Trinity College Friends of the Library give $500,000 to support Lawson Centre for Sustainability

Celebrating with the Friends of the Library members and volunteers at the “Friends of the Library 50th Anniversary Celebrations” on May 30, 2025. (Photo by Andrea Herrmann)

As part of their 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the Trinity College Friends of the Library announced a gift of $500,000 in support of the new Lawson Centre for Sustainability on May 30, 2025. Their generosity will be recognized with the naming of the Friends of the Library Seminar Room in the new Lawson Centre. A special plaque will note the anniversary of this key Trinity volunteer group.

“The impact that these incredible volunteers have had – and continue to have – on our students and the whole College cannot be underestimated,” says Professor Nicholas Terpstra, Provost & Vice-Chancellor, Trinity College. “The Friends of the Library have helped to build our greater community and position Trinity as a place with a passion for learning. We are truly grateful.”

The Friends of the Library is a Trinity College alumni-driven group formed 50 years ago by Helen (Pepall) Bradfield (Class of 60), Jean (Griffin) Elliott (Class of 61), Catherine (Curry) Graham (Class of 62), Alice (West) Bastedo (Class of 61), and Lisa (Balfour) Bowen (Class of 61). The group has since become an outstanding example of alumni engagement and philanthropic leadership, driven by the legendary annual Trinity College Book Sale.

“The Friends of the Library has been committed to supporting academic excellence and student enrichment for 50 years. The decision to name a seminar room in the new Lawson Centre for Sustainability is a continuation of this dedication to the academic experience at Trinity,” says Kate MacDonald, Nicholls Librarian & Director, John W. Graham Library.

Since 1975, the Friends have raised over $5 million for the John W. Graham Library, including two endowments. This latest gift, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, supports one of five new seminar rooms in the Lawson Centre (scheduled to open in 2026) that will feature abundant natural light and state-of-the-art technology. Trinity’s students will benefit from a space that creates opportunities for dialogue and learning, and enables them to connect with other students and thought leaders from around the world.

Categories: College News; Library News; Living Trinity