A $264,000 bequest from alumna Karin Goosby has created the largest scholarship fund in School of Information Sciences (SIS) history. Adding to existing SIS scholarships, the estate gift makes Wayne State University's nationally renowned library and information sciences education even more accessible.  

Goosby, a 1975 master of library science graduate, received her bachelor's from Wayne State in 1965. After completing her degrees, she served as a public school librarian for nearly two decades until her career was cut short by an irresponsible physician.

In 1993, Goosby called her doctor several times after feeling a persistent pain in her calf, but her concerns were dismissed. The next day, she suffered an embolism and was left with a permanent disability. 

Attorney Steve Siporin, M.B.A. '75 represented Goosby in a successful suit against the physician. Today, he remembers her as a friend.

"I have worked over 1,000 cases in the past 30 years, and Karin was one of the few who ever crossed over from client to family," said Siporin. "She had such a positive spirit even after the medical error caused her both cognitive and physical harm."

Siporin said Goosby contributed to many causes but was very clear that she wanted her alma mater to be at the center of her estate plans.

"She was always grateful to Wayne State for giving her the training to do what she loved — educating children," said Siporin. "She wanted to ensure that students interested in library and information-related careers could focus on their education without worrying about how to pay for it."

Dean of the School of Information Sciences and University Libraries Paul Bracke said the gift from Goosby will enable more students to afford an education from SIS, which ranks No. 23 on the 2024 U.S. News & World Report list of top library and information studies programs in the nation.

"We want finances to be the last thing on our students' minds," said Bracke. "Ms. Goosby's generous estate gift helps ensure that our students have everything they need to become leaders in the information industry and serve communities like Detroit."   

Goosby passed away in 2021 at the age of 80. As a result of her proactive generosity, she will touch the lives of students for generations to come.

"Making an estate gift similar to Karin's is easier than you might think," said Jim Dauer, associate director of philanthropy for University Libraries and the School of Information Sciences. "In some cases, it's as simple as adding one sentence to your will."

To learn more about supporting SIS, contact Jim directly at jdauer@wayne.edu or 313-577-2822.