April 18, 2024 – Historic Gifts to Transform Library
Alums, families & friends,
I write today with extraordinary news from Davidson. Moments ago, the campus gathered in the Duke Family Performance Hall to celebrate a century-long partnership with The Duke Endowment.
In addition, we were able to surprise everyone in attendance with news of two transformational gifts to Davidson — $60 million from The Duke Endowment, the largest gift in college history, and $25 million from Davidson Trustee Emeritus and friend Bob Abernethy.
This combined $85 million investment launches our remaining effort to reach our goal of more than $100 million to create The George Lawrence Abernethy Library, named for Bob’s father, longtime Davidson professor who founded the Philosophy Department and co-founded the Humanities Program.
I encourage you to learn more through the news stories released today:
Davidson College Partners Invest $85 Million in the Future of Collaboration & Scholarship on Campus
Visit the library transformation website, which includes additional background information on the renovation of the current E.H. Little Library, a brief project launch video and a list of FAQs that is continually growing. We will update this site as the project progresses and we have more details to share.
I am overwhelmed by these acts of generosity that will transform how students, faculty, staff and community members learn together, access books and resources, and generate knowledge in this digital age — in a special building at the core of campus.
Please join me in celebrating the inspiring commitments and invaluable partnerships of The Duke Endowment and Bob Abernethy. I am thrilled for what this project means for the future of learning and collaboration at Davidson College!
Doug Hicks '90
President