The Community Foundation for McHenry County, in partnership with Woodstock librarians Maggie Crane, Martha Hansen and Carrie Zamorano and the family of Beth O’Hagan Ryan, is proud to announce the establishment of the Beth O’Hagan Ryan Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was created to honor Beth’s life, career and enduring commitment to libraries, literacy, intellectual freedom and service to others.
Beth built her career in libraries from a part-time desk assistant to a reference librarian and ultimately a library director. Throughout her career, she treasured the relationships she built with patrons and believed deeply in the power of libraries to welcome everyone, expand access to knowledge and protect the freedom to read.
A devoted wife, mother, friend, librarian and proud McHenry County resident, Beth was known for the warmth, humor and kindness she brought to her work and community. Her commitment to learning and service will continue through a scholarship designed to help the next generation of library professionals pursue their educational goals.
In reflecting on the establishment of the scholarship and the legacy it seeks to honor, Maggie, Martha, and Carrie shared: “Beth was more than a valued colleague and an incredible librarian; she was also a dear friend. We hope to honor her memory through this scholarship by encouraging and supporting others who embody Beth’s kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication.”Beth’s father, John O’Hagan, in partnership with Charles Liebman, was instrumental in the vision and creation of The Community Foundation for McHenry County. Their commitment to investing in people and strengthening the community reflected a deeply held family belief. One that has been carried forward through multiple generations. This legacy of generosity, service, and investing in one another continues to be reflected through Beth’s memorial scholarship.
The Beth O’Hagan Ryan Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an individual employed at a library in McHenry County who is pursuing graduate-level study in library and information science. Eligible programs may include a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Information and Library Science (MILS), or a comparable graduate program preparing students for careers in libraries, archives, information services, literacy or related professions.
The scholarship will be awarded annually, and eligible applicants are welcome to reapply while completing their graduate degree.
“This scholarship is a meaningful way to honor Beth’s memory and her many contributions to McHenry County,” said Jessica Rizza, Director of Philanthropy at The Community Foundation for McHenry County. “Beth dedicated her life to public service, and her family’s connection to The Community Foundation makes this scholarship especially meaningful. Her father’s involvement in helping establish The Foundation adds another layer to this legacy. By creating a permanent scholarship that will support individuals in McHenry County for generations to come, we are able to honor both Beth’s commitment to service and her family’s longstanding commitment to McHenry County.”
The Community Foundation for McHenry County is currently accepting donations to help grow the scholarship fund and ensure Beth’s legacy continues to support library professionals for generations to come.
Those interested in contributing may:
– Donate Online
– Checks may be mailed to The Community Foundation for McHenry County, located at 33 E. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Please indicate “Beth O’Hagan Ryan Memorial Scholarship” in the memo.
Questions? Please contact Jessica Rizza at [email protected] or 815-338-4483.