Thomas G. Kirk, Jr.: Memories and Wishes for Tom

Use this link to share your memories and send best wishes to Tom upon his retirement.

As a science student in the 1970's, I was blessed to be taught scientific literature search techniques by Tom. Beginning with an Eco Bio paper in 1976 and continuing for a few years in a variety of chemistry and biology classes, I and my cohort were the best trained undergraduates in the nation. Tom and Betsy were an important part of my family when I was young. Tom was an assistant coach/ JV coach with my father. My father admired Tom very much, as do I.
Best wishes Tom,
David Matlack (1981)

It is stunning to remember parallel lives that span so many years! We began careers at Earlham and were welcomed by the Earlham community. In those years we shared gourmet dinners at our homes. At Tom and Betsy's home I especially remember that Bob and I in a group of eight enjoyed Betsy's Pennsylvania Dutch cooking and recipes which made us share stories about Pennsylvania. We welcomed babies during the same years and shared joys and concerns. We thrilled at the births of all the babies but especially of the child who thrived though born too early and the children who arrived by adoption. In those years, the Earlham community shared celebrations and we talked about the children's growth and development. We exchanged children's outgrown clothes and toys. Betsy was especially skilled at sewing wonderful stuffed animals and our sons were the recipients of a still-treasured kangaroo and joey in the pouch which led to dreams of Australia. The children grew up and the stories continued. We grew in our careers but worked together on many occasions. Bob especially respected working with Tom and would have had more eloquent words now than I can offer. Bob spoke about their work together on potential donors and remembered their day trip to Bloomington to see a collection of books owned by an IU history professor and now offered to Earlham by his widow. Taking the time to make those kinds of bonds across campus and to other people for Earlham's benefit is the kind of thing that Tom and Bob did so well.
All best wishes,
Edna C. Southard

My senior year at Earlham, I approached Tom to see about possibly job-shadowing, as I was getting interested in librarianship. He was more than willing to help, and even worked with me to set up a semester-long internship where I worked with him and a few others to learn more about academic libraries. It was such a generous offer, and I learned so much. Today I'm in library school, and working at an academic library. I feel very grateful that Tom was willing to take the time out of what I'm sure was a very busy schedule to mentor an aspiring librarian---
Thanks Tom! I'll always remember this.
Karla Fribley '99

Thank you so very much for your many years of devotion to the College. Clerk of the Faculty, FAC, Head of the Library and Coordinator of Information Services and so much more I am sure I do not know about. Your career has been inspirational for me -- success in so many venues and at so many levels. Best wishes for many fun and rewarding adventures in the future.
I will miss you.
Amy Mulnix

Tom, you've been a great library director and colleague. I appreciate that YOU are interested in myriad details of library work and that you can work magic with the budget.  You've gently pushed us forward into new territory. But most of all, you are interested in everyone, patient with everyone, and seemingly always happy! Thanks so much!
Sara Penhale

Tom, You have been a terrific and very understanding boss. I appreciate all the help that you have given me and projects that furthered my understanding of the library operations, surveys, website maintenance, Photoshop projects, and so much more! You made me feel like a full member fo the staff at Lilly from day one. I will miss you, but also wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
Jeanette Wilson

As I look back on fifteen years of working with Tom, I wonder if there is anything in the library that he hasn't done. He's been very visible in tasks that many library directors, particularly ACRL Librarians of the Year, would have relegated to subordinates, such as working the reference desk on weekends. Yet I've also seen him carrying boxes of books, shifting shelving, dealing with leaky bathrooms and clogged toilets, and hauling trash to dumpsters. Nothing was ever too insignificant for his attention if it helped the library in some way.
Tom Hamm

My favorite Tom Kirk moment came when the College's Emergency Readiness and Response Planning group ran its first tabletop disaster simulation. According to the simulation clock, we were quite a number of hours into our simulated earthquake which decimated campus. Cathy Anthofer, leading us through the exercise, says to Incident Commander Nelson Bingham, that we should probably think about making sure the students had something to eat. "Yes," said Nelson, "you're right." Nelson then turned to the disaster's logistics coordinator. "Tom! Feed the students!" Tom whipped around in his seat; eyes wide. He grabbed his chest, as if the question so shocked him that it physically hurt. "ME?" he cried. And almost under his breath, Tom said, "But I'm a librarian." Still, as ever, Tom was game. He straightened up in his chair, pointed grandly upward and commanded "Feed the students!" And it was done. Thank you, Tom, for sharing your wit, wisdom and kindness with us all -- and for not letting anything as trivial as a natural disaster get in the way of always getting the job done.
Mark Blackmon

Happy Retirement Tom!! It's been a pleasure working with you. Earlham won't be the same without you!
Betsy Ward

Tom, As you move into this next phase of what we know as life, we wish both you and Betsy the best in your retirement. May you find the time to do things that you weren't able to with a full time job. Enjoy every day. We will miss you around campus and the library will not be the same without your smiling face.
Cathy Grimme