Library and campus friends gathered on May 11 in celebration of the newly named Heyns Reading Room in Doe Library. Roger W. Heyns, who served as Chancellor from 1965 to 1971, is described as a leader who stayed calm and fair through many crises, holding the university together through the height of student dissent and anti-war protests. Heyns played a key role in expanding outreach to minority students, and in the founding of the schools of public policy and of journalism.
Many key campus and library friends and donors attended the event, including former chancellors Al Bowker and Mike Heyman, Jack and Barbara Rosston, and Daniel and Yvonne Koshland, among others. Former UC president David Gardner formally dedicated the room. At the champagne reception, other presentations were made by Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, University Librarian Tom Leonard, Bob Haas, and Executive Vice Chancellor Emeritus Earl Cheit. Guests admired the handsome new plaque dedicating the room. A gala dinner in the Morrison Library followed.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, five million dollars was raised for the naming. The Library greatly appreciates the support of the many friends and colleagues of Chancellor Heyns, especially the Haas family, as well as the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation.