Scholarships

2025 Scholarships Winners

Jill Beck works at the Paso Robles City Library in Paso Robles, California. She manages the library’s marketing and communications efforts, including social media, graphic design, advertising, photography and a whole host of other fun tasks that keep her busy each day. Jill has a BA in Journalism and worked as a newspaper reporter and media relations specialist for 10 years before she found her calling in libraries. She has worked at the Paso Robles City Library for approximately 2 years and is absolutely in love with her job. Her library just acquired their first bookmobile this summer, and she is looking forward to attending her first Library Marketing and Communications Conference to learn more about how to effectively communicate with her community all the amazing resources the library has to offer.

Tywanda L. Cuffy serves as the Director of External Relations, Communications and Development Initiatives for the University of Delaware’s Library, Museums and Press. Reporting directly to the Vice Provost, she provides strategic leadership in communications, marketing, donor relations, event planning and fundraising to advance the University’s flagship library, four branch libraries, three museums and university press. An award-winning expert in integrated communications and innovative development strategies, Tywanda manages a broad portfolio that includes website oversight, impact reporting, social media, holistic marketing and communication and promotional campaigns. Her work drives a consistent and compelling narrative that enhances stakeholder engagement and elevates the Library’s visibility on a variety of platforms.

Hannah Holmes is the Reference and Instruction Librarian at Campbell University’s Wiggins Memorial Library in Buies Creek, North Carolina, serving as a liaison librarian for the following disciplines: Clinical Research, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmacy Practice/DIC. She joined the Library staff in 2022 as the Circulation Assistant until 2023, rejoining the Library in 2024 as a Librarian. In both roles, Hannah has aided in building and growing the Student Art Gallery in the Library, which promotes and showcases student work from all disciplines across campus. Additionally, she manages and creates content for the Library’s Instagram page. Hannah earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Biology from Campbell University in 2021, receiving the Mabel Powell English Award of Excellence that same year. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2022-2024 where she earned her Master of Science in Library Science, concentrating in Archives and Records Management.

Lizzy Larson is the Branch Manager at Star Valley Branch Library in Afton, Wyoming. Lizzy is a creative, curious, and community-focused individual who finds joy in both quiet moments and big adventures. She spends her free time reading, writing, riding horses, hiking, sewing, making pottery, and playing Dungeons & Dragons; balancing imagination with hands-on creativity and a love for the outdoors. As a Branch Manager, Lizzy is dedicated to building meaningful community connections through play, learning, reading, art, community service and compassion. She works to ensure her library is a welcoming, inspiring space that reflects the needs and spirit of the people it serves. Passionate about the role libraries play in rural communities, she champions access, creativity, and lifelong learning in everything she does. Whether she's crafting a new program, leading a book club, or simply sharing a great recommendation, Lizzy brings warmth, thoughtfulness, and heart to her work and hobbies alike.

Rainee Ripplinger is a Library and Marketing Assistant from the Edgerton Public Library in Edgerton, Wisconsin.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Game Development with an emphasis in Digital Media, as well as a minor in Studio Art and Library Sciences from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.  She recently started the marketing and advertising position for the Library after working as a Library Assistant for 2 years and is excited to begin her next journey in helping her community grow. Having spent a lot of her childhood in Libraries reading and hanging out with friends it sparked her love of books and art.  In her spare time she hangs out with her cat and fiancé, playing video games, hiking and making art.

Sarah Wilson is the Marketing Manager and Children’s Services Assistant Manager at the Woodridge Public Library in Woodridge, Illinois. She graduated from Elmhurst University with a BA in Art Education and later earned her MLIS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She spent the first decade of her professional career as an elementary art teacher, then pivoted to the world of public libraries. After holding various Youth Services positions, she landed at Woodridge to help lead the Children’s team. Her artistic eye and attention to detail eventually earned her the library’s graphic design responsibilities, and she assumed the Marketing Manager role in early 2025. She loves the variety of tasks her dual management position entails, from coordinating unique and ambitious family programming to designing the quarterly program guide. She is an avid reader, tireless library ambassador, and looking forward to attending LMCC25.