Libraries, the hub of learning |
 |
 |
For Carol McMurry and Patrick Spieles of Loveland, Colorado, the decision to donate $1 million (doubled to $2 million through a state match) to the UW Libraries was simple.
“Making a gift to University Libraries was an easy decision for us--it benefits every UW college and every UW student,” says McMurry. “Whether you’re an athlete or an art major, the library is a hub of learning, research, and student life, she says. “My passion for libraries was instilled in me by my grandmother, Alma
Doke McMurry, who took me every Saturday to the stately Carnegie Library in Casper,” she says.
Maggie Farrell, dean of University Libraries, applauds the donors’ vision. “The University Libraries are so grateful for this generous gift from Carol and Pat. The Alma Doke McMurry Endowment for Library Excellence will enable the Libraries to undertake several projects not possible through state funding alone,” she
adds.
With the expansion of the William Robertson Coe Library through a new Information, Library, and Learning Center (IL2C) as part of a $45 million construction and renovation project funded by the Wyoming Legislature, the libraries will be renewed as a pivotal spot on campus for students and faculty alike to gather, learn and share ideas. Initial schematics of the new facility are presently on display in the building, and the final phase of planning will take place this year.
“It is an exciting time to be a part of University Libraries!” Farrell was recently overheard saying.
“A gift of this magnitude allows us to strengthen our professional development activities for librarians and staff so that cutting-edge research and learning techniques are being shared with every student and patron that uses our services and resources--whether in Laramie or across the state and country. This gift will also allow us to build a comfortable reading room, which is something we currently do not have in the Libraries, and to add a popular
reading collection for our patrons to use and enjoy,” says Farrell.
“Though our first mission is the academic support of the university, it is wonderful that we are able to continue to promote reading and lifelong learning through private funding in this way--Wyoming is filled with folks who understand and appreciate the power of the written word and a good book. It is because of people like Carol’s grandmother, Alma Doke McMurry, that we have generations who love to read--Carol and Pat’s gift is a testament to that and we are thrilled to call them our friends!” Farrell adds.
It is the couple’s hope that their gift will motivate others to make leadership gifts and contribute to the Libraries in an upcoming University Libraries’ campaign and through named gift opportunities within the IL2C project. “There is no better way to inspire giving in others than by giving yourself to the causes you believe in
and those that have made a difference in your life--for me it has been reading and learning,” says McMurry.
“The Libraries will always be the heart of the university and essential to the continued health of the institution--from recruiting top-notch students from Wyoming and the region and providing cutting-edge resources and
technology to students and researchers, to retaining world-class faculty-- it just makes sense!”
As a testament to the couple’s commitment to giving back, Carol and Pat established two endowments within the Wyoming Community Foundation in 2000. The McMurry Library Endowment provides support to Wyoming libraries and funds continuing education grants for Wyoming library employees. A second
endowment provides funding to assist Wyoming families with medical expenses at the Children’s Hospital in Denver, where Carol and Pat have been actively involved and Pat has served as a board member. They have also established two endowed chairs at the Children’s Hospital in pediatric neurosurgery and pediatric neurooncology.
Both Carol and Pat are Wyoming natives and University of Wyoming grads. After graduation, Carol followed her passion by working in several libraries, while Pat went into pharmaceutical research and later mining. Both say the lifelong friendships made during their years at UW have been invaluable in their lives.
“UW is a great source of pride for us--it is time for those of us who can, to give back and ensure UW will be a remarkable institution in the future as well,” says McMurry .
The Colorado couple has also given in excess of $100,000 to other areas across the university campus, bringing their total amount gifted to the university since the start of the five-year DISTINCTION Campaign to just over $1.1 million. Carol and Pat are friends indeed.
Phoyo: Patrick Spieles and Carol McMurry
Posted on Friday, June 23, 2006
|
