Friends of American University Library announced today that the $400,000 challenge grant established by Roger and Nancy Brown in 1999 has been matched by more than 500 donations. Gifts and pledges totaling more than $650,000 include major commitments by Samuel and Lucy Keker, Howard and Sondra Bender and Margaret Anthon.

"Nancy and I consider that these pledges and gifts have cumulatively more than met our challenge," said Roger Brown, AU History Professor Emeritus. "It is truly wonderful to see such generosity on the part of so many persons who believe in our library." Brown attributed the success of the Friends organization during its first two years to "the conviction that a strong, well-stocked library is essential to the educational mission of American University."

The founding of Friends of AU Library in 1999 coincided with the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Jack I. and Dorothy G. Bender Library and Learning Resources Center. Friends membership has grown from 129 in 1999 to over 505 individuals as of May 1, 2001. According to the University Librarian Pat Wand, "Roger and Nancy Brown, with their unusually generous gift, were among our first library Friends. We are delighted that their example has inspired others to put their confidence in the library."

The primary purpose of Friends of AU Library is to increase financial support for library collections and facilities. Funds raised from the challenge grant are being used for immediate improvements in the library's books, periodicals and electronic resources, for library renovations, and to establish endowed funds.

Sam Keker, AU Alum (College of Arts and Sciences, '39) and retired Chairman and CEO of U.S. News and World Report and his wife Lucy Keker pledged $500,000 to the library over a five year period, beginning in 2000.

Howard and Sondra Bender, long-time benefactors of the university, pledged $100,000 to the library in 1999 over a four year period.

Margaret Anthon, wife of late Professor Emeritus Carl Anthon, established the Roger H. Brown Endowed Preservation Fund to support preservation of library collections. This gift celebrates the contributions of both Professors Anthon and Brown who were collegues in the American University History Department and avid library supporters.