CARLI Announces Recipients of Scholarships for 2027–2027 Academic Year

CARLI is pleased to announce recipients of the CARLI 2025–2026 Academic Year Scholarship that helps support the education of the dedicated staff of CARLI member libraries. The recipients are Levi Curtis, University of Chicago; and Kennedy Gerton, Greenville University. 

The scholarship is funded by donors who have generously supported this important program, helping CARLI to grow the profession.

Thanks to the financial support from the CARLI Scholarship, I will be able to give more directed focus toward my studies instead of the costs of my courses. I am incredibly grateful to have this support to further pursue my studies related to accessibility and technology in the realm of libraries and archives. I hope that this extra attention to my studies will go on to improve my current work at the University of Chicago and support the local communities I find myself a part of in the future. I look forward to making the most out of the rest of my time at UIUC! Curtis said.

The recipients were selected based on their responses to a personal essay question regarding their professional goals and objectives in pursuing a library career that demonstrates a commitment to the profession and the strength of their references.

Gerton added “I am honored to accept CARLI's scholarship offer. Thank you for supporting my education and my next steps into the CARLI community. This opportunity will allow me to pursue academic excellence and expand my capacity to care for Greenville University's library and patrons. I am deeply grateful to all the family members, professors, coworkers, and CARLI members who have encouraged and inspired me to explore work that brings me great joy.”

The CARLI Scholarship provides financial assistance to current employees of CARLI Governing Member Libraries pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master′s Degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The scholarship is funded by donations. To contribute, visit the CARLI website at https://www.carli.illinois.edu/give.