A lot has changed since Bill Duffy started as a librarian at William Paterson University in 1978.
Back then, the library wasn’t named Cheng; it was called Askew. Duffy couldn’t rely on the internet to help students find the right source. Students couldn’t scan their IDs to check out books; they had to sign their names on checkout cards tucked inside each one.
However, one aspect of his job has remained consistent throughout the past half-century: “helping people.”
Now, William Paterson is recognizing him for all the help. Duffy will be honored on April 24 at the university’s Legacy Award Gala in Cedar Grove, an annual fundraiser celebrating longtime employees and donors.
Alumni and donors Dawn Alexander Makowski ’80, the president of the Al Alexander Agency in Totowa, and Greg Makowski ’81, a managing CFS Investment Advisory Services member, will also be feted at the gala. The Makowskis met as music students at William Paterson and have financially contributed to the university for over two decades.
Photo courtesy of Elias Vela
Valley Bank will be recognized as a “distinguished organization” for the second year. Valley has financially supported William Paterson University since 1989, including the Legacy Award Gala, golf outing, Continuing and Professional Education, and the Cotsakos College of Business. In 2020, Valley, which employs more than 50 WP alums, pledged $1 million for an endowed scholarship at the university.
The William Paterson University Foundation website said the gala “honors those who exemplify the leadership of our namesake, William Paterson.”
Funds raised through the gala help provide scholarships and programming for students.
Duffy, who started part-time in periodicals before being hired full-time as a reference librarian, told the Beacon in an email that he is especially proud of establishing and funding a scholarship for nursing students in honor of his wife Barbara, who graduated from WP’s nursing program.
Throughout his tenure, he has been in charge of online searching and bibliographic instruction and was head of reference for over two decades before moving into cataloging in recent years. He has also been a member of the University’s Foundation Board since 2003 and has served on its Scholarship Committee.
For Duffy, receiving this award holds special significance given his previous role in selecting honorees.
“I’ve been on the committee that selected previous award winners, so one of the things I’m looking forward to is joining that cohort of friends and fellows who have been singled out in earlier years,”
Duffy wrote to the Beacon. “I am intimately aware of what true service is and how it is often overlooked. This award reminds the campus community that service is essential to the life of WPU.”
According to Duffy, while people typically think of college faculty only as teachers and scholars, many others play vital roles in the university’s daily operations.
“This is why I’m getting this award: I’ve done a lot of service at all levels for decades,” he said. The gala will occur from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Grove. The dress code is cocktail attire, and tickets are available through the William Paterson University Foundation. This charity supports those who would otherwise be unable to complete their education.
