The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences (CULLS) announces a generous $1 million donation from Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman to create two new endowments. This transformative gift will significantly enhance the academic and professional development opportunities available to faculty, staff, and students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to technological empowerment and mentorship culture.

The first endowment, known as the Mentorship Endowment for Libraries, is designed to enrich the college's mentorship culture. The funds will be used to provide training opportunities for mentors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to guide and support students and colleagues effectively. Furthermore, the endowment will incentivize participation in mentorship programs by offering stipends and scholarships to mentors, recognizing and rewarding their valuable contributions to the academic community.

The second endowment, the Technological Advancement Endowment, is earmarked to propel scholarship, professional development, and technological empowerment. The funds will be strategically allocated to provide scholarships for students interested in integrating technology with their academic work. Additionally, professional development funds will be made available for UL faculty and staff to attend conferences, workshops, and training programs that spotlight emerging technologies.

This forward-thinking endowment is a testament to UL’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring that students and educators have the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

CULLS expressed its deepest gratitude to Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman for their remarkable generosity and visionary support. The impact of these endowments will shape the future of education and research.

“I am profoundly moved by the generosity of Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman. Their million-dollar donation marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our college," said Leo Lo, dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences. "The Mentorship and Technological Advancement Endowments embody our relentless pursuit of excellence in education and our commitment to creating a nurturing and technologically advanced academic environment. On behalf of the CULLS community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hulsmans."