A commitment to serving students and her community has been a driving force for Laurie Petri during her 20 years as a librarian at the UWSP at Marshfield campus.
From serving as adviser of several student organizations and on numerous university committees to creating educational exhibits in the library and presenting lectures to students in all courses on library research and resources, Laurie goes above and beyond in her librarian role.
Laurie Petri won a 2022 Academic Staff Excellence Award.
She spent many years on the Curriculum and Budget Committee so she could learn how to better serve faculty members with curriculum matters through the library. She assists both faculty and students with research and needed materials, and is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity working group for UWSP libraries. She also helped prepare and move library collections out of Albertson Hall to prepare for its replacement, driving from her campus several times to help colleagues in Stevens Point.
“Laurie is always student focused, collaborative and a determined problem solver, and an overall strong contributor to the UWSP Libraries team,” said Mindy King, director of UWSP Libraries.
During the pandemic, Laurie stepped up to serve as a volunteer for COVID-19 testing in the UWSP at Marshfield gym and was one of the last volunteers left after six months of testing. She also worked to make sure the library services were accessible to students studying online during that time, keeping up with protocols to offer safe spaces for students who needed Wi-Fi and other services that might not be available at home.
When the Marshfield campus became part of the UWSP campus, Laurie sat on numerous UWSP committees and reported back to the Marshfield staff to streamline efforts and incorporate the two campuses.
“Laurie has been positive and creative in helping us settle into our new UWSP environment,” said Michelle Boernke, UWSP at Marshfield campus executive.
In the community, Laurie has also served as a Habitat for Humanity board member, volunteer at several Marshfield events and is helping plan the community’s 150-year celebration. For years she has developed, promoted and administered book clubs and community read programs.
“The love that Laurie has for her job and her community is evident in everything she does,” according to her nominators, Sandra Neuman, associate professor of psychology, and Laura Lee, associate professor of biology. “She serves the UW System with pride and enthusiasm.”