Lillian in a nutshell: everyone was a friend, every problem could be solved, every occasion could be an adventure.
Lillian Nicolich (NICK-oh-lich) graduated from the LIS Program in 2006. Her personal qualities of kindness, integrity, and dedication made her a beloved figure among her peers and faculty. Her commitment to service and her ability to lead by example continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Lillian’s legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a community.
The Lillian Nicolich Memorial Award was established on behalf of Lillian’s classmates, friends, and family to honor the impact she had on so many of us. There are many ways to contribute to the LIS community, and while ‘rock stars’ may sometimes dominate the spotlight, we believe there are also others who contribute to the fabric of the LIS community in less traditional, but profound ways. To commemorate Lillian’s memory, we dedicate these funds to recognize remarkable students who have demonstrated alignment with the program’s values in some of the ways that Lillian did. Here are a few examples:
Supporting the larger community: A strong candidate is engaged in the community and has had a positive impact on the people around them.
- Pursuing initiatives that serve the greater good
- Service within LIS and/or personal volunteering
- Leadership & involvement within the LIS community
- Demonstrated positive impact on the LIS community
Problem solving for others: A strong candidate is committed to making the world a better place for others.
- Empathizing with the challenges faced by others and contributing solutions
- Contributing to bigger picture efforts independent of self-gain
- Concrete contribution to practical problem solving
- Engagement in, or promotion of, lifelong learning
Lifting others up: A strong candidate is concerned for other people’s well-being.
- Supports people who risk being forgotten or left behind
- Practices bringing joy in difficult situations
- Recognizes individual as well as collective needs
- Offers help without diminishing another’s independence
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
― Fred Rogers
Award candidates will be selected from each semester’s graduating MLISc cohort by an award committee appointed by the LIS Program Director. Award recipients should be students who have exemplified the qualities described above and to whom their LIS peers would easily recognize as exceptional contributors to LIS or the Hawai‘i library community. These candidates may likely be different students than those who are heavily involved in student groups and activities, which are often opportunities unavailable to neighbor island students and students with full-time jobs and/or family obligations.
Graduating students may not themselves apply for consideration, but they may ask peers in LIS or others from the Hawai‘i library community to nominate them for consideration. Nominators should have had sufficient, direct interaction with the student, and the nomination may be via an email sent to lisstaff@hawaii.edu providing specific examples documenting why the student should be considered for this award.
Starting in Fall 2025, we aim to award about $5,000 each semester, with a minimum $1,000 given per awardee. Awards will be announced at a public event such as the LIS graduation dinner when feasible, posted on the LIS website and social media, and shared with Lillian’s family, friends, and classmates.
To make a donation, click on the link below, that will take you to the giving page that preselects the Lillian Nicolich Memorial Fund:
https://give.uhfoundation.org/campaigns/63435/donations/new?designation_id=13077504
You can also send a check to University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, P.O. Box 11270, Honolulu, HI 96828-0270, ATTN: Gift Processing/Eriza Bareng. Please include “Lillian Nicolich Memorial Fund” on the memo section of your check. Mahalo!
