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Audrey Powers, Emeritus Associate Librarian, will retire from the USF Libraries on August 6th after 16 years of service. Over that time, she has contributed in a wide variety of ways, and has distinguished herself as a consummate professional in academic librarianship.
Audrey started at USF in 2005 and during that time, she has served as the liaison to the College of the Arts (CoTA), where the faculty and administration of the college have relied upon her knowledge and skills developing library collections that support curriculum and faculty research activities. As one CoTA faculty member expressed, “I very much enjoyed working with Audrey. She was a true asset to the Art History area, and I am very grateful for all her efforts on behalf of students and faculty. Over the years, she prepared many valuable online course guides for my classes, which were uniquely useful launching pads for my students’ research and enabled them to make the most of the library’s resources. These guides were complemented by excellent presentations she gave…in my classes, which students truly appreciated. She was a great advocate for the…program and always helped our efforts [in] research and teaching. I will miss Audrey very much and wish her all the very best in the next chapter of her life.”
Audrey has provided research and consultation services for students and faculty contributing not only to the success of their academic endeavors, but also raising the profile of the University of South Florida. Audrey is always available to help a student or faculty member with their research, and her affable, approachable personality puts students at ease. But Audrey’s achievements and contributions do not end there. She has worked tirelessly for the better part of 18 years as the Conference Director for the Charleston Conference, a national gathering of professionals engaged or related to librarianship. Over the years, and assisted by Audrey’s continued efforts, this conference has grown both in size and stature within the library profession to become one of the most valued professional conferences outside the scope of the American Library Association. This conference has helped many librarians connect professionally while furthering their careers.
When Audrey wasn’t hard at work at the Library, she could often be found in her garden. Audrey is an avid gardener and one look at her garden is a testament to her talent with plants. We always loved to see the pictures of flowers she shared on Facebook, and as Matt Torrence, Associate Librarian on the Tampa campus, fondly recalls, “Many years ago, Audrey held a gathering at her house with a catered meal from a wonderful Mediterranean restaurant. The food was impeccable, but what impressed me the most was her green thumb. There were beautiful plants everywhere of a variety of types. But the orchids really stole the show. I managed to keep one alive for a few years, but only with her help and expertise.”
Maryellen Nash, USF Libraries Director of Research & Instruction, recalls her shared love of dogs with Audrey. “We liked to send each other funny images or videos of dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers.” Audrey has a special relationship with labs, having fostered and eventually adopting a dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs. “I remember the time Audrey invited some of us to a ‘puppy party’ at Southeastern Guide Dogs after her dog, Flo, had a litter of puppies that would be trained to become guide dogs. It was part of the training to get them well socialized. They were so adorable! But what impressed me most was Audrey’s commitment to helping transform lives by helping to raise these dogs.”
Audrey and her husband Mark will be moving to their new home in upstate New York soon, where they are looking forward to being closer to their son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. “I’m so looking forward to playing with my granddaughter, husband, and dogs; and gardening, cooking, reading, and gaming,” she shared. When asked what she’ll miss most, she said, “STARBUCKS! Just kidding…. The students, of course! Particularly the students, and faculty, in the Arts. I’ll especially miss all the student-sponsored arts events.”
We will all miss you dearly, Audrey! Well wishes in your next phase of life. Congratulations, and Go Bulls!