Dean Sue Polanka, Associate Dean, Veronica Wells and University Archivist, Emily Kader attended the Power of the Purse Luncheon as guest of Library Advisory Council Member, Margaret McKibbin on Thursday, June 26.
The sold out event was sponsored by the Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge at the Holmes Convocation center with 500 attendees. The keynote speaker was Laura Linney. Linney, an acclaimed actress and producer known for her dynamic, memorable performances over the years that span television, theater and the movie screen. She is as passionate about her craft as she is her work as in cancer advocacy.
The Romulus Linney collection, Laura Linney’s father, is housed in the University Libraries Special Collections. During her remarks, she gave a shout out to Archivist, Emily Kader and Special Collections for the curation and preservation of her father’s collection.
Later that evening, the Appalachian Theatre sponsored “An Evening with Laura Linney” and hosted a screening of “You Can Count On Me,” a film where she was nominated for an Academy Award. After the film, Theatre manager, Suzanne Livesay led a Q&A with Laura Linney.
Dean Polanka and Emily Kader set up a display from the Romulus Linney Collections in the Theatre lobby. Items displayed included a letter written to Romulus by Laura as a child and clippings he had collected about Laura’s successes over the years.
“We were so excited to be able to participate and share our fantastic collection for this local family,” said Archivist, Emily Kader.
Photograph of Sue Polanka, Kelly Burkett, Emily Kader and Lynn Patterson at the Appalachian Theatre
