Maurers honored by Friends of the University Libraries

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The Bowling Green State University Libraries showed their appreciation for two of their strongest supporters by presenting them the 2007 Friend of the Library Award. Robert and Patricia Maurer of Bowling Green received the award during the annual Authors and Artists reception, hosted by the Friends of the University Libraries.

The couple recently gave $200,000 to the libraries to establish the Maurer Library Endowment Fund, which will be used to support priority library projects at the University.

“The Maurers are exceptional advocates for the libraries,” noted Dr. Thomas Atwood, dean of University Libraries, when the gift was given. “Their interest is in enhancing students' learning experiences, and the establishment of this endowment will do just that for years to come on our campus. We are grateful for their support.”

A member of the BGSU Library Advocates Board, Robert Maurer has shown his support for the libraries in many ways. Last April, he and Patricia helped the libraries celebrate their 40th anniversary by donating a “little black dress” once owned by Oprah Winfrey to be auctioned at the birthday gala, only to buy it back again to be used once more for fund raising.

Recalling the anniversary at the Nov. 7 reception, Catherine Cardwell, chair of library teaching and learning, said “the Maurers were an essential part of that celebration, and it was great to work with them.”

Friends not only of the University Libraries, the Maurers are also staunch allies of the University as a whole. They are longtime members of the BGSU Presidents Club, Varsity Club, Falcon Club and Marketing Advocates, among other campus activities.

The Maurers, both of whom were accounting majors at BGSU, raised five children in Bowling Green. Robert has practiced law in Bowling Green since 1968 at Maurer, Newlove & Bakies, LLC. Patricia operates and manages Greenbriar Inc., a real estate property management and development company.

With a strong belief that everyone in a community can and will benefit from the resources of excellent libraries, they also have been contributors to the Bowling Green District Public Library Foundation. The family funded the purchase of the historic Muir house so that the Wood County District Public Library could enlarge its facilities to better serve the community.

Also at the Nov. 7 ceremony, 80 BGSU faculty and staff members were recognized for their scholarly work and creative achievements.

“You are making a permanent contribution to the knowledge that is the stock in trade of this building,” Executive Vice President Linda Dobb told the honorees. The annual ceremony, she added, “showcases our campus and our faculty at their finest.”

# # #

(Posted November 09, 2007)