A Gracious Farewell To A Lifelong Member

Dorothy Beckemeyer Skau ("Becky"), a cherished and lifelong member of SLA, passed away on October 14, 2010. She left behind a legacy of dedication to the association, both on the national and chapter level, and a lifetime of commitment to the library field.

Becky's life is characterized by valued contribution to numerous associations, groups, and institutions, and her professional and personal legacy is appreciated by all those fortunate enough to have come into contact with her. Her story as a librarian coincides with the story of the Southern Regional Research Center Library of the United States Department of Agriculture. She helped found the library in 1939, and was a librarian there until her retirement. 

Becky joined SLA in 1944, and over the past 60-plus years she never ceased to give back to the association community. She has held office as the president of her Louisiana Chapter, and has served on the national board of directors.  She was awarded the Oberly Memorial Award by the American Library Association for a four volume compilation she co-authored on the chemistry and technology of tung products. She was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. 

For a full story of her accomplishments and recognitions, and information on making contributions in her honor, click here.

On behalf of the SLA community, we'd like to offer our supreme gratitude. Farewell, Becky.