Ginger gave out many hugs at her retirement party.

The past and the present came together as over 200 people, many of whom were alumnae of the Library, attended a retirement celebration for Ginger Smith. Held in Candler Library’s Matheson Reading Room, and hosted by University Librarian Yolanda Cooper, the event served as a fitting tribute for one of the most beloved members of the LITS staff.

Throughout the hall were several large photographs from Ginger’s tenure at Emory, including a staff photo from Ginger’s first job, in Special Collections, taken in 1982.

Other dignitaries at the event included Ginger’s family (her husband Miles Smith and his son Wesley, her sister Janie Jeter, her nephew Jeff Jeter, and sister-in-law Anne Soileau), as well as distinguished Emory guests:

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  Linda Matthews thanks Ginger for her 38 years of service to Emory and the Library.

  Former president Jim Laney and his wife Berta

• Emory alumnae board members Julia Emmons, Kevin Kell and Bill Newton
• Emory Annual Giving Board member and this year’s Turman award winner Kathy Tomajko

In addition to Yolanda, other speakers included Linda Matthews, retired vice provost and director of libraries, and Gary Hauk, Vice President and Deputy to the President of the University. Matthews, who hired Ginger in 1977, marveled that Ginger had such a vast knowledge of the collections that it was like having “Gingerpedia” on her staff. Matthews also called Ginger, “Ms. Emory.”

As tokens of appreciation for Ginger’s service, Yolanda presented her with two gifts: a plaque commemorating the naming of the front instruction table in the newly renovated MARBL reading room in Ginger’s honor, as well as a needlepoint painting of the Candler Library, Woodruff Library and MARBL, in recognition of one of Ginger’s favorite hobbies.

The evening was closed with No Strings Attached singing of the Emory Alma Mater.

“What a lovely and happy way to celebrate the conclusion of my thirty-eight-year career at Emory,” said Ginger. “My thanks to those who planned such a wonderful event and to those who joined in the celebration.”