Friday, March 29, 2024

Trustees challenge helps upgrade Madison library

September 24, 2001

Renovations to the library in James Madison College had Haley Sinclair saying the room may now be the most attractive place to study in Case Hall.

A challenge issued by MSU Trustee David Porteous raised funds for $140,000 worth of library improvements. He asked Madison donors to match his $100,000 contribution dollar for dollar - and they did.

On Friday, the college celebrated with Porteous when he cut a ribbon and allowed students like Sinclair to explore the new library.

Sinclair, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior, said the residential nature of James Madison College makes facilities important to learning.

“Having a library in our building where students can come late at night to read and study is really important,” she said.

And Sinclair said improvements such as the new bookshelves, tables and wall coverings make the room an inviting place to study.

“The only thing that isn’t knew is the books,” she said. “I love the desk things that go on the lounge chairs.”

Sinclair, chairwoman of Madison’s student Senate, said she appreciates an administrator offering strong support to the college.

Porteous, who unveiled a plaque recognizing the challenge’s success, told roughly 100 people in attendance about his experience with Madison students and staff while his daughter attended the college.

“We were so moved that we wanted to do this and we're very pleased to see the friends of James Madison took our challenge,” he said. “That is a beautiful library - I heard someone say that it makes you want to come in and study.”

Porteous said he hopes his gift allows students to grow socially and academically.

“I suspect some fantastic friendships will be formed between students who met here,” he said. “It will probably be a place where students will go not just to read but to think, not just to write but to compose.”

The additional $60,000 donated will be used for other James Madison College improvements.

Dean Sherman Garnett said the challenge allowed his college to make better connections with its alumni.

The challenge, which was met in April 2001, resulted in 618 donations to the college in 2000 compared with 382 in 1999.

“Two positives have come out in this, we have a nice renovated library and we established a pattern in gaining support from the alumni,” Garnett said.

Dan Helmer said he attended the event to show his thanks to Porteous.

“What Trustee Porteous has done is amazing,” the political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore said.

“Some of the stuff I have to read makes my head hurt, so having a nice quiet place to focus and think will help.”

Discussion

Share and discuss “Trustees challenge helps upgrade Madison library” on social media.