UVa Library Press Releases

Press Releases home page

UVA's SEVEN SOCIETY HONORS ERNEST MEAD

Contact: Jeanne Hammer, director of Development at (804) 924-3246 or e-mail: jmh@virginia.edu

June 28, 1996

The Seven Society announced its contribution of $7,077.77 to the Ernest Mead Fund for the Music Library at a dinner in Professor Mead's honor in Alumni Hall on April 26, 1996. The dinner was hosted by former students of Professor Mead, who has taught music to generations of students at the University since 1953.

The Ernest Mead fund was established earlier this year on the occasion of Professor Mead's retirement and in recognition of his strong support of the Music Library. According to Music Librarian, Diane Walker, "the existence and strength of the current Music Library are due in large part to Professor Mead's efforts." Professor Mead states "When I first joined the faculty in 1953, I said then that the essence of a real University lay in a good library and in experienced tutors for the students." During his years as chairman of the Music Department he appropriated significant portions of the Department's meager operating funds to purchase library materials and solicited monetary gifts and materials from friends and acquaintances. He eventually persuaded the University of the need for a separate library and a professional music librarian to build on the foundation of his initial collection.

The Seven Society's contribution to the Mead Fund assures its endowment to provide ongoing support for the Music Library. "I cannot think of a better way for his students to honor him than through contribution to this fund that will support the resource he has concentrated so much of his own efforts on over the years," says Ms. Walker. "We are extremely grateful to the Seven Society for their contribution."

When the fund was established, Judith Shatin, chair of the Music Department, explained, "the Mead Fund will allow friends, former students, and colleagues the opportunity to continue Professor Mead's long-term dedication to the Music Library."

Contributions to the Mead Fund should be made payable to the University of Virginia Library and may be sent to Jeanne Hammer, Director of Development, Alderman Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA 22903.

###