The philanthropic Kresge Foundation assumed a potentially key role in the University's $3.5 million Campaign for the Libraries when, on Dec. 22, 1998, it presented the University with a $500,000 challenge grant.
That grant, however, is contingent upon the University raising the first $3 million by Dec. 31 of this year. To date, $2.1 million has been collected in the Campaign, whose goal is to furnish and equip the $26 million New Library and to rehabilitate the existing Main Library. Losing out on the Kresge grant translates into delaying the technological infrastructure that will present students, scholars and community members with the most advanced library resource in the region.
From benches ($2,500) to the entire building ($5 million), naming opportunities have been presented to potential donors as contributions to the Campaign for the Library. To this point, Barnes & Noble Booksellers has been the largest benefactor, naming the library's Terrace Room for $300,000 and its entrance lobby for $200,000. Hans Naumann, who, along with the Dell Computer and Hannaford corporations, each donated $50,000 for three 40-station digital workshops, is the largest individual contributor to this point.
Alumna Edith Quake '63 ($10,000), the Class of '82 ($20,000), the Friends of the Libraries (two gifts totaling $21,500) and Advancement Associate Vice President Sorrell Chesin ($20,000) have been among the other generous donors.
Those who want to help meet the important challenge of equipping the New Library for our students, and for the Capital Region's future, please contact Carol Bullard, at (518) 442-5133 or [email protected], or Sorrell Chesin at (518) 442-5300 or [email protected].
