Carolyn Rauch '17 shares insights about how the retired outreach librarian and associate librarian positively impacted her time at Elon and success beyond the classroom.
As outreach librarian and associate librarian, Lynne Bisko is known for promoting library resources and services to the greater Elon community. She was also the mastermind behind the university’s Personal Librarian Program, which assigns a librarian to each incoming student, helping them navigate university resources effectively. For her efforts, she received the Phoenix Innovation Award in 2013. Bisko retired in May, but her impact on students’ lives will be felt for years to come.
By Carolyn Rauch ’17
Mentorship is a term you hear often in higher education. While learning about the theory of mentorship in graduate school, I was able to see Lynne Bisko as the representation of all a mentor should be. When I met Lynne during a summer experience before my first year at Elon, I didn’t know the woman who was explaining the many facets of the Belk Library would become my first adviser and mentor, and be a huge part of my sense of belonging both while at Elon and beyond.
I arrived on campus having no idea what I wanted to do with my life. At the end of my Elon 101 class, I was still uncertain of my path but felt less afraid of the unknown. When Lynne and Coordinator of Library Instruction and Outreach Services Patrick Rudd asked me and another student to serve as co-teaching assistants for their class at the end of that first year, we all started on a journey that would lead me to discover my passion for higher education.
During my time at Elon, Lynne served as my Elon 101 adviser, lead mentor and adviser to a student organization in which I served as president. Through it all, Lynne never failed to check in with me. This is something I always appreciated because it showed me that even though she served with me in many official roles, this was neither the depth nor the breadth of her interest in me. Later in graduate school, I heard the quote “students don’t care what we know until they know we care.” Lynne truly showed me she cared about me as a student, an organization president and, most importantly, as a human.
This care did not end when I left Elon. Since graduating, Lynne has continued to serve as one of my most valued mentors. She was there for me as a reference for my post-graduate job search, a listening ear when I needed guidance in my new job and to remind me of how my strengths and weaknesses may work in my favor. She has continued to support me and challenge me to become the best person I can be in my personal and professional life. Mentoring someone takes a firm belief in that person. Looking back, Lynne saw something in me that, at the time, I didn’t even see in myself. I do not think I could ever thank her enough for all the time and energy she has given me.
I will forever be grateful for the goodwill and kindness she has shown me throughout our relationship.
Carolyn Rauch graduated from Elon in 2017 with a degree in history and minors in leadership and teaching and learning. She now serves as assistant director of campus engagement and student activities at High Point University in North Carolina.