"The face of the library" to students, faculty, and staff over nearly four decades
Mark McDaniel
Born and raised in the Yamhill Valley of Oregon, Mark earned a marching-band scholarship to the University of Hawaiʻi, where a Semester at Sea was one of his most cherished experiences, as it expanded his love of travel and cultural exploration. When Mark returned to Oregon, he began his career at Reed’s Hauser Library in 1989 as the stacks supervisor, ultimately becoming circulation operations manager in 2005. It came naturally to Mark to combine procedural competency with personal ebullience. He was an animated and caring presence who made everyone feel a bit lighter, whether they were tracking down a weighty tome or coming up against a wall of homework. “He was a real treasure for this struggling thesis student when the interlibrary loan system felt too big to navigate,” said Brianna Walker ’16.
Mark’s positivity was genuine and infectious—on any given day, many routine interactions were enriched by his kindness, wit, and good cheer. During his 37 years in the library, Mark supervised 600+ student workers and oversaw the circulation of 3.6 million books. For his outstanding work in this role, he received the Reed Staff Excellence Award in 2001. Mark was well-loved by his Reed family, and a number of co-workers became devoted friends. Fran Ousley, a former library staffer, joined Mark on trips ranging from Italy (Venice was his favorite destination) to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Closer to home, he was a wine aficionado and collector who spent weekends exploring the Willamette Valley wineries.
During his cancer treatments, colleagues accompanied him to appointments and kept his spirits up with visits, cards, flowers, and gifts of physical media to entertain this avid reader and film enthusiast. Upon Mark’s death, Jim Holmes, director of access services and Mark’s friend and supervisor for many years, said “The last four months have been difficult on many levels, but Mark made it easier for us through his grace, dignity, and sense of humor, as was his nature.” When Mark was asked what he thought the other side might resemble, he fondly referenced George Burns in the movie Oh, God!, chuckling at the idea of God with a cigar.
In June, family and friends gathered for a memorial event at the Yamhill Carlton Pioneer Cemetery. In September, the campus community celebrated Mark’s life and lasting impression on Reed, sharing many fond memories.
—Robin Tovey ’97
The Lives they Led
Henry Franzoni III ’78
Visionary Drummer, Advocate for Tribal Fisheries, and Recognized Authority on Bigfoot
Robert Greenberg ’56
Beloved Husband, Devoted Father, Treasured Grandfather, and Venerated Professor
