Rupert Evans: Lifelong Educator Provides Vision and Leadership
Rupert Evans was president of the Foundation from its inception in 1997 until the renovated and expanded library was dedicated in May 2005. Rupert's tireless and enthusiastic commitment to the success of this endeavor preserved the size and scope of the building plan by encouraging the Foundation's promise to increase their fundraising goal from $1 million to $2 million. His enthusiastic and charismatic leadership inspired the board and the community to share his vision for the library's future and move forward to achieve it.
Distinguished career
Retired dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois, Rupert had a distinguished career as an educator, joining the university faculty as an assistant professor of vocational and technical education and going on to serve as associate dean and then dean. He was a Fulbright lecturer in Japan, a consultant in 18 foreign countries, and author of 11 books and nearly 100 journal articles. He regarded his work with the Foundation as the capstone of an interesting career.
Generous support
The Evans family was very generous in their support of the library. Rupert's first wife, Jean Evans, launched the library expansion with a major gift before her death in 1999. The Jean Evans Archives Room is named in her honor. Rupert's wife Mary K. Evans was also extremely supportive of the library expansion project and sponsored the Music Collection Area.
