Rensselaer Libraries Given Most Generous Gift

George Mahe '42
(circa 1942)

The Rensselaer Libraries was recently bequeathed an astounding gift of 19.5 million dollars by alumnus George Mahe, who passed away in 2010.  Mr. Mahe received a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Institute in 1942.  Before retiring in the mid-1970s, he was a project engineer with Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover, NJ.

His niece, Elizabeth Wilson, and her husband, Kenneth, visited the library recently to tour it, visit the Archives, and have lunch with Rensselaer Libraries Director Bob Mayo, Vice President for Information Services and Technology and CIO (Chief Information Officer) John Kolb, and Advancement Officer Nina Moser. The Wilsons also dined with President Shirley Jackson at her home, where a plaque in Mr. Mahe’s honor was unveiled. It will eventually be placed in the Folsom Library. 

 

Presently there is a bronze plaque on the third floor of Folsom honoring Mr. Mahe's parents. It was mounted in recognition of the first monetary gift Mr. Mahe gave in their name. It is inscribed:

 

                                     TO FOSTER INQUIRY, LEARNING 

                                 AND EXCELLENCE AT RENSSELAER

 

Mr. Mahe's ultimate gift is a godsend and is making it possible for us to preserve our core collection.

 

Adrienne Birchler

Coordinator

Friends of the Folsom Library