Deanna Schumm, District Media Specialist for Huron City Schools, says that Chris "was known for giving 110% to providing the best service that she could to the libraries she serviced. Chris was always ready to tackle any changes or obstacles. Even while undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, Chris tried to miss as little work as possible. She was still answering questions and trying to solve problems until her health wouldn't permit her to work," Schumm said.

Lisa Wendt, a NOECA colleague of Chris for more than seven years, remembered the passion Chris brought to INFOhio. "You only had to meet Chris once to realize how near and dear the INFOhio project was to her," Wendt explained. "After attending my first Tech Roundtable [in Columbus] with her, I was taken aback with the enthusiasm she exuded and all the ideas she had as we made the two and a half hour trek back home. It was my good fortune to have this happen dozens of times during the years we worked together."

Bobbie Warthman and Trish Baker, library services support staff at the Licking Area Computer Association (LACA), recalls the generous assistance provided to her colleagues around the state. "Anytime we needed help, all we had to do was drop Chris an e-mail or give her a call; she was always more than willing to take the time to help us figure things out." In addition to providing help, Chris served as a mentor, created documentation and volunteered for projects to improve INFOhio. "Chris was determined to roll up her sleeves and get the job done, not matter how big the task. Her contributions and dedication to the project have been astounding," Warthman and Baker wrote.

Theresa M. Fredericka, left, INFOhio Executive Director presents the 2007 INFOhio Spence White Service Award to Christina Schmoll's mother, Patty Higgins, center, and daughter, Mandy Najedly. Picture credit: Cathy Kerner

Wendt concluded her nomination remarks by stressing that Chris's "spirit lives on and INFOhio, NOECA and its clients are better for having known Chris Schmoll."

On August 6, 2007, Chris Schmoll lost her 7-month battle with lung cancer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and colleague who is sadly missed by those who knew her.

The 2007 INFOhio Spence White Service Award will be presented on June 11, 2008, at a joint session of the INFOhio Providers Technical Roundtable and the INFOhio Users Council in Mansfield. A $500 stipend in Chris's memory from the INFOhio Governing Advisory Board will be used to sponsor a one-day in-service training to librarians and other educators in the NOECA region.

Award background
The INFOhio Spence White Service Award recognizes exemplary service provided to the INFOhio community by ITC personnel. The recipient demonstrates a dedication to the vision of INFOhio and outstanding support for the delivery of the INFOhio project.