NEIU librarian, Jill Althage, celebrated her retirement with friends, colleagues and students with promises to visit often. Her reign of what colleagues are calling “informative innovation” has come to an end after 20 plus years of service. Althage has plans to travel, take some classes and relax.
When asked about the years of service provided by Althage, Dr. Kimberly Sanborn, Director of the McNair Scholars Program, states, “Jill initiated the library mentorship program for the McNair Scholars and it is a great, great thing to have. The program introduces McNair scholars to a more sophisticated level of library research.” Sanborn also makes mention of the fact that it is one of the main features of the program that makes it different from other McNair programs at other universities. She hopes to be able to continue to tout this difference in future proposals for funding.
Jill Althage also taught classes within the departments of sociology, social work and women’s studies. In the spirit of her reputation of modesty, Althage leaves us with these words, “Everyone here has talked about the things that I’ve done – but it was because of you that things turned out so well.”
Althage’s years of service were incomparable and she will be missed. Graduate student Lakeesha Harris said, “I hear she’s going on vacation, I hope she has lots of fun. I just look forward to seeing her around when she gets back!”