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Building successful, thriving, happy information leaders is Laura Schildkraut’s mission. Since joining the Information School in 2012, she has helped shape and support students.

She recently announced that she will retire this summer, having made her mark at the iSchool as an educator and director of the iMentorship program.

Schildkraut began her relationship with the iSchool when she crafted a three-episode TV show with the iSchool’s founding dean, Michael Eisenberg. Called “Information Matters,” the show aired on UWTV and The Research Channel and included interviews with individuals in health care and sports on how they used information to make critical decisions.

She also developed and taught INFO 386: Professionalism in Informatics, which aims to prepare students to excel in the workplace so they can begin their internships and careers with confidence in how to perform and interact in a professional setting. Course content includes teaching the ability to present projects and business cases, teamwork and leadership, personal branding, and effective written and oral communication.

She also designed and taught INFO 290: Orientation to Informatics, which prepares newly admitted Informatics students to be successful in the major.

“I so value the ability to continually adapt the curriculum. A friend can share an insight about something that happened in their workplace, and I can fold that into classroom content, creating stories that are relevant, memorable and resonate with the students,” she said. “I love having the freedom to do that.”

Antony Zhong, ‘16, was a student in her professionalism class. He said the class gave him essential life skills that have left a lasting framework.

“Technical skills enable entry into any organization, but it is the constant professionalism that allows one to remain resilient in an ever-changing environment,” Zhong said. “Years later, in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, it's not the specific tools or platforms I remember most, it's the soft skills Laura taught us that continue to guide me every day.”

Additionally, mentorship programs have long been a passion for Schildkraut. She started a mentorship program when she was with the UW School of Business, now called the Foster School of Business. She also began a mentorship program when she was teaching at UW Bothell.

Schildkraut started the iMentorship program in 2017 with the goal of boosting iSchool students’ professional development and networks. She recognized the affinity that iSchool alumni had for their time at the UW and sought to build a connection.

“I just saw how incredibly passionate and committed our alums were,” she said. “There was such a pride in being from the iSchool.”

The alumni mentors enjoy recruiting their colleagues to be mentors, and the program also welcomes other industry professionals who want to support students. The combination of recent graduates, mid- and late-career alumni, and other industry professionals creates a rich pool of mentors for iSchool students.

The iMentorship program runs each year from October through April. It creates an opportunity for Informatics and MSIM students to develop a one-on-one connection and gain professional insights. Master of Library and Information Science students have a similar mentorship opportunity through iSTAMP.

When Schildkraut began the program, there were 38 pairs of students and mentors. As of this year, iMentorship has helped over 1,500 students, with as many as 300 pairs in one year and involvement from a total of 730 mentors. 

Schildkraut emphasizes the importance of a mentor relationship because it gives students an in-depth view of the professional world. She believes that the professional and personal skills students gain through mentorship have the potential to be life-changing. She encourages students to maintain the connections they have made with their mentors, saying eventually it can be difficult to decipher who is the mentor and who is the mentee. 

The joy in her connection with students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her time with the iSchool. Many former and current students have expressed their love and gratitude for Schildkraut’s mentorship and friendship.

Elise Adams, ‘22, described how Schildkraut’s mantra, “Every interaction creates an impression,” shaped how she navigates the world with empathy and purpose. She said Schildkraut’s legacy and influence reach beyond the classroom.

“Laura has been, without a doubt, the most impactful educator I’ve ever had,” Adams said. “Her authentic and unwavering dedication to her students’ success is evident in both the lessons she teaches and her leadership of the iMentorship program.”

Many alumni describe her as one of the most influential people to shape their professional lives. Hawk Ticehurst, ‘20, said there is rarely a day where he does not call on the wisdom she instilled in him.

“Laura's words and ideas have not only been foundationally impactful to me, but to the countless people I've gone on to share those same words and ideas with too,” Ticehurst said.

Her former TA and close friend Sophie Werner, ‘21, describes her as her most trusted mentor.

“We still meet regularly to catch up. Today, I see her as both my friend and mentor. Whether it is a personal or professional question, she is always eager to listen, provide insight, and support,” Werner said. 

In retirement, Schildkraut plans to volunteer, travel and write personal essays. Being in the classroom and working with students are what she will miss the most, she said.

“It's really an honor to be able to have this kind of influence on them,” she said. “[I will really miss] knowing that they're going to be in my classroom every Tuesday and Thursday, and that I'm going to get that continuity and have the opportunity to provide an impact for them.”

Student farewells

Elise Adams, ‘22: "The iSchool will undoubtedly feel your absence, Laura. Thank you for being an advocate, mentor, and great friend to me and to so many others at UW and beyond. Congratulations on the well-deserved retirement!"

Hawk Ticehurst, ‘20: "Congratulations on reaching this last great career milestone! What a career it has been! I hope this new chapter of life is filled with just as many new experiences, opportunities and growth as the last. I can't wait to hear about all of it."

Sophie Werner, ‘21: "I look forward to seeing what Laura does next! I hope she knows how large of an impact she has made at the iSchool and in my life specifically. No 'thank you' can ever capture my gratitude for her."

Jon Alkan, ‘18: "As I reflect on your retirement, I can't help but feel an incredible sense of gratitude that I happened to find my way into your classroom during my time at UW. With that gratitude comes a bittersweet feeling for all the future students who will never experience one of your lectures, engage with the amazing speakers you brought to class, wrestle with your intentionally ambiguous assignments, or simply get to know you, as I did. Congratulations on your retirement and on an incredible career. I can’t wait to hear about what adventures or leisurely pursuits come next."

Kerstin Huang, ‘19: "Thank you, Laura, for all you've done for the iSchool and beyond! I'm excited for you as you enter this next chapter!" 

Kayla Tounalom, ‘25: "Laura, thank you for changing my life. Your care, wisdom and strength have left a permanent mark on me and so many others. You are the definition of impact, and your legacy will live on in every student you’ve empowered."

Lucy Lin, ‘26: "Congratulations on your retirement!! I feel so grateful to have had the chance to be both your student and part of your team. Taking your INFO 386 class during my freshman year truly shaped the direction of my college experience. The takeaway journal is still something I refer back to every time I need some “Laura” advice. It’s been so exciting to see all the growth and impact you’ve had with iMentorship, and the strong foundations and programs you’ve built for the career development of hundreds — and eventually thousands — of students. Although the iSchool won’t feel the same without your care and guidance, I’m so happy for you as you head into your next chapter of retirement and travels! I hope you soak in all the joy, rest and adventure you’ve more than earned. I can’t wait to see all the beautiful experiences this next season brings you."