Gwen Schmidt receives 2024 DLIAA Outstanding Alumni Award

October 2, 2024

The Dalhousie Library & Information Alumni Association (DLIAA) today announced that Gwen Schmidt is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award.

Gwen Schmidt (MLIS ’95) receives 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award

DLIAA is delighted to announce that Gwen Schmidt (MLIS ’95) has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award. This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of librarianship, and Gwen’s remarkable career exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation, and service that this award celebrates.

A graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies at Dalhousie University in 1995, Gwen has dedicated 28 years to the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL), where her influence has been profound. Over the course of her career, she held numerous roles, including Senior Manager of Neighbourhood Services, Outreach and Access Services Coordinator, and Branch Supervisor. Gwen’s commitment to public service, team development, and innovative programming has left an enduring legacy.

Some of Gwen’s most notable achievements include:

• Collaborating on the development of impactful community programs such as the “We Dare You Teen Summer Challenge” and the reintroduction of baby programming and French language programming at SPL.
• Leading the Outreach and Access Services team to win the 2013 Senior Volunteer Award for “Senior Friendly Business.”
• Securing grants to create programs that empower seniors with digital literacy, such as building a simple mobile computer lab and hiring a senior to travel and teach other seniors in buildings where they live.
• Serving on the executive of both the CUPE Local 2669 union and the – Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA), where she held leadership positions, including Treasurer and President.
• Her passion for librarianship, tireless advocacy for library services, and mentorship of colleagues has been a source of inspiration to many. Gwen’s colleagues have consistently praised her for her forward-thinking leadership, dedication to public service, and her empathy and compassion in serving the community.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Gwen was also recently awarded the 2024 Frances Morrison Award by the Saskatchewan Library Association, a testament to her profound impact on the library landscape in Saskatchewan and beyond.

We are proud to honour Gwen Schmidt as our 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.

Please join us in celebrating her exceptional achievements and contributions to the library profession. Save the date for Friday, November 22nd– more event details will be soon to follow.

(Via Dalhousie Library & Information Alumni Association)

Previous recipients:

• 2023: Margie Singleton (1980)
• 2021: Tanja Harrison (1996)
• 2020: no recipient
• 2019: M.J. D’Elia (2004)
• 2018: Fiona Black (1993)
• 2017: Heather Berringer (2003)
• 2016: Crystal Rose (2005)
• 2015: Susan Cleyle (1988)
• 2014: Lou Duggan (2000)
• 2013: Barbara Shuh (1976)
• 2012: Patrick Ellis (1988)
• 2011: Margaret Murphy (1976)
• 2010: Terri Tomchyshyn (1981)
• 2009: Penny Logan (1985)
• 2008: Ilga Leja (1977)
• 2007: Donna Bourne-Tyson (1990)
• 2006: Mark Leggott (1986)
• 2004: Judy Dunn (1983)
• 2003: Marie DeYoung (1980)
• 2002: Catherine Quinlan (1980)
• 2000: Marilyn Rennick (1976)