Memorial fund inspires new generations of library lovers
Patricia Boze (1952-2020) enjoyed helping others. Her smile was her trademark.
A pragmatic, broad-minded librarian, she knew that while most of us would love to win a billion-dollar jackpot, what we more often need is a simple boost.
In honor of her life and her love of libraries, the Patricia Boze Libraries Memorial Scholarship will provide that much-needed boost to those who serve as Libraries Student Ambassadors at Kansas State University. Ambassadors play an active role in the development of library policy, help fellow students navigate library resources and advocate for financial support of K-State Libraries.
“Much like Pat, the K-State Libraries Student Ambassadors are enthusiastic supporters of the Libraries and take great pride in contributing to student success by sharing about and advocating for Libraries resources,” said Joe Mocnik, dean of K-State Libraries. “The Patricia Boze Libraries Memorial Scholarship will allow us to return that support to our ambassadors in a way that can have a transformational impact on their own success.”
The fund is a fitting tribute to Pat, who understood the value of practical learning experiences to complement classroom instruction.
The write stuff
Pat chose her profession out of appreciation for the library’s role as a place where individuals and communities can enrich lives by working together toward a common goal. After studying sociology for her 1973 bachelor’s degree from K-State, she received a Master of Library Science degree in 1988 from the Graduate School of Library and Science Information at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Using her training and a talent for team building with colleagues from all walks of life, Pat modernized services at the Lincoln Trail Library System and later at the Illinois State Library by expanding resource-sharing practices among libraries of all kinds. She skillfully developed straightforward systems to manage everything from projects and personnel to grant writing, public relations and lobbying efforts.
One for the books
By the time she retired in 2018, Pat had earned a reputation as a renaissance librarian with an abundance of compassion and enthusiasm for new ideas and opportunities. She continues to inspire the next generation of library champions today with each boost from the Patricia Boze Libraries Memorial Scholarship.
