Donald A. Ackley Memorial Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established to provide encouragement and financial assistance to students who utilize the Orange Coast College library in pursuit of their educational goals.

Donald Ackley began his career at the OCC Library in 1971 where he worked as the evening and weekend librarian. In 1986 he was named dean of the library, a position he held at the time of his death in 2003. As dean he led the library into the computer age and was instrumental in converting from the old card catalog system to an online catalog, and in introducing electronic databases of journals and newspapers. He also worked hard to realize a goal of a new campus learning resource center.

Donald said becoming a librarian was a perfect fit for him as his interests were wide-ranging and varied and a library offered him access to anything that piqued his interest. He especially enjoyed the OCC library because of the diverse and ever-changing topics students were researching. He worked to include students in special campus projects and committees and served several years as advisor to the International Students Association. In 1995 he received the campus’ prestigious “Friend of the Students” award.