McKenna Yates named Outstanding Graduating Senior by the University Libraries

McKenna Yates sits at her work station in the Digital Media Services lab.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage at Folsom Field, one student is already leaving a lasting legacy behind the scenes—among reels of 16mm film, digitized VHS tapes, and the hum of preservation equipment. The University Libraries are proud to recognize McKenna Yates, a double major in Sociology and Cinema Studies, as this year’s Outstanding Graduating Senior for her transformative work in the Libraries’ Digital Media Services (DMS) lab.

Originally from Colorado, Yates transferred to CU Boulder in 2022 to pursue a degree in the Department of Sociology. After taking a couple film classes, she decided to add a double major in Cinema Studies. 

In spring 2023, Yates joined the Libraries as an undergraduate student fellow and transitioned into her current role as a student assistant in the DMS lab in spring 2024. In this role, she took on a wide range of digitization and preservation projects, working with formats such as 16mm film, VHS and reel-to-reel audio tapes. 

“After my undergraduate student fellowship ended, I knew I wanted to work in the library system in whatever way I could,” explained Yates. “I was intrigued by the position in DMS because of its unique connection to film.”

What began as a spark of interest in film quickly evolved into a passion for archiving and preserving audiovisual materials, one that has shaped her career ambitions and made valuable contributions to the Libraries workflows.

One of her most meaningful projects was digitizing a series of home movies recorded by her grandmother on Super 8mm film. “I was able to clean, prep, scan and complete post-production elements for these films,” she said. “It was an incredible experience to bring those memories back to life and share them with my family.”

Yates’ impact on the Libraries extended far beyond her technical skills. Her supervisors Media Producer and Director of DMS Kelly Brichta and Media Digitization Specialist JoAnna Ramsey have praised her ability to connect with others and desire to take on new challenges—whether mentoring peers, initiating conversations with campus donors, or representing the DMS lab during the Chancellor’s Tour.

“She exemplifies what it means to include, empower, connect, learn and inspire at the Libraries,” said Brichta and Ramsey in their joint nomination. “Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to learning make her a true inspiration.”

Yates credits her experience in libraries—starting with a circulation role at Lewis & Clark College and culminating in her work at Norlin Library—with shaping her vision for the future. “Working in DMS undoubtedly changed the course of my career goals,” she said. “I have developed so many new skills in the realm of digital archiving. I will be taking these with me into my next chapter.”

After graduation, Yates plans to pursue a career in digital archiving or film preservation, with hopes of attending graduate school to earn a Master’s in Archival Studies. In the meantime, she’s looking forward to continuing her work in libraries and, finally, watching the many films her supervisors have recommended.

“My experience working in the library has absolutely been a highlight of my college career,” said Yates. “I will forever be grateful to the time I have spent working here with all of the Libraries faculty and staff, but especially Kelly Brichta, JoAnna Ramsey, John Dziadecki and Gina Dea.”

Yates will be presented by Robert McDonald, dean of the University Libraries and senior vice provost of Online and Extended Education, as the University Libraries’ Outstanding Graduating Senior at the CU Boulder Commencement ceremony on Folsom Field on May 8, 2025.

This is the 3rd year that the University Libraries has named an outstanding graduating senior from its ranks of 175 student workers who support all areas of the Libraries. Selection criteria is based on dedication to the library's mission and values in supporting students and connecting them with information, resources and services.