Remembering Estelle Davis

Estelle Davis, a member of the City College Library Department for more than twelve years, died in September after a serious illness. She was appointed an instructor in the Science/Engineering Division of the library in 1984, rose through the ranks to associate professor, and served as Division Chief for four years. During her fruitful career, she skillfully and tirelessly handled all the responsibilities of working in a modern science and technology library where she devoted her expertise, enthusiasm, and extraordinary energy to teaching and mentoring students.

Over the years she applied her typical gusto to a wide range of campus and university activities and to participation and leadership in professional library organizations. Estelle was one of the first librarians to teach in the college's orientation course for new students. Elected to the City College Faculty Senate and to the University Faculty Senate (serving two terms in the latter), she was also a PSC-CUNY delegate and secretary, served on the Executive Board of the Council of Black Faculty and Staff, and represented the library on both the Science Division and Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education Library Committees.

Estelle served as Chair of the Engineering Division of the Special Libraries Association from 1994-95. In this position she took a lead role in organizing, program planning, and fundraising for professional continuing-education programs and student scholarships. Estelle's leadership qualities also benefitted other professional associations including the Library Association of the City University of New York, the New York/New Jersey Chapter of the Medical Library Association, and the New York Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

A City College graduate, Estelle received a bachelor's degree in biology in 1978 and a master's degree in library science from St. John's University. She also earned master's degrees in environmental health from Hunter College and in public health from Columbia University, as well as an advanced certificate in library science and a certificate in computer technology application, both from Columbia. At the time of her death she was completing requirements for the Ph.D. in environmental science from Columbia.

Estelle will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the students, faculty, and staff whom she so ably served at City College, for her sense of professional responsibility, and last, but not least, for her warmth, sincerity, and sense of humor.

Condolences may be sent to her sister, Ms. Sarah Ray, 861 E. 217th Street, Bronx, NY 10467. Contributions to a memorial fund for the purchase of biomedicine and biology books are being accepted. Each book will have a donor plate. Please make check payable to the City College Library and note that it's for the "Estelle Davis Fund." Send to: Office of the Chief Librarian, The City College Library, 5/333 North Academic Center, New York, NY 10031. A memorial service celebrating Estelle's life will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 1997, at 2:30 p.m. in Aronow Auditorium (NAC 1st floor).