Dean of the Libraries David Seaman has announced that Alexander N. and Margaret Charters have donated $50,000 to the Syracuse University Libraries to create the Alexander N. Charters Library Initiative Fund. The funds will be used to develop the Charters Library for Educators of Adults, expand its accessibility and increase its use, both on campus and in the field of adult education.
Alexander N. Charters
Both Alex Charters and his wife, Margaret, are former faculty members of the University. Margaret is also an alumna, having earned graduate degrees in 1971 and 2004. The couple are strong advocates for adult education and literacy in the community. Their gift will provide even greater access to a growing array of resources for the practitioners of adult education.
Alex Charters earned a doctorate in adult education from the University of Chicago in 1948. He began his career when he was appointed assistant to the dean of University College and subsequently served the University in various capacities, including as a professor of adult education, director of the library of continuing education, dean of University College, vice president for continuing education and head of Syracuse University Resources in Continuing Education. He retired in 1983.
Margaret Charters is an emerita professor in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. After her retirement from the University 18 years ago, Margaret began volunteering as a reading tutor at Dr. King School in the Syracuse City School District. She has recruited about 35 adult volunteers who now work with 60 students twice a week to boost their reading skills. In order to be a more effective teacher, Margaret returned to school to earn a master’s degree in reading education at the age of 80.
“The Syracuse University Libraries are honored by the Charters’ gift,” says Dean Seaman, adding, “We recognize their great dedication to adult education, as well as their investment in expanding resources for those both studying and working in the field.
The Alexander N. Charters Library for Educators of Adults is also supported by an endowment funded by the Charters. In making their most recent gift for the continued development of the Charters Library, Alex said that he wishes to continue to provide an active and growing resource for practitioners, as well as those who continue to study the practice.
For more information about the Alexander N Charters Library, details about the library can be accessed online at https://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/a/AlexanderNCharters/.
