Making graduate students real-world ready

Experience for the next generation of librarians supported by Kate Willock

Katheryne (Kate) Willock was an ardent supporter of the University Libraries and was vocal in championing the value the library brings to campus. She founded the Willock Graduate Assistantship Program in 2009 to invest in the next generation of librarians.

In April 2018, librarian Yvonne Mery, a former Willock graduate assistant, was featured in an Arizona Daily Star story about the impact of Kate's generosity.

The program has supported dozens of graduate students, who not only receive financial support during their studies, but also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience working in the library. In this interview, four alums of the program share how Kate’s gift made their studies easier and gave them the practical experience needed in their future careers.