About the Friends of UNC Libraries

• Origin and History of the Friends of UNC Libraries

  Since its inception in 1973, Friends of UNC Libraries has facilitated the Libraries outreach by promoting its rich cultural and academic resources to the community and creating forums for intellectual and artistic exchange. The Friends has contributed in tangible ways to the success of University Libraries. Activities undertaken and co-hosted over the years have included art exhibits by Greeley community members, music recitals, speaker series, used book sales, and fundraising projects.

• Emerging Directions

  The Friends of UNC Libraries evolves with changes to the mission, needs, and priorities of the Libraries and draw upon the interests, talents, and connections of our members. With the launch of the University Libraries Strategic Priorities 2021-2024, and with its own progression as an organization, the Friends revised its Organization and Governance Guidelines in May 2023.

• Mission

  The Mission of the Friends is to serve as a network of engaged alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members promoting and supporting the Libraries services, collections, space, and programming through advocacy and fundraising efforts. All such efforts intentionally reflect and emphasize the values of access, collaboration, innovation, professional development and growth, social justice, and stewardship, as described in the University Libraries Strategic Priorities 2021-2024.

• Objectives

  Friends of the UNC Libraries aspire to achieve the following objectives:

  • Promote outreach and positive impact of the University Libraries.
  • Increase the community's interest in developing and accessing library resources unique to the area and the State of Colorado.
  • Sponsor programs, exhibits, and other displays.
  • Promote growth of the Friends of the UNC Libraries Endowment through the UNC Foundation.
• Officers

  Chair
  Mary Adams
  maryadel@comcast.net

  Vice Chair
  Jim Riesberg
  jlrco@comcast.net

  Secretary
  Teresa McDevitt
  teresa.mcdevitt@gmail.com

  Libraries Liaison
  Rachel Borum
  rachel.borum@unco.edu

  Interim Dean of University Libraries
  Jayne Blodgett
  jayne.blodgett@unco.edu

• Past Presidents / Chairs

  Past Presidents / Chairs

  2016-2021, Barry Rothaus
  2012 - 2016, Sheila Bolsover
  2003 - 2012, John Dietz
  2001 - 2003, Shirley Soenksen
  2000 - 2001, Peggy Ford
  1999 - 2000, Shirley Soenksen
  1995 - 1999, Jim Riesberg
  1993 - 1995, Janet Jerome
  1991 - 1993, Peggy Griffith
  1989 - 1991, Rhoten Smith
  1987 - 1989, Rose Mary Koob
  1985 - 1987, Dorothy Baker
  1983 - 1985, Virginia Strong
  1981 - 1983, Catherine Yoder
  1979 - 1981, Susan Platz
  1977 - 1979, Pauline Smillie
  1975 - 1977, Vi Darst
  1973 - 1975, Peggy Koplitz