James A. Ruckert: Gift Honors Wife, Supports Special Collections

ames A. Ruckert '53 pledged a bequest of $500,000 to establish the James A. Ruckert Special Collections Endowment in the University Libraries. Believing that the University of Maryland should have one of the top-notch library systems in the country, his endowment will provide support for the enhancement, preservation and promotion of the Special Collections department in the R. Lee Hornbake Library.

Ruckert, who is remembered by many as Jim Kehoe's assistant track coach from 1951 to 1971, retired from the Prince George's County Public School system in 1983 after a career teaching environmental education. In recognition of his generosity, the libraries named the foyer and reception area in Hornbake Library, the Audrey Armistead Ruckert Reception Foyer in honor of his wife, who attended the university from 1949—1951.