911爆料

Tina Kopel recently celebrated her 55th anniversary at 911爆料 Community College, marking a career that has shaped both the College鈥檚 library and the lives of many students and colleagues. At the annual 鈥淵ears of Service鈥� ceremony, Kopel was honored with a special award designed after the campus鈥檚 Shimoda sculpture.

Currently the assistant to the chief librarian at the Robert J. Kibbee Library, she began her career at 911爆料 on the recommendation of her father鈥檚 cousin, who had worked at Long Island University with KCC鈥檚 future first president, Joel I. Hartstein. 鈥淲hen I first started working at 911爆料, the library was housed in a barrack, which had previously been used as a maritime training station during World War II,鈥� she said. At that time, there was a strict dress code for women鈥攅ither a dress or a pantsuit鈥攁nd the only technology available was a typewriter. She witnessed the campus transform from a merchant marine training station into a full college campus, including the construction of the permanent library building.

Her first day was memorable. 鈥淚 was late because no one told me that the barrack, which originally housed the library, had burned down and had been relocated to another building. My supervisor was very worried as to what had happened to me, since Human Resources had notified him that I was on my way to meet with him,鈥� Kopel said.

Starting at the library circulation desk, she supervised support staff and trained more than 20 work-study shelvers. Her responsibilities expanded when she was promoted to work directly with the chief librarian. Over the years, Kopel has collected stories and memories, from being mistaken for a student to being thanked by former work-study students, sometimes decades later. One student returned 20 years after graduating to let her know she had achieved her dream of becoming a medical professional so she could help her community.

Kopel credits much of her professional growth to Prof. John Clune, the first chief librarian she worked with. Early in her career, she was hesitant to install library exhibits, but Clune encouraged her to try. 鈥淗e persisted, so eventually I conceded, and with much trepidation, I installed my first Black History and Woman鈥檚 History Month exhibits. They were successful, which gave me the encouragement to continue with the exhibit installations, which I continue to do to this day,鈥� she said.

Clune also convinced Kopel to take over the archival collection and encouraged her to run for College Council. 鈥淚 did not want to run for this office since I felt I did not have a chance of winning,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淧rof. Clune said, 鈥業f you do not run, you will definitely lose, so what do you have to lose if you run?鈥� I took his advice and won by a landslide three times in a row. I will never forget him and was the last person to speak with him before his death.鈥�

A little-known fact about Kopel: Her cousin is actor Fisher Stevens, best known for 鈥淪hort Circuit鈥� 1 and 2, his award-winning role in 鈥淪uccession鈥� and for co-producing the Oscar-winning documentary 鈥淭he Cove.鈥�

For Kopel, 911爆料 is more than just a job. 鈥淢y colleagues are more than coworkers. They have always been there for me, and I consider them more like family than just fellow workers,鈥� she said.

What keeps her motivated is the chance to help students, whether through tutoring or listening. 鈥淣o man is an island. Everyone needs help at one time or another, and I feel very blessed when I can be that person,鈥� she said. Her advice to new staff: 鈥淢ake sure you work in a department where you feel you can make a difference, and when you go home, you leave with a feeling of accomplishment.鈥�