MSI student named 2023-24 scholar by Center for the Education of Women+

Briana Kemmerling, a master’s student at the University of Michigan School of Information, has been named a Gail Allen Scholar by the Center for the Education of Women+. 

Briana joins a cohort of 89 scholarship recipients and 15 graduate fellows across U-M who were selected through a highly competitive process as leaders with potential to make a significant impact in their field. 

The CEW+ Scholarship Program, which today serves women and underserved students, was established in 1970 to honor the academic performance and potential of women whose education has been interrupted and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the admission of women to U-M. 

Briana is earning a Master of Science in Information with a focus on digital archives, library science and preservation. A dedicated mother and student, she has persisted through many obstacles to further her education and make an impact in her field. Briana worked full time, cared for her disabled son and welcomed a daughter during her undergraduate years at UM-Dearborn, even earning recognition through the Dean’s List and Honors Scholar Award. She graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in art history.

Inspired in part by the determination and hard work of her father, who emigrated from the Philippines and made a life in the U.S., Briana remained committed to her goals through the obstacles she faced and enrolled in graduate school at U-M. With her MSI degree, as well as a museum studies program certificate from U-M, Briana aims to become a museum professional who creates a positive influence on society and the community where the institution is located. Her interests lie in bridging the gap between academia and the art world, and how art/museum librarianship can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage through the curation of specialized collections that support research, exhibitions and public engagement.

In addition to her studies at U-M, Briana has dedicated her time as a volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts since 2017. She is recognized by her colleagues and professors for her “passion, curiosity and work ethic” and her determination to go “above and beyond.”

CEW+ applauds Briana’s persistence in her education and career and names her the Gail Allen Scholar. The 2023-24 CEW+ Scholars and Fellows will be honored at an award ceremony and luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 5 in the Ballroom of the Michigan League. RSVP to attend.

This story originally appeared on the CEW+ website. 

Read the CEW+ story. 

View the CEW+ awards announcement.

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