing opening performance by the UW Libraries’ Singers inside the Reading Room in Suzzallo Library (masked and distanced), and an array of special guest speakers including:
- Ana Mari Cauce, President, University of Washington
- Mark Richards, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Washington
- Ed Taylor, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, University of Washington
- Betty Bengtson, Director Emeritus, University Libraries
- Cynthia Fugate, Librarian Emeritus, University Libraries
- Jay Jordan, President and CEO Emeritus, OCLC
- Jill McKinstry, Librarian Emeritus, University Libraries
- Joyce Ogburn, Professor of Practice at the School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Linda Ambre, Assistant to Vice Provost and Dean, Director of Facilities Operations and Events
- And members of the Libraries Cabinet
During his speech, Provost Richards announced that Betsy will be named Dean Emeritus, solidifying her impact and contributions during an incredible 30-year career with UW Libraries. Betsy addressed attendees during the live event to express her gratitude and reflections on this significant milestone.
“Thank you to all the supporters, university leadership, partners, stakeholders, professional colleagues, friends, and family for joining me today to celebrate the privilege of leading the best academic library in the nation,” said Wilson. “I could not have asked for more.”
Betsy’s contribution to the Libraries teacup collection
In keeping with the time-honored tradition of Libraries retirees, Betsy presented her contribution to the Libraries teacup collection, one of hundreds that have been added to the collection over many years. The teacups are typically used to serve tea and coffee at retirement parties.
Betsy’s teacup is from a her personal family collection–learn more about the teacup story.
The event ended with a celebratory toast led by Lauren Pressley, director of Research and Learning Services for UW Libraries.
“You truly have left your mark on the UW Libraries and the profession,” said Pressely. UW Libraries would not be what it is today without you. You will be missed dearly by your friends and colleagues inside and outside the UW community, but we know you will continue to be a friend, a mentor and an advocate in your new role as retiree and dean emeritus.”
As the event concluded, Betsy had the opportunity to Zoom “chat” with attendees, and she was so touched by the outpouring of congratulations and well-wishes, and the chance to hear from so many friends and colleagues.
As part of Betsy’s send off, UW Libraries and UW Press staff presented Betsy with an array of one-of-a-kind gifts:
A handmade “memory box” with dozens of congratulatory cards and letters, with a special letterpress dedication created by UW Libraries conservation manager, Kate Leonard.
Betsy poses with farewell gifts, including a framed certificate from the Orbis Cascade Alliance formalizing her status as Council Member Emeritus and champagne and chocolates, of course!
UW Press presented Betsy with Searching for Betsy Wilson, a customized book jacket complete with “book reviews” written by Libraries Cabinet members, inspired by the biography Looking for Betty MacDonald.
See the book jacket and read all the reviews.
A framed photograph by Lloyd Heath— an alcove in the Smith Room of Suzzallo Library, one of Betsy’s favorite spots in the Libraries.
Handmade bookends featuring salvaged finials from the Suzzallo Library renovation project, crafted from an old oak tree that fell onto Allen Library in 2014, inscribed with a special dedication — created by the UW carpentry shop.
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Listen to Betsy’s farewell message to the UW community, and consider making a gift to the UW Libraries in her name. Click here to donate |
We are sure these gifts will bring back many fond memories of the UW Libraries and UW Press for years to come, proudly displayed in her soon-to-be new hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
On behalf of Betsy and the organizing committee — to all those who participated near and far– thank you for making this such a special event.
Betsy will indeed be missed by us all. (tissue anyone?)
Photo credits: Benny Souriyadeth for UW Libraries
