SC State’s ‘magical’ Cathi Mack inducted into South Carolina Library Association’s Hall of Fame
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University alumna and employee Cathi Mack recently received the South Carolina Library Association’s (SCLA) 2024 Hall of Fame Award.
“I am in awe of the creativity, conscientiousness, and tenacity she exudes to bring positive, tangible support to students. She is simply magical,” Moore said.
For more than 30 years, Mack has been employed at her alma mater in the Miller F. Whittaker Library as the coordinator of technical services, instructor and assistant to the dean.
“Mrs. Mack’s can-do attitude ensures the successful completion of any task for which she has been charged,” said Dr. Ruth A. Hodges, SC State’s dean of library and information services. “The library and SC State are fortunate to have her on their team.”
Mack is an Orangeburg native and a 1985 SC State graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. She completed her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1997.
She received the Hall of Fame award during the association’s Annual Conference Awards Ceremony on Oct. 31 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
Since 2007, she has chaired SCLA’s Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship committee and raised more than $47,700 from donations, the silent Auction at SCLA Conferences and the former “Out of the Stacks, On to The Stage” karaoke/dance programs.
Over the years, Cathi’s work with the SCLA Scholarship in Diversity program has turned the professional dreams of many black and brown students into reality. For those pursuing a degree in library and information science, their financial burden of paying for college will be reduced.
“Cathi has been a dedicated librarian who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the profession reflects the diversity of the communities served by libraries,” said Ray Turner, branch manager at the Otranto Road Library in North Charleston, South Carolina, who also nominated Mack for the award. “For over 17 years, she has raised funds for the South Carolina Library Association's Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship program with a smile and infectious joy.”
Mack has a distinguished record of professional achievements and accomplishments, including lasting contributions to the library profession in South Carolina and in her community.
At SC State, Mack co-chairs the university Founders’ Day program, serves as a member of the Commencement Convocation Committee, works with the Knowledge is Power (KIP) Mentoring program, and serves as co-advisor to the GirlTrek Student Organization. She also is a mentor with the Mega Mentors Mentoring program of the Chesterfield County Public School System. Mack recently collaborated with other library personnel -- local and statewide -- on the Miller F. Whittaker Library’s 56th Year Celebration program.
Past activities include serving as project director for the SC State University’s Open Educational Resources (OER) Laura Bush 21st Century Grant, a housing grant advocate for the NAACP South Carolina State Conference and the United Way Association of South Carolina Housing Stability Services, and a mentor for the Mellichamp Elementary School and Howard Middle School mentoring programs in Orangeburg.
As a community advocate and a member of the Coaches’ Wives Club, Mack disseminates gift baskets to disadvantaged families. As a storyteller for 30 years, she has served elementary and youth groups in the Orangeburg community with interactive, engaging, uplifting, and creative stories.
Mack said she was honored to receive the 2024 Hall of Fame award, and she will continue to fundraise for the prestigious Scholarship for Diversity in Librarianship at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. She thanked her family for attending the award ceremony with her.