Every year, the Library invites undergraduate students to submit course work that demonstrates effective use of information resources, an understanding of the research process, and growth in their 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.
The Library hosted a reception to celebrate this year’s Abrescy-Kranich Award recipient Byron Hurte (2025-2026). Bryon, a history major, was recognized for his award-winning project titled, “Breaking the Rules One Drink at a Time: Prohibition in British Colonial Africa” – an essay he first developed for Professor Ali’s course The History of Colonial Africa and one that Professor Ali describes as a “meticulously researched and sharply argued essay”. Byron’s paper can be read in eScholarship, UC Merced’s electronic repository and will also be featured in the Undergraduate Historical and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies Journal at UC Merced.
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, … the first member of my family to graduate from university.” He is keenly interested in the struggles of oppressed and marginalized communities and individuals. After graduation, he may pursue graduate school and plans to write historical fiction or non-fiction about oppressed peoples and the institutional injustices they overcome.
The reception opened with remarks by University Librarian Haipeng Li, who spoke of the Award’s history since its founding in 2017. Haipeng thanked the Abrescy, Kranich, and Breland families for the establishment of the Award and their continuing support for undergraduate researchers.
Dr. Myles Ali, history professor and Byron’s faculty sponsor, also spoke first-hand about his knowledge of Bryon’s character and academic work. He recalled first hearing of Byron’s many experiences and accomplishments through an introductory class biography. He said that it was obvious that Byron was a thorough individual, intent on making the most of his university experience.
Prof. Ali praised Byron as one of the best students the UC Merced History Department has ever seen, and noted that Byron brings, “… a joyful and rigorous approach to learning about new topics, cultures, and people.” His presence and participation “makes his classmates better, during discussions, during class activities, he keeps them on task … he makes everyone better in the classroom.”
Byron is marked by a “determined work ethic” and “willingness to improve and keep learning”. Professor Ali congratulated Bryon on this undergraduate research award and noted that Byron will be presenting a version of this paper to the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association meeting this summer.
The program concluded with remarks from awardee Byron Hurte. He thanked the Abrescy, Kranich, and Breland families for establishing the Award, and noted that he was “deeply grateful and honored to be receiving this Award” which offered “a platform to showcase [student] capabilities, commitment, and perseverance in conducting research” and “a space for students to demonstrate their talents”.
“Through the award, I am able to share my research and story about the suppression of African populations by European empires and their resistance to alcohol prohibition and reclaiming their identity.”
Byron observed that he did not follow the traditional educational path of high school and college completion. Rather he took time away from college study to serve in the United States Navy and then worked in a correctional facility. Those experiences have enriched his academic experience. He can now reflect on them “through a scholar’s lens”.
Bryon also recognized Professor Ali’s “selfless dedication to helping students learn, succeed, and achieve their goals” and thanked him for his “enthusiasm, excitement, and passion for mentoring and teaching students about the African world”. Bryon called Professor Ali “both inspiring and motivating”. Byron also thanked his wife Stephanie for her unwavering support for his academic journey.
In completing his academic work, Byron “learned to use research databases, digital collections, and archival sources which provided the documentation” for his research. In addition to these resources, he noted appreciation for library space as a sanctuary for study and for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. He praised the UC Merced Library for its support of undergraduate researchers.
“The tools you guys provide are just phenomenal … from ILL requests, being able to come in and use the library facilities, they’re clean, they’re quiet … the online sources, the online tools, the databases, the tutorial help … make it easier for an undergraduate to go in who really never knew how to do research until I got to the UC … so, thank you guys.”
We’d like to thank Byron for his outstanding submission. Congratulations on the award! Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate Bryon’s latest achievement.
Student Research Excellence Awardee Byron Hurte with University Librarian Haipeng Li
Award recipient Bryon Hurte, University Librarian Haipeng Li, and History Professor Myles Ali
