The Lifelong Friend of NEO-RLS is presented in recognition of an individual who has significantly supported the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System over time through their service, membership, passion and advocacy. Nominations are made by the Board of Trustees and take into account service contributed, membership status and advocacy. Selection of the recipient is made by the Board of Trustees.
The winner of the 2017-2018 Lifelong Friend of NEO-RLS is Denise Cardon, Library and Help Desk Manager, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Denise has been with the Aneal Mohan Koli Academic and Information Technology Center Library at NEOMED for almost 19 years. In her various capacities she has served as a member of the Higher Learning Committee Tech Team, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools self-study team and a member of the Liason Committee on Medical Education Planning. She has also served as Chair of the OhioLINK Statewide Intercampus Services Committee and held a leadership role in the Library Refresh project.
Denise has been a member of the NEO-RLS Board of Trustees, serving on the Bylaws and Policies Committee during her Board tenure. She has also served as a non-Board member of the NEO-RLS Finance Committee on a continuing basis over the years, providing insightful and instructive input. NEOMED has been a member for many years during her tenure and Denise is an outspoken advocate for member libraries and for the values of the regional library system. She comments, "Libraries are a great way to serve others. Where else are you given the opportunity to touch on and impact so many lives - in so many different ways? You can touch the lives of those you know and see - to those you never see and are reaching remotely. We are one of the best community services out there. Libraries work hard - together. NEO is a great example of many individual entities benefiting from one. What NEO does for libraries, libraries in turn do for their communities."
-Submitted by Stephanie Henderson