Board of Directors, 2009-2010

Officers

Oliver Burnette, President		"The reason I support Friends of the Library is to give back to UMKC and the library that gave me such a great education. The best thing about being a Friend is being able to stay involved with UMKC and helping make its libraries even better."
Dr. Jane Greer,1st VP for Programs		"As a faculty member, I see how the resources available through the University Libraries impact students' lives on a daily basis. From reading a one-of-a-kind 19th century diary in the Kenneth J. LaBudde Special Collections to accessing recent research reports via the Education Research Information Clearinghouse (ERIC) microfiche, UMKC students expand their intellectual horizons in countless ways at the libraries. I'm honored to support the University Libraries as a member of the Friends of the Library because I know how important the library is to our students and indeed to our entire community."
Anita K. Parran, 2nd VP for Membership		"My favorite thing about the University Libraries is the staff – their dedication is beyond reproach and that is demonstrated daily by their united front in the education arena. Because I have such a strong passion for learning, the best thing about being a Friend of the Library is supporting an entity that promotes so powerful of a lifelong tool: education. That passion for learning and education prompts me to volunteer as a board member of the Friends and to encourage all others to join. Collectively, we can make significant contributions to further the mission of the University Libraries – and I encourage everyone to become a Friend!"
Michael Ong, Secretary		"I believe the key to the success of a community is the educational opportunities available to its members. UMKC is that important resource for Kansas City, unlocking the potential of its students, who then become more productive, creative, and involved citizens. At the core of the University is its Library system, where both students and members of the community find the tools to assist and guide their individual pursuits for knowledge, using both time-honored paths of inquiry and new and innovative methods of discovery. A strong and vibrant library is the wellspring for a innovative and dynamic city and community.”
Gary White, Treasurer		"As a university alum, my favorite library memory is spending several weeks viewing microfiche for a semester term paper. It was tedious work, but helped prepare me for my career in the City Auditor's Office. I now support the Friends of the Library to return the favor."
Dan Bradbury, Ex Officio / Past President		“A great library should have something to offend everyone.” Friends help to achieve that by contributing to the depth and breadth of its collection--that’s what I love about the Friends.

Board Members

Jeanine Cobler		"While attending UMKC, I spent many hours at the Miller Nichols Library. It was an essential part of my education. The UMKC Libraries and their staffs do a tremendous job now, but with the new addition to MNL, UMKC will be at the cutting edge of library technology and service, benefiting all students and the entire Kansas City community. I am pleased and honored to support and promote this fine organization in such a fun way."
Camilo Estremadoiro		"The contribution of the UMKC University Libraries to the greater good of the community is exponentially increased by its many volunteers and staff members. Being a Friend of the Library honors a shared committment to maintaining a strong library system.”
Mark S. Laverentz		"The reason I support Friends of the Library is because I believe strong libraries are essential to having a strong community. As a member of the board, I've enjoyed interacting with the public at the Kansas City Literary Festival and being involved with libraries' ongoing growth and improvements."
Nathan A. Orr		"I'm passionate about the UMKC Friends of the Library because I know how much value the Friends add to the libraries. More importantly, I know how valuable libraries are to universities, and as UMKC is our city's university, supporting its greatest assets is a significant sign of support for this city. By aiding UMKC's libraries, we can provide aid to one of this city's finest cultural institutions. These libraries house first rate collections, so providing support comes with many wonderful benefits."
L. Rudolf (Rudy) Papenfuhs		"Being a member of UMKC Friends of the Library gives me the ability to make an impact on the overall student body of the university."
Steve Paul		"As a UMKC alum and a lifelong book person, I value my association with the library and the Friends. The opportunities to reach out to an ever-broader community and to promote book culture can't help but grow as we head into an exciting period of expansion."
Kelly Taylor		"As a member of the Friends I have enjoyed my work as a volunteer for the First Fridays Book Sales and am now honored to serve on the Board. Knowing that our book sale proceeds fund the student scholarship and growing the Libraries' collections, combined with the joy I receive in sharing great finds with other book lovers, make it a win-win for everyone!"
Mary D. Taylor		"Being able to support faculty by using the Friends' annual gift to purchase requested collections and publications epitomizes why the Friends organization exists. Well, that and the marvelous book First Fridays Book Sales. Being a Friend of the Library is great fun!"
Peggy Ward-Smith		"Libraries provide references that are so necessary in healthcare. Rumors run rampart and libraries have the data necessary to discriminate fiction from fact. Advances in healthcare treatment seem to be occurring at a rapid pace. While this is fantastic, libraries provide a history of the advance and allow healthcare providers to determine if the results should be implemented in their practice. I admit that I am a ‘frequent flyer’ at UMKC libraries and have been known to ask students if they have been there lately. To me, the ability to obtain a reprint of journal articles, while remaining in your office, is the best technological advance man has developed. Despite this, I still walk over to pick up a book, review an entire journal or just to put a face with a name – it’s nice to see the staff that has been so helpful."
Dan L. Weaver		"My favorite thing about the UMKC University Libraries is that they contain the core of all knowledge and are accessible to everyone."