Alumni and Friends

Student Impact

Many of the scholarships the School of Information offered are only possible through donations. Those donations go directly to students to help support their studies in the MLIS program.

2024-2025 Award Cycle

H.W. Wilson Scholarship

Christina Danos Scholarship Winner

Christina M. Danos

"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the University of South Florida for awarding me the H.W. Wilson Endowed Scholarship. It is with great honor and humility that I accept this prestigious scholarship, which will significantly alleviate the financial burden associated with my education.

Receiving this scholarship is not only a recognition of my achievements but also an encouragement for me to continue striving for excellence in my studies and professional endeavors. This generous support inspires me to pursue my goals with renewed determination and dedication.

I am particularly grateful to the donors who have made this scholarship possible. Their generosity and commitment to supporting library information students is truly commendable.

I am excited to begin my graduate studies at the University of South Florida to be a part of this distinguished institution and am committed to making the most of the opportunities it provides.

Once again, thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the H.W. Wilson Endowed Scholarship. I am deeply honored and appreciative of this recognition. Please extend my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and the donors for their belief in my potential and their invaluable support."


Johnie Key Thompson memorial Scholarship

Devon Chiodo

Devon Chiodo

"Thank you for your generosity and investment in my continuing educational journey. I am finishing up my first semester of graduate courses this month! Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus on my full-time elementary teaching position later this fall, and course load, rather than worrying about adding tuition to the already high living expenses and bills.

My primary goal as a librarian, and continuing teacher, is to help students get excited about reading a book just as I did at their age, and currently still do. The thrills of helping someone search for reading material they find interesting are what have attracted me to pursuing this degree. Thank you again so much for your support and kindness."

Bethany Tilson Wilson

Bethany Tilson Wilson

"I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the Johnie Key Thompson Memorial Scholarship. I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this award.

Receiving this scholarship has alleviated the financial burden of pursuing the Masters in Library and Information Sciences. This award also frees my time to be with my special needs son and elderly father.

The public school media program I inherited was outdated and lacked student interest. The classes I am taking in the MLIS program are building the skills and knowledge I need to invigorate this mediacenter. I want to create an innovative space that encourages student participation in creativity and reading, instill a love for reading that carries into their future, and to support the Language ArtsLiteracy initiatives in the school. This scholarship brings me closer to reaching this goal.

Thank you again for awarding me the Johnie Key Thompson Memorial Scholarship in Library Media. I hope to bring honor to the legacy of Johnie Key Thompson through the work I am doing in my media program."


Patricia Andrew Cone

Angela Radtke

Angela Radtke

"It is difficult to put into words just how thrilled I am to be the recipient of the Patricia Andrew Cone Endowed Scholarship. I was so incredibly surprised to learn of this news! I am writing to express my gratitude for your generosity and support.

I will begin my graduate studies this fall at the University of South Florida in pursuit of my MLIS degree specializing in youth services. This degree will give me the opportunity to embark on a new beginning and a second career. Becoming a youth services librarian will be the perfect way to challenge myself and grow beyond my current library assistant position. I will also be able to marry my previous career and experience as a teacher with my new career while staying committed to working with children and my community.

Receiving this scholarship allows me to kickstart my journey without financial stress. When I decided to return to college, I looked at it as a way of investing in myself. Thank you for also investing in me and therefore the community as well. This gift boosts my confidence and encourages me to be able to focus on my goals and education. This really, truly means the world to me."