Gifts in Action - The Veldes

MEET THE VELDES

John E. “Bud” Velde Jr., former president of Paisano Productions in Los Angeles, was a University of Illinois alumnus and charter member of the Library Friends. His interest in libraries began when he was a student at Illinois and continued throughout his lifetime. He served on numerous national commissions concerning libraries, and was a member of the Madison Council, a fundraising organization for the Library of Congress. He and his wife, Gretchen, were staunch Library supporters.

HOW AND WHY THEY GAVE

The John “Bud” Velde Estate will establish several named funds and projects, including an endowed professorship for the head of preservation, the construction of a preservation lab, a collections endowment to acquire and preserve materials in the Rare Book and Special Collections Library, a visiting scholars endowment, a graduate fellowship and an unrestricted endowment. The enrichment of these programs will serve as a fitting legacy to his lifelong commitment to libraries.

Velde also made several significant contributions to the Library through the years, including the donation of funds to purchase both the seven-millionth and eight-millionth volumes for the Library in 1986 and 1992 respectively and the establishment of a named endowment fund in 1992 for general support of the Library. His wife also created a Library endowment fund in her husband’s name in 1992 to celebrate his 75th birthday and his love for libraries.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Through the years, Mr. Velde’s enduring commitment to the Library has made an important difference in our ability to provide exceptional collections and services,” stated Paula Kaufman, University librarian. “His most recent gift through an estate distribution provides us with a tremendous advantage in addressing current challenges in a number of important areas.”