Vogelgesang wins support staff award
May 6, 2004
A woman who orchestrated the Illinois Valley Community College Global Store, a project designed to raise funds for a Guatemalan public library that had been destroyed by arson, received the IVCC Support Staff Distinguished Service Award Friday.
Jan Vogelgesang of La Salle received the award at the college’s annual recognition event at Deer Park Country Club in Oglesby.
Vogelgesang’s project was successful in two ways: it raised more than $1,200 for the library in Panajechel, Guatemala, and it brought more students of Hispanic origin into Jacobs Library, where Vogelgesang is a circulation/interlibrary loan technician.
President Jean Goodnow announced the winner of the award, which was presented for outstanding work performance, positive interpersonal characteristics and commitment to IVCC, its programs and its people.
“Because of her commitment and participation on many committees, her courteous communication style, her technology and training skills and willingness to share and assist others, and her innovative ideas to bring students into the library, it is my pleasure to present the 2004 Support Staff Distinguished Service Award to Jan Vogelgesang,” Goodnow said.
Vogelgesang’s committee work includes Continuous Quality Improvement Action Team, Financial Aid Appeals and staff search committees.
In addition, Vogelgesang was responsible for the inauguration of the library’s annual chocolate reception during National Library Week. She also is a part-time instructor.
Vogelgesang, who also was honored for 15 years of service, has become grounded in the fundamental principle of librarianship as a service, and she shows a high degree of respect for IVCC’s library patrons, said Sandra Donahue, interim library director.
“Jan is a true asset at our library team meetings. She is willing to think outside the box concerning traditional library policies and practices, and she presents her ideas clearly and persuasively,” said Donahue.
In addition to her regular library duties, Vogelgesang organizes the library’s Relay for Life team, which raises funds for cancer research.