Library receives $16 million bequest
by MAUREEN SMITHE
In what is the largest estate gift ever made to the University, the late William Carey's estate donated $16 million to renovate the Hesburgh Library, establish a scholarship fund and support the University's Erasmus Institute.
The gift is part of Notre Dame's $767 million Generations campaign, began in 1997. University president Father Edward Malloy said the donation is reflective of Carey's devotion to Notre Dame's prosperity.
"We are grateful for this gift, which so strikingly demonstrates Bill Carey's boundless affection for Notre Dame," he said in a press release. "He will always be remembered here as one of Our Lady's most generous sons."
Although the donation was only recently announced, Carey had alerted the University of his intention five years ago.
"He was a loyal alumnus and it was his lifelong dream to leave a positive impact on Notre Dame," said Michelle Shakour, Notre Dame's director of planned giving.
Officials believe students will soon see the benefits of Carey's donation.
"The bulk of the gift is going to the library renovation. There will be some real tangible differences in the interior of the building," Shakour said. "Some of the donation will also be used to attract some top-notch faculty."
Carey, a member of the Badin Guild, a Notre Dame society whose members have put the University in their estate plans, will likely have a permanent recognition on campus.
"That is one way were are able to thank him," Shakour said.
Carey found success in the oil and mining businesses after graduating from Notre Dame in 1946 and earning a master's degree from Harvard in 1950. A recognized sponsor of the arts, Carey was a benefactor of the Dallas Museum of Fine Art and the Dallas Museum of Contemporary Art.
He died in Dallas on July 3, 1997.
All News Stories for Monday, September 18, 2000
