Sterling Silver Award
Brian Seguin
Public Services/Collection Development Librarian
Library
Employee of the Month
“Brian is not only an excellent librarian, but he is also dedicated to making NIC a better place through his work with Cardinal Reads, Diversity Council, the American Indian Advisory Council, NAPE/IDI and Pressbooks (the state initiated OER). He's a fearless leader, a generous peer, and a steady advocate for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.” – Jo Lien, Assistant Professor of English - English and Humanities Division
“Brian Seguin is an ideal candidate for the Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award. As an NIC alum, his return to NIC over 4 years ago has been a true gift to our institution. He has tirelessly contributed to the library’s goal to become a fully integrated partner with the larger NIC campus. His positive attitude and thoughtful energy are without match. He is instrumental in making the library space more accessible for students and their educational, social and technological needs. He has completely refreshed the library’s website and social media presence with top-notch graphic design content. Brian’s attention to maintaining a quality library collection that incorporates all types of sources whether physical or digital keeps our services relevant for education in 2021. He chairs the NIC Common Reads program and has expanded its activities across campus in astoundingly creative ways. Brian is a campus presence, providing his leadership in the Diversity Council and serving on numerous committees. I feel honored to work with Brian every day. He is the best type of colleague: knowledgeable, supportive, considerate, positively constructive, and deeply committed to our mission of improving students’ lives through education. Thank you for your work, Brian!” – Lisa Kellerman, Reference and Instruction Librarian - Library
“I am honored to write a letter in support of Brian Seguin’s nomination for the Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award. I have worked alongside Brian as a colleague for the past several years. These many years of collegiality, committee work and professional contact allows me a unique perspective on the impact that Brian’s skills and leadership has had here at North Idaho College. Brian is a master librarian who has dedicated his professional career to improving the educational opportunities for students, particularly here at North Idaho College. He is an excellent curriculum designer and editor with a facility for translating complicated information into engaging informational content. He is a multi-talented staff member, adding committee work in Diversity, Cardinal Reads, Native American Advisory, and First Year Experience. He has had his finger on the pulse of NIC trends and initiatives and has helped lead the Molstead Library through numerous transitions in staff and delivery methods throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Brian has been a constant and tireless advocate for library faculty at NIC. He has championed efforts to increase student access, ensure quality of information literacy, as well as promotion and support of faculty initiatives. In addition to his professional qualifications, Brian has personal qualities that have served NIC well during his time as faculty librarian. He is a natural in the role of “point person” and is often the person NIC faculty, staff and students go to for advice or questions. Brian is not afraid to take risks and often suggests new directions to explore in terms of curriculum, informational initiatives, or professional development. He is and has always been committed to quality, growth, and progress, and he inspires his faculty and staff colleagues to strive for the same. In short, Brian Seguin has always been a person with a vision for NIC’s present and future. Brian has my highest recommendation for the Sterling Silver Employee of the Month Award. This award would be not only vastly well-deserved, but long overdue. Please feel to contact me for any further information. Thank you for your time and consideration of this support letter.” – Kathleen Miller Green, Assistant Professor of Child Development - Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
“Brian is the kind of guy you want on your team. He is selfless, supportive, helpful, compassionate, giving, and effective. He is the model team-player. I've had the great pleasure and benefit of working with him on projects. He is the kind of guy you want on your team. When your project runs into a roadblock or COVID speed bump, he doesn't say no-can-do, he says can-do, will-do, and got-to. Brian is the king of can-do. He doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. Our institution is a better place because of him. Thank you, Brian, for all you do - YOU ROCK!!” – Chris Green, Academic Advisor/Mentor Coordinator - TRIO Student Support Services
“I am proud to nominate Brian Seguin for the Sterling Silver Award. He is truly a deserving recipient. Brian has impacted the NIC community in many ways. He is an ardent Library Faculty member who strives to ensure that faculty have access to scholarly research platforms; procures materials, books, and videos, that strengthen student academic and personal engagements; and serves the NIC campus in multiple leadership capacities. Specifically, among many committees, Brian serves on the American Indian Advisory Committee and Chairs the Cardinal Reads program. Brian interacts with colleagues, provides germane programming, and contributes to critical conversations that benefit NIC and the surrounding community. Brian recognizes and honors the tenets of Tribal Sovereignty. He works closely with Coeur d'Alene tribal departments, students, and staff. He demonstrates professional demeanor, coordinates the Tribal Reading Room/Alcove, maintains a robust American Indian collection, and volunteers above and beyond. As an instructor for the Cardinal Reads/Common Read INTR course, I rely on Brian's guidance for the Library Research Guide, engagement with campus in book discussions, and lectures with visiting authors, experts, and scholars. He procures financial resources for lecture series, provides critical thinking resources to support faculty and students, and leads forward-thinking, inclusive events.” – Victor Begay, Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies - Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
“Energized - Welcoming - Upbeat - Witty - Communicator - Motivator - Volunteer - Coordinator - Student Helper Extraordinaire - Rubber Cement that holds us together and just an All-Around Nice Guy (but don't tell him I said that) In just a few short years Brian has proven to be all the above and much, much more! North Idaho College is very fortunate to have such an amazing person working with and for all of us, staff and students alike.” – Patricia Torok-Pierce, Circulation Technician – Library
“I have known Brian Seguin for a long time. He is always friendly, caring, responsible, having a good sense of humor that makes it a big pleasure to talk and work with him. Brian always demonstrates a high level of ethics and professionalism among coworkers. His knowledge and creativity brought development in many areas of the library operation. Brian Seguin is notable person for many good works in NIC life and is deserving of Sterling Silver recognition.” – Lyudmila Melnikova, Acquisitions and Cataloging Technician - Library
“I feel incredibly honored to know and work with Brian Seguin. When someone mentions Brian's name, I feel compelled to share what an incredible human being I think he is. He is a hard-working, dedicated colleague who cares deeply about issues equity and inclusion. He actively listens to the concerns of other and responds with compassion, empathy, and kindness...ALWAYS. He is a champion advocate for underrepresented students and community members and takes action to support his beliefs. I look forward to opportunities when my work can cross with Brian's!” – Kathy Albin, Director – Adult Education Center
“Brian is an absolute pleasure to work with. From my first day at the library, he has been welcoming and kind, always happy to help with any questions or concerns I have. He is a fantastic representative of North Idaho College, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! Thank you for all you do, Brian!” – Brooke Urbaniak, Circulation/Interlibrary Loan Supervisor – Library
“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to nominate Brian Seguin for the Sterling Silver Award, and to put in writing my very high opinion of one of the most extraordinarily talented persons I have ever met in my over 25 years as a library manager. A bright, reliable, creative, and dedicated employee is such a rare commodity, but in a very short time here at NIC, Brian has demonstrated all of those qualities and more. He is a stellar asset and an indispensable team member to all of us. I am so thrilled to consider him as my colleague. The words “committed”, “positive”, and “consistently hardworking” always come to mind when I think of Brian. He is always willing to embrace new ideas and services, and to expand the depth of his expertise. He is the very definition of professionalism. Brian’s thoughtful, “student-first” approach continuously exceeds our expectations, and he always provides an outstanding level of service to everyone using the library. Brian has my highest recommendation for this important award, and if you are looking for a quality example of the best of NIC, Brian is your candidate.” – George McAlister, Library Director - Library
“I would like to nominate Brian Seguin for the Sterling Silver Award. Although I am new to the NIC family, I have seen Brian's wonderful work ethic, his commitment to students, and to the NIC campus. Brian contributes so much to the Library, to the Diversity Council, and to the education environment. I have appreciated his willingness to share his wealth of knowledge and to be someone I can go to with questions and for a good conversation. We all really appreciate Brian!” - Katrina Cook, Senior Administrative Assistant – Library
“As a professor, I have found Brian a consistent source of information about library resources. He has always offered to work to ensure that the library has access to materials that benefit my students and program. As a representative of the library, he has provided instruction in my Integrated Studies course about the demographic and psychographic tools available by providing hands-on presentations each time I've taught the course for the last 4 years. Brian's work in coordinating the Night at the Library Event is commendable. The twice-a-semester study sessions provided (pre-covid) for students near midterms and finals represent an excellent opportunity for students and faculty. It demonstrates the commitment that Brian has when it comes to student success on our campus. I have long considered it one of the best aspects of our campus environment. Brian's commitment to diversity and inclusion via the Common Read and Diversity Council is an admirable and valuable contribution to our college and for our students. Brian works to create programs and events that expand student experience and understanding in a way that will benefit them both personally and professionally. Brian Seguin is a valued member of the faculty in his Librarian role. He is an NIC alumnus who has returned to give back to his home community, and I believe he deserves to be honored as the Sterling Silver recipient. Thank you for your consideration and work in providing faculty and staff with recognition.” – Randy Ware, Associate Professor of Psychology - Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
“Brian Sequin is a wonderful person and colleague. He is such an asset to NIC. Not only does he do amazing things in support of developing relevant and meaningful collections in the library, he works nonstop in support of diversity on our campus. He brings a great intelligence, patience, and sense of humor to his work and students, staff, and his faculty peers have the utmost respect and appreciation for him. Thank you for all you do, Brian. You make our campus a better place, and you affect the lives of so many individuals in a positive way!” – Dodi Stilkey, Director of Student Involvement and SUB Operations – ASNIC and Student Union Operations
