Announcing the Loretta and Michael Reichardt Memorial Graduate Bursary in LIS

The School is delighted to announce a new funding opportunity for LIS students at the University of Alberta: the Loretta and Michael Reichardt Memorial Graduate Bursary in Library and Information Studies.

This bursary, valued at $1,000, will be donated annually by Randall (Randy) Reichardt, an alumnus of the U of A’s first Master of Library Science class (1978), when SLIS was the Faculty of Library Science. Following graduation, Randy worked in Technical Services at Edmonton Public Library from 1978-1983, and then served as a public services librarian at the University of Alberta Library from 1983-2017. This award is named in memory of his parents, Loretta Delvina Reichardt (1932-2022) and Michael Charles Reichardt (1926-2020). Mr. and Mrs. Reichardt believed strongly in the edifying value of education and imparted that belief to their children.

“The establishment of this new bursary is both a reason to sincerely thank the Reichardt Family and to celebrate Randy’s continuing contributions to the profession through his generosity and sensitivity to the financial needs of MLIS students,” says SLIS Director Dr. Kenneth Gariepy.

The Chair of the SLIS Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries Committee, Dr. Michael McNally, adds that “The Loretta and Michael Reichardt Memorial Graduate Bursary in Library and Information Studies is unique among the SLIS student funding opportunities because it is the only bursary that assists students in financial need. The support provided can make a meaningful difference in ensuring a student can successfully complete their studies.”

In addition to prioritizing students in financial need, the bursary will give preference to second-year students. Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis, without a strict deadline.

More information on this award, as well as details about other financial support offered to SLIS students, can be found on the Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries webpage.