Rice University has received a $21.4-million gift to upgrade Fondren Library from William P. Hobby, lieutenant governor of Texas from 1973 to 1991.
A 1953 Rice graduate, Hobby said the gift was something his family had wanted to do for a long time, according to the December 11 Houston Chronicle.
The university plans to spend $65 million re-tooling and expanding its library. The donation—the largest ever for Rice—jump-starts the university's 10-year campaign to raise $500 million for new facilities, more faculty, and an expanded international role.
Posted December 22, 1997.