The University Library is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence: Byron Hurte.
Every year, the Library invites undergraduate students to submit a completed course assignment and a reflective essay that demonstrates effective use of information resources, an understanding of the research process, and growth in research practices. The Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence is made possible by the generosity of Arlene Kranich and is named after her grandson Carter Abrescy and late husband Larry Kranich.
This year, the Library is proud to announce the successful Award applicant is History major, Byron Hurte. Byron describes himself as “… a devoted husband and father, the brother of five siblings, a veteran of the United States Navy, a retired law enforcement officer, and in December 2026, (I) will be the first member of my family to graduate from university.” Byron states that “… the skilled staff at UC Merced Library was instrumental in my development as a historian-in-training by providing guidance and training on using library tools and resources, helping me better understand what is required to conduct proper research.” Byron’s award-winning project is titled, “Breaking the Rules One Drink at a Time: Prohibition in British Colonial Africa.”
A reception honoring Bryan will be held at the University Library in KL 397 on March 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm. UC Merced students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend.
