URI library students to benefit from estate gift

KINGSTON, R.I. -- December 4, 2000 -- Before her untimely death in 1995, Elizabeth Futas played a major role in library studies. Not only was she the director of the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, she was a member of the executive board of the American Library Association. In fact, the American Library Association presents an annual juried award called "The Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award" to honor a librarian who has created some positive change.

Shortly after her death, URI's Graduate School of Library and Information Studies and the librarian community created a memorial scholarship in Futas' memory.

This year, the estate of Eleanore R. Futas (Liz Futas's mother) donated an additional $75,165 to the Elizabeth Futas Scholarship Endowment Fund. In December 1999, the estate donated $25,000 to the fund. Together these gifts total more than $100,000.

"Liz was a beloved figure," says W. Michael Havener, the current director of the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. "These estate gifts to her existing endowment bring the fund's value to more than $120,000. That enables us to offer $3,000 scholarships to two students ­ one entering the program and one currently enrolled."

The graduate school, which is in the College of Arts and Sciences, was created in the 1960s, according to Havener. It is the only American Library Association accredited program in Rhode Island and one of only three such programs in New England. Currently, there are about 235 students enrolled in the 42-credit hour program which delivers courses in Kingston, Providence, Boston, Amherst, and Dunham, N.H. The school also provides courses over the internet.

For Information: Michael Havener, 874-4641, Jan Sawyer, 874-2116