During the last four years, as student workers of ZSR, the 2025 graduates have learned to live the Wake Forest University Motto, “Pro Humanitate (for humanity), [which] invites us to use our ideas, knowledge, talents and compassion on behalf of humanity in all its differences and diversity.” In celebration of completing their time at ZSR, we have gathered a few congratulatory remarks from the Public Service Department, along with some fun answered questionnaires from a few of the graduates themselves.

“Your time and work in the ZSR Library is much appreciated. We depend on student workers such as each of you to keep the library up and running. Good luck in your future endeavors!” -Patrick Ferrell

Congratulations to all of our graduating student workers! Thank you so much for your time with us and for your dedication and hard work over the years. We wish you all much success in your future endeavors and hope you enjoy many new adventures! Go Deacs! -Kylie Bradley, Document Delivery Assistant

Thank you. Thank you for showing up, for bringing your whole selves to the library, and for all the big and small ways you’ve made this place better. We’ve watched you grow, cheered you on, and learned from you—and we’ll be rooting for you wherever you go next. Your time here mattered, and we’re so proud to have been part of your journey. -Jemma Johnson, Research Services Specialists

I’m so proud of everyone’s accomplishments and I can’t wait to hear/see all the amazing things everyone does! Go change the world! We made it through everyone! Make sure to take some time to be proud of yourself and everything that we’ve accomplished during our time at Wake.

-anonymous student employee

2025 Senior Spotlight Edition

Lucy Clay is a graduating Psychology Major, who has been working for ZSR since Freshman year!

What is your favorite memory of ZSR?

My favorite memory and experience at ZSR/WFU has been befriending Peter, the circulation service specialist! I’ve worked at ZSR since Freshman year and chatting and catching up with Peter is the best part of my day! He’s been a real mentor for me these last 4 years 🙂

What advice do you have to share with incoming work study students?

Be on time!

And the one question everyone is asking you, any plans for after graduation yet?

I’m going to be working in Charlotte, NC, so I won’t be too far away!

Lucy is one of the most naturally warm and funny people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She shows up ready to help, never hesitates to go the extra mile, and always makes the people around her feel seen and supported. Her kindness is constant, her humor is contagious, and the library just won’t be the same without her. -Jemma Johnson, Research Services Specialist

Lucy is well known in our department for her friendly smile, professionalism, dependability and attentiveness to her job. Things I came to appreciate about her as a new staff member learning the ropes – Laura Milcarzyk, Public Service Specialist for Circulation

Julie Murphy is a Business Enterprise Management (BEM) Major, with a concentration in International Business & Minor in German, and has worked at ZSR since her Freshman year

What is your favorite memory of ZSR?

One of my favorite things, when I first started as a freshman, was Travis Manning screaming “Julie Murphy” so loudly every single time I walked into the library 🙂

What has been your favorite project to work on at ZSR?

I actually like shifting, because it makes you uncover books that may have not been touched for years!

What advice do you have for incoming Work Study Students?

Talk to as many people as you can, and get to know those around you! Also don’t blink- it goes by way too fast!

Julie has been a wonderful colleague. I have had the pleasure of working with Julie for a couple of semesters, and during this time I have witnessed her dedication, professionalism, work ethics, and willingness to help. Julie has consistently contributed to maintaining the quality of services our patrons expect from us. She has also played an important role in the implementation of an impactful, long-term project intended to improve the organization of library materials. We are happy that Julie was part of our team, and we wish her all the success in her future endeavors.

-Rodrigo Castro, Director of Public Services

Hope Nitsche is a Biology and Classical Studies Major and has worked at ZSR since freshman year.

What is your favorite memory of ZSR? Of your time at Wake Forest University

The Halloween Game Nights have been my favorite memories at ZSR. The atmosphere is so fun and exciting, and there are so many fun activities to do!

What has been your favorite project to work on at ZSR?

Helping to sort the periodicals and journals for shelving. It is fun to be able to open mail on the job.

What advice do you have to share with incoming Work Study Students?

Everyone who works in the library is so nice! Make sure to talk to them and get to know them better. They make ZSR so welcoming, and I would highly recommend that student workers immerse themselves in it as much as possible.

And the one question everyone is asking you, any plans for after graduation yet?

I will be going to Germany and Scotland to do a joint PhD program in Neuroscience!

Hope has been such a bright light in ZSR. She brought dedication, thoughtfulness, and genuine excitement to every project she touched—always ready to jump in and contribute something meaningful. We often chatted about her upcoming move to Germany for grad school (and swapped plenty of dog photos too), and I couldn’t be more excited for her next chapter. She’s the kind of person who makes everything around her better, and I know she’ll do incredible things. -Jemma Johnson, Research Service Specialist

Abigail Kee is a Politics & Int’l Affairs Major, with a Minor in History, and has worked at ZSR since freshman year.

What is your favorite memory of your time at ZSR?

Getting to see my friends stop by the desk on their way to study.

What has been your favorite project to work on at ZSR?

I’ve loved helping people print and doing the fun videos for the Instagram and TikTok.

What advice do you have to share with incoming work study students?

Make sure you have a manageable schedule before committing to too many hours!

And the one question everyone is asking you, any plans for after graduation yet?

Law School! Huzzah!

Abigail has been such a joy to work with—we bonded early on over a shared love of history and geography, and she always kept me laughing. She’s sharp, thoughtful, and never missed a chance to encourage others (including cheering me on through my crochet learning phase!). I’m going to miss our running commentary and banter more than I can say. -Jemma Johnson, Research Service Specialist

To all the 2025 graduates: Congratulations and thank you for your hard work at ZSR! We send you off with well wishes in your pursuits of what the future has for you!