Meet 2023 WHSLA President Liz Witkowski

This blog post is the third in a series featuring members of the 2023 WHSLA Executive Board. 

In this post, get to know WHSLA 2023 President, Liz Witkowski. 

Where is the coolest place you traveled? 

I recently went abroad with my husband to Italy. Our first there time for both of us! I think it is fascinating to experience culture from a place that has existed for thousands of years in the same space. The coolest thing we did on our trip was a tour of the Trevi Fountain. Obviously, the fountain itself is very beautiful and historically significant, but our tour included something a bit more interesting to me. We went under the fountain to the oldest known working Roman aqueduct. It was a “recent” archeological discovery from the 1990’s and wasn’t opened to the public until the mid 2000s. Seeing the construction up close and having a private guide (an enthusiastic teacher who did tours in her free time, she was a delight!) explain to us in detail the important features to look at as well as the other areas of interest including layers of medieval living spaces built on top of old roman homes. It was remarkable and easily the coolest thing I have experienced.

What is one thing that instantly makes your day better and aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? 

I am combining these two questions with one very simple answer: Coffee! I always enjoy a good cup of coffee, it makes my morning so much better, and I can’t imagine willingly forgoing it. Luckily, I am kept well in supply of good beans. Both my father-in-law and my mother’s partner are also coffee enthusiasts and love sending me new coffees to try. It’s special to be able to share something with both of them, and makes for good conversations.

What is something that always makes you smile?

I love seeing kids playing. It truly always makes me smile. They can be rowdy or quiet, in groups or alone, and it just makes me happy! It I visited the “Beyond Monet” exhibit this past fall, and one of the highlights was the projections of the lilypads onto the floors and ceilings. There were two small kiddos there who started hopping on them and ribbiting. So adorable! This is one of the reasons I sought to put up a little free library in front of my home, happy kids! (LFL currently on my front porch, in the works for warmer weather!)

What are you most looking forward to?

Right now, I am most looking forward to the Spring. I don’t love the short cold days, so Spring is always on my mind. Longer days, green grass, flowers, and sunshine. Yes please!! Only a few more months…