Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
DePaul University | Chicago, IL | September 2024 - expected completion Summer 2026
I was accepted to DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in the Business Administration, MBA program with a Management concentration for the Fall 2024 quarter. I am attending the weekend, online classes (though I have the option to attend in person since I am in Chicago) and expect to complete the program in two years. The School of Business is located on the Loop campus.
One of my old Pitt staff ID cards that includes an image of the Cathedral of Learning. At the time of this ID, my last name was "Birek" (May 2015).
Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS)
University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | August 2010
I earned my degree while working full time at Pitt. I was in the "Fast Track" program which was part time and completed in two years. The Fast Track program was online and asynchronous (which allowed students to obtain the degree regardless of work and life schedules or geographical location). We also met on campus for a weekend session each semester. Because I worked at the University, I was able to take some classes in person when my schedule permitted.
Much of my studies focused on reference, instruction, and information technology. But I also enjoyed courses on young adult literature and storytelling.
The MLIS program at the University of Pittsburgh has continued to be ALA accredited since 1924-25 when ALA first began to accredit programs.
An untitled sculpture from some time in 1998 or 1999. I made this by shaping metal spoons into a wire frame to become butterfly wings. These wings were very heavy and difficult to stand upright.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Arts
Chatham College (for Women)* | Pittsburgh, PA | May 1999
My studies in media arts included many computer and digital media courses as well as studio arts. I also took the opportunity to study subjects like German, film studies, art history, communication, and writing (including serving as a Writing Fellow in my sophomore year).
*Originally founded as a women's college in 1869 as Pennsylvania Female College, then renamed Pennsylvania College for Women in 1890, and Chatham College in 1955. In 2007, it earned university status and changed the name to Chatham University and began enrolling men in undergraduate programs in 2015.
Senior Tutorial Exhibition | May 1999
Front of the postcard from my joint senior tutorial exhibit: "A Process of Identity in Contemporary Visual Culture: A Series by Audra M. Deemer"
Back of the Senior Tutorial Exhibition postcard. Woodland Art Gallery, Chatham College, 13 May 1999 - 23 May 1999.
Photos of my paintings and installation for my senior tutorial exhibit, May 1999, Chatham College.
Continuing Education
Microsoft Access for Libraries, Library Juice Academy | online | October 2023
How to Build an Antiracist Library Culture, Library Journal Professional Development | online | October 2023
Introduction to Collection Analysis, Library Juice Academy | online | February 2022
Periodical and Database Indexing, Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science | online | April 2013
Introduction to Education and Instructional Technology Courses, Allegheny County Community College | online | 2009
Mastering Grant Writing: How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal, University of Illinois Chicago | online | July 2007
American Sign Language (ASL)
Beginning American Sign Language Conversational Workshop | Columbia College, Chicago | Feb-Mar 2024 (6 weeks)
Intermediate American Sign Language Conversational Workshop | Columbia College, Chicago | Apr-May 2024 (6 weeks)
American Sign Language 1 & 2 (community courses) | Oklahoma School for the Deaf | online | Spring 2024
Allies in Deafhood Workshop | Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture (MDHAC) | online | March 28, 2024
Additional self-paced learning:
ASL University Lessons (free)
ASLDeafined (subscription)
The above image was created using the "Gallaudet Font" (c) 1991 by David Rakowski. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. You can download and use this font for free, but please consider making a contribution to the charity of your choice. One option is ASLU which can be found in the download link.