SXU awarded $5M for capital improvements to Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library

Grant awarded by the Illinois Board of Education

Chicago (June 24, 2010) The Illinois Board of Higher Education, at its June 21 meeting, approved a $5 million grant for capital improvements to Saint Xavier University’s Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library. The grant, awarded under the IBHE Independent Colleges Capital Program, is funded by sales of “Build Illinois” bonds issued by the State of Illinois. The formula for distribution for funding to private institutions was determined by the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities.

“The funding makes possible the renovation and expansion of The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library, a vital resource to the University and surrounding community,” said Saint Xavier University President Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. “We wish to thank IBHE and FIICU for recognizing the need and the value of our library capital improvement efforts, and for providing the means to help us achieve them.”

The renovations will create a user-centered, service-rich dynamic learning environment that is more than 50 percent larger than the current facilities. There will be new library space on the first floor of the Warde Academic Center with improved facilities for technical services staff, significantly increased study space, an Instructional Design Center, a training lab, an instructional lab, a Student Media Center and a coffee venue.

Saint Xavier may receive 25 percent of those grant funds (approximately $1.237 million) within the coming weeks. Sixty-four of the 83 eligible private colleges and universities in Illinois completed the application. Saint Xavier was one of 11 to receive the maximum $5 million base grant.
The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library is dedicated to providing access to information resources, facilitating their use in the learning process and reinforcing the University values of academic integrity and lifelong learning.

For more information about The Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library, contact Library Director Mark Vargas at vargas@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3350.


-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot, Executive Director of Media Relations
O: (773) 298-3937
C: (773) 617-3632
foot@sxu.edu