Congratulations, 2025 Greenfield Scholarship winners!
Left to right: University Libraries Vice Dean Harriett Green, Dewni Fernando, Louise Greenfield, Aziza Hamidolimova, Ash Maxwell
Established through the generosity of long-time librarian Louise Greenfield and her husband, Simon Rosenblatt, the Naomi and Samuel Greenfield Endowed Scholarship honors the exceptional kindness Greenfield's parents demonstrated throughout their lives.
Three undergraduate student employees at University of Arizona Libraries each received a $1,000 scholarship based on how they exhibit kindness in the workplace. The award can be used to help pay for books and supplies related to their studies at the University of Arizona.
Application & selection process
We invited our student employees to submit one to two pages describing their work ethic and integrity, and how they've shown kindness and consideration to fellow library employees and patrons.
Thank you to this year's selection committee:
Tiffany Calderon, Events and Travel Coordinator / Administrative Assistant, University Libraries Administration
Violeta Keifer, Library Services Associate III, Access & Information Services
Jennifer Martin, Librarian, Research & Learning / Clinical Instructor, Pharmacy Practice and Science, Health Sciences Library
Congratulations Dewni, Aziza, and Ash!
Dewni Fernando, Access & Information Services
"Working at the library has greatly enhanced my understanding of workplace cooperation. The Ask Us Desk is a team-oriented environment, and smooth communication is vital for helping patrons efficiently. I’ve learned the importance of listening to others, asking questions when I’m unsure, and trusting my teammates’ knowledge and judgment. I’ve also had the chance to shadow and assist new staff members, helping them feel comfortable and confident in their roles. These experiences have shown me how collaboration and mutual respect create a positive and productive work environment where everyone can succeed together."
Aziza Hamidolimova, Health Sciences Library
"When I started working at the library, I promised myself that I would treat every person who walked through our doors with the same kindness I would show a guest in my own home. Growing up in Uzbekistan, I learned that hospitality and care for others are essential parts of life. At the Health Sciences Library, I have carried that tradition with me, whether it’s helping a student who is stressed about an assignment, guiding a researcher through databases, or offering a quiet smile to someone who looks overwhelmed. With my coworkers, I try to bring that same spirit of kindness, stepping in when someone needs help, sharing encouragement when days feel long, and making sure no one feels alone in their work. These small acts remind me that kindness is a chain reaction; it spreads quietly but changes everything."
Ash Maxwell, Special Collections
"Having only been here a year, I was recently promoted to be a lead student at Special Collections. In this position I strive to lead with empathy and patience. When I identified poorly shelved items within the stacks I used that as an opportunity to provide constructive feedback to my fellow student workers by encouraging learning from mistakes rather than punitive action. If other students are struggling, I make time to listen and offer guidance and assistance, whether professional, academic, or personal. Everyone needs someone to lean on, and I aim to be that person for my fellow students."