“While here, Maya turned the Littman Library into the literal and metaphorical heart of the College.” - Glenn Goldman
On the occasion of her retirement, Hillier College thanks Maya Gervits for her many contributions to our community, especially her stewardship of the Littman Library for nearly 25 years. “Maya was something of a miracle worker,” said HCAD Dean Gabrielle Esperdy, “because she was able to expand the breadth and depth of the library’s collection, its technological capacity, and its academic and extra-curricular programming with extremely limited resources. Long before NJIT adopted it as the theme of the university’s strategic plan, Maya made the Littman Library a ‘nexus of innovation.’”
Since arriving at NJIT in 2002, Maya has been an extraordinary resource for our students and faculty. With an incisive intellect, Maya made available emerging and established perspectives and research on architecture and design. She proactively collected new and historic books, plans and maps, recognizing that many critical resources were only available in physical form. She also understood that architecture and design students can find inspiration simply by perusing books, which Maya placed thoughtfully and thematically on centrally located tables. At the same time, Maya was a strong and early supporter of digital humanities, and she was the driving force behind the Digital Archive of Newark Architecture (DANA), a project dedicated to archiving and distributing important historical information.
The Littman Library is located almost in the center of HCAD’s Weston Hall home. Thanks to Maya, it became a center for learning and community, a true gathering space for exploring the world of architecture and design through physical and digital media. Trained as an historian, Maya brought a global perspective to the collection and curation of books on art, architecture, and design in support of student learning and faculty research. She also made the Littman Library a vital hub for architecture and design activities including book talks, panel discussions, and exhibitions. She also organized concerts and social hours, regularly bringing HCAD graduates back to campus for “tea with alumni” that became go-to after-studio events throughout the semester.
“Maya continuously found ways to bring new materials and ideas into the hands of students,” said Guido N. Liwski (B. Arch '25). “Maya had an unwavering belief that the Littman library should be a place where students feel ownership, belonging, and inspiration.”
“Maya possessed every quality of a perfect librarian, but it was her profound love for not just the students, but for everyone, that truly defined her. She took a genuine interest in everyone, ensuring that the library was a sanctuary for all, from students and alumni to community residents seeking refuge. Time and again alumni and old colleagues returned to visit Maya, as if they were coming back home,” said academic advisor Amada Belton. “Her impact was personal, too: she even mentored my son during his time as an NJIT student. I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside her and even more grateful to call her my friend.”
“One example of her impact is the permanent exhibit space for the school, bringing exhibits of student and faculty work to the Mostoller Room. It became a place frequently visited by prospective students and their parents during open houses and recruiting visits. It’s been a physical and visible demonstration of the value NJIT and Hillier College place on creative endeavors. She was a tireless and successful advocate and supporter of all the members of the Hillier College community and will be missed,” said Glenn Goldman.
“Maya has been an amazing colleague and an important part of the HCAD community. She created a genuine space of belonging in the library, where students, instructors, and staff always felt welcomed and supported,” said associate professor Martina Decker. “Maya somehow always managed to have both a cup of tea and a helping hand ready for anyone who needed encouragement, guidance, or simply a moment to connect. Her warmth, generosity, and dedication have had a lasting impact on the culture of HCAD and on so many individuals within it. We will miss her greatly and hope she comes back to visit often.”
When I joined the department in 2006 Maya was one of the first people I met. She offered me a cup of tea – it would be the first of many to come.” - Amada Belton
With Maya’s retirement Hillier College will lose a beloved colleague, but thanks to Maya’s thoughtful documentation, she has preserved some of HCAD’s institutional memory in her article The Hillier College of Architecture and Design History Project. Now that she has time for her own scholarship, we look forward to welcoming Maya back to the library as a researcher to make use of the wonderful collection she built!
You may give a retirement gift to Maya by making a donation to Littman Library in her name.
