Oracle Online: Spanish department recieves $47,000 in documents

October 19, 2004

Matt Lutz

Associate News Editor

The university's Spanish department's library received a boon Thursday as over 1,200 books, manuscripts and documents were donated by an alumni.

Bob Packard, class of 1966, chose to donate his literature to give back to the university that prepared him for a tour of life, Packard said.

"Most [documents] range from the 1930s to the contemporary," Spanish professor Barbara Younoszai said.

The earliest text is from the 1830s, Packard said.

The documents have been appraised at over $47,000, Packard said.

In addition, Packard said, some books were published but never sold in bookstores.

"For some, only 100 copies were run off," Packard said.

Many books are first editions and are signed by the authors, Packard said.

The 1,200 books, arriving in 17 boxes, were unloaded last Wednesday.

Most currently rest under a table in the Spanish house, where the presentation was held.

In addition to the documents, the Packards established a $20,000 endowment benefitting students who plan to teach Spanish in public schools.

Packard, who was a double major in Spanish and French, along with minoring in Latin American Studies, was a public school Spanish teacher.

To praise him for his gift, Younoszai also inducted Packard into Sigma Alpha Pi, the most prestigious national Spanish honor society.

Posted by msveum at October 19, 2004 10:55 AM