Planned Giving Donor Mike Kelly Creates Bequest Gift to Help Preserve Our History

Mike Kelly

by Carol Kennedy, Director of Development, University of New Mexico Foundation

The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences was lucky to spend some time with Mike Kelly, former director of the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections and also a recent planned giving donor.

Prior to becoming the director of CSWR in 2004, Kelly worked as the head of the special collections at Wichita State for 18 years and at the Buffalo Bill History Center in Wyoming. Kelly dedicated a majority of his career in academia and special collections.

Why are you so passionate about special collections and libraries?

It’s our history—and history is important to preserve. Libraries have a tremendous value and responsibility to preserve and archive this history for research now but also for generations to come. I’ve worked with so many students during my career, and I have to say it is really something special to behold when you see a student suddenly have an epiphany during their studies and research. It’s almost like a light emerges.

For hundreds of years, libraries have demystified learning and education and provided critical access and resources for the community. The University Libraries, being located in such a culturally rich and diverse area, provides a unique repository of study materials and tools to help along that journey. The beauty of the library is that it does not judge or sway but just provides information and access. The information is even further enhanced beyond the finding aids through very well educated and experienced librarians.

What inspired you to create a bequest to the library?

I really wanted to show my appreciation and support of the work being done. It’s important for all of us to help preserve our history, which is really both a state and national treasure. Many treasures found in CSWR’s special collections cannot be found anywhere else in the world. By creating a bequest, I am able to help preserve these important documents and create a legacy that is very important to me both personally and professionally.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about supporting our work?

I would say GIVE! As a donor myself, I want to be a part of something unique and special and something that is also useful to students, faculty, and staff. What people often fail to remember is that ALL donations count, no matter how small or large—they all play a part in preserving our unique history.

What is your favorite special collections item?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. There are so many! I think that the one that sticks out in my memory is a rare book referred to as the Kelmscott Chaucer. This particular edition of Chaucer's work is regarded by many as the most memorable and beautiful edition of Chaucer's works. It came to the CSWR as a donation along with more than 1,000 other rare books from a local rare book collector, Lucia Batten. It really is a treasure and only one example of what is housed at Zimmerman Library. If you have a chance, get out there and see the rest. You will be amazed at what is archived inside those walls!

CHECK OUT THE KELMSCOTT CHAUCER HERE.