SLIS Alumnus Gives Back: Jack Bryan

by Lizzie Erickson


Jack Bryan is more than just a graduate of the School of Library and Information Studies. The 1974 alumnus shows immense support and appreciation for the school that led him where he is today through his frequent and generous gifts to his alma mater.

Bryan entered the College in 1973 to pursue a Master in Librarianship. The school was then called the College of Library and Information Science. The dean, Dr. Wayne Yenawine, suggested Bryan apply for a part-time job at the Attorney General’s office, a position that would allow him to assist with research and emerging computer technology. He got the job, which soon led to a full time position where he supervised the office’s law library and its law clerks. “I lucked into a very good job,” Bryan stated.

Bryan is grateful for the connection he made that led to his future career. This gratitude is the reason he firmly believes in giving back to the library school. “If people don’t give back to the school, it won’t have a future”, Bryan said. He wants to help ensure that future students have the opportunities he had.

Since his graduation, Bryan has found multiple ways to accomplish that. He regularly contributes to the annual alumni fund, and has started two scholarships for students of the library school.

Most recently Bryan helped refurnish the conference room in Davis College. Bryan noted that ever since his graduate years, he saw that the school lacked an adequate and professional looking space for meetings with faculty, staff and donors alike. He wants the school to be the best it can, because he believes education is one of the most important things in a person's life. “Education matters and nothing is wrong with holding people to high standards. Nobody grows without that.”

The revamped conference room is a space that he hopes will make a good impression on anyone who visits the school. “Every impression you make could be a good first impression," he said.

“Jack Bryan's gift of new conference room furniture turned a cramped and out of style room into a beautiful and functional meeting room. We were so proud to put our accrediting panelists in such a great space! It is our dedicated alumni like jack Bryan that keep us going!” Dr. Sam Hastings, the library school’s current director said,

Bryan’s example has had an impact on other alums. Dr. Nancy Zimmerman and her husband Lee have also contributed to the conference room, donating new side chairs.

Bryan’s view on donating is simple. “Everybody has an obligation to give back when they’ve benefited from something.”