The U-M Library is hosting an exhibit celebrating the life and contributions of former football coach and library trustee Bo Schembechler.
Featuring photos, quotes and video clips, this expansive look at Schembechler’s contributions goes far beyond the football field.
For Paul Courant, dean of libraries, the choice to highlight Schembechler is a personal one. “Bo was a student in my introductory public policy class. He and I talked about football, economics and public policy right up until the week he died. He had such enthusiasm for the University. It was amazing to watch him interact with the students. He loved the students and the students loved him.”
Schembechler, who died Nov. 17, 2006, was involved with the library as a trustee of its board. In 1994 he collaborated with the Athletic Department to develop an innovative fund-raising campaign — the sale of recycled stadium turf in the form of U-M coasters and welcome mats — to assist the library in raising matching funds for a major gift for preservation activities.
“It takes more than athletics to make a winner,” Schembechler said. “The University Library helped make the University of Michigan a leader among academic and research institutions.”
Newly renovated space at Hatcher Library allows the showcasing of the library’s treasures and the expansion of available public space.
The exhibit runs through Dec. 7 in the gallery on the first floor of the Hatcher Graduate Library. The gallery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.
