The McNichols Campus Library was recently honored to coordinate tree dedications in memory of two beloved former colleagues in Linda Hopkins and David Moody.
The first dedication recognized former Head of Acquisitions Linda Hopkins and her husband, Clyde.
Both attended what was then the University of Detroit in the 1950s. Linda was soon hired into the Library and remained there for 47 years, until her retirement in 2005. Clyde graduated with an Engineering degree and went on to earn his PE and became Director of Engineering for the City of Detroit. Their daughter, Glenda Ann Johnson, contacted the Library after her mother’s passing during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, inquiring about the process of dedicating a tree on the McNichols Campus and hosting a ceremony and reception.
The heartfelt event took place on June 12, with tributes both spoken and musical, expressions of love, and words of blessing during the program, which was held indoors in the Bargman Room due to weather. After breaking bread and sharing more stories with over 90 family members, friends from Peace Baptist Church, neighbors from San Juan Street, classmates from Pershing High School, and colleagues from Detroit Mercy, guests moved outside for the official blessing of the tree and memorial plaque, which was sprinkled with holy water by Fr. Si Hendry, S.J. and Glenda. Those gathered were also offered the opportunity to sprinkle the tree with water.
The second dedication honored former Cataloging Librarian David Moody.
David began his tenure at the McNichols Campus Library in 1982 — when card catalogs and print indexes were the only information portals available. He retired in 2017. He was instrumental in getting the holdings of the McNichols Campus Library listed in an international database, which is a key resource for cataloguers worldwide. David also played a role in constructing online databases, effectively eliminating the need for the card catalog, and enhancing the possibilities for sharing resources with different institutions.
Family, friends and former co-workers attended the June 21 tribute for Moody. Libraries Dean Emerita Margaret Auer and Associate Dean George Libbey emphasized David’s professional legacy, excellence in Trivial Pursuit and enthusiasm for delving into library projects of all kinds, while Head of Cataloging Kris McLonis shared personal recollections of her friend as chess aficionado, satirical songwriter, musician, actor and humorist. Following a luncheon in the Bargman Room, the ceremony moved into the sunshine for the blessing of the tree and memorial plaque by Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Libraries, Amy Keyzer. The afternoon concluded with a special — and hilarious — duet featuring Amy and Kris on vocals and Kris on guitar. The pair performer Davis’ paean to cataloging (set to the tune of “My Favorite Things”), “Angels and Spirits and Four-Footed Creatures.”
Both Linda’s and David’s trees — Royal Raindrops Flowering Crabapples — are planted outside the north side of the McNichols Campus Library. The Detroit Mercy community it welcome to stop by and enjoy their shade. As the bookmark Linda’s daughter Glenda created for her guests reminds us, “Your memories will live on as this tree blossoms and grows. May your shade hug our hearts.”
