Commitment to Northwestern University Libraries Inspires Planned Gift

Leslie Cameron Devereaux ’64 provides for Libraries and other areas at Northwestern with a bequest

“Charles Deering Library is a library like no other,” says Leslie Cameron Devereaux ’64, who spent many hours studying there as an undergraduate student at Northwestern University. In appreciation, Devereaux has included a generous bequest to Northwestern University Libraries in her estate plan. “I want to ensure that Deering Library maintains its rich look and tradition of service to students and faculty.”

Devereaux’s gift will provide future support for University Libraries, including the care of Deering Library. Deering, which opened in 1933, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Evanston campus and stands as a powerful symbol of academic pride and tradition for the University. Plans for revitalizing the library focus on preserving the building’s classical architecture, upgrading technology, and creating learning and study spaces that meet the needs of modern library users.

“We are honored that Leslie has chosen to create a legacy at Northwestern through her support of Northwestern University Libraries,” says Xuemao Wang, Dean of Libraries and the Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian. “Her future gift will enhance and revitalize library facilities, touching students and faculty across the University.”

Gift Reflects Broad Interests

In addition to her support of Libraries, Devereaux will provide for several other areas at the University through her estate, including undergraduate scholarships and Northwestern Athletics. Her gift reflects the broad range of experiences she had as a student. “I was attracted to Northwestern for its sterling academic reputation,” says Devereaux, a lifelong resident of Michigan. “Once there, I ended up falling in love with the campus and the student experience. I took advantage of all aspects of student life.”

Devereaux, who earned a degree in English, was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and served as treasurer of the Women’s Athletic Association’s Executive Board. She also attended football games with friends, becoming a lifelong fan. In 1996, Devereaux traveled to the West Coast to cheer on the Wildcats as they faced the University of Southern California in the Rose Bowl Game.

Devereaux’s love for Northwestern served as the inspiration for her bequest commitment. Bequests—often made through a will or trust—are an effective way to have a significant impact at Northwestern. They can be structured to support the University overall, or to target a particular school or program. Plus, bequests are revocable, allowing donors to hold onto their assets during their lifetime.

Devereaux, who serves as president and treasurer of the Richard C. Devereaux Foundation, hopes her bequest will have a positive impact on the future of Northwestern Libraries and the University overall. “For me, philanthropy is a way to give to and give back,” Devereaux says. “I give to Northwestern so that others can be touched by this marvelous institution in the same way that I was as a student.”

Create Opportunities for Future Students

If your time at Northwestern sparks a desire to give others opportunities for learning, friendship, and student experiences, contact Northwestern Gift Planning at 800-826-6709 or giftplanning@northwestern.edu to discuss your options.