2008 Woodie Awards
MT alumni faces on posters state-wide in libraries
Michael Guggisberg
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
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The ALA established their series of posters using famous faces with the mission of advocating reading in 1985. Two decades later, the ALA formed the software to make these posters available to libraries. This enabled the James E. Walker Library to showcase a few of MTSU's most accomplished alumni on their own "READ" posters.
"The 'READ' posters are beneficial to MTSU in two ways," said Gina Logue, media representative in the Office of Public Affairs. "They are intended to inspire young people in Tennessee schools to read, and to see the people on the posters as role models. Also, the young people will be exposed to the quality of successful MTSU students."
The academic careers of the recent alumni are the reason for their involvement in the "READ" program. All four alumni were actively involved in campus clubs, received academic honors and hold lengthy volunteer work credentials.
In addition to their campus involvement, some of the alumni overcame physical limitations, while others contended with issues involving their home countries.
They share one overlying characteristic, their usage of reading as an essential key in helping them to progress in academic and personal lives, Logue said.
Bill Black, administrative services librarian, expressed his support for the continuation of "READ" poster project at MTSU.
"Our goal is to do four posters each year," Black said. "We work to identify model students for the program, who will highlight activities, success and reading."
The newest READ posters featuring MTSU alumni can be seen in the periodicals section on the second floor of the James E. Walker Library. They display each student amid a creative background, holding a book, accompanied with a paragraph about them and the READ slogan.
These posters will also appear in libraries across the state.
"I think the 'READ' posters are such a fundamental art of the library experience," said Kimberly Jones, alumna advertising major, who is one of the featured alumni on the posters and graduated with an honor degree.
"It was cool to be part of that," Jones said. "It is kind of like a legacy I left, a dent I made. I don't really think there is anything extra special about my situation, but I love to read and if I can share that enthusiasm, it is well worth it."
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