Northern Michigan University 1996 alumna Skye Patrick, CEO of the massive Los Angeles County Public Library system, is one of seven recipients of the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, which recognize individuals whose “innovative solutions to critical state challenges improve people’s lives, create opportunity and contribute to a better California.” The honor also included a $350,000 grant and other resources for her organization. Patrick previously earned a national award when Library Journal named her 2019 Librarian of the Year. She is also a past NMU Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

“Since 2016, Patrick has transformed LA County Library into a hub of inclusion, innovation, and impact,” states her Irvine Award overview. “Drawing from her own experiences of seeking stability and self-discovery in libraries, she has expanded their mission far beyond book lending. Under her leadership, the library serves 3.4 million residents annually, offering culturally relevant programs, career development resources, mental health support, services for the unhoused, and interventions for public health crises like the opioid epidemic. Patrick’s vision ensures libraries remain welcoming spaces that bridge gaps in education, equity and opportunity for all Angelenos.”