$7.5 million donation to help Freed-Hardeman University build new library

Shulls and the Browns: Pictured are Allison Shull, Will Shull, Rosemary Brown, John W. Brown, Don Shull, Allen Shull and Leah Shull The Shull family was informed of the.gif?Action=thumbnail&Width=460&algorithm=proportionalt the Browns were making at a luncheon Aug. 20 prior to the announcement to the faculty and staff.

A 29,000 square foot addition to the Freed-Hardeman University library will be built in memory of FHU’s much loved librarian, Hope Barber Shull, according to an announcement made Aug. 20 by FHU President Joe Wiley at the university’s faculty-staff conference.
“I am every day aware of how many people loved Hope and want to honor her,” her husband Don Shull, FHU professor of English, said. “I am amazed at the wonderful way the Browns have chosen.”
John W. and Rosemary Kopel Brown, Kalamazoo, Mich., have donated $7.5 million toward the cost of the $11 million project. The Browns met at Freed-Hardeman when they were students in 1953-55. They continued their studies at Auburn University where he received a degree in chemical engineering and she majored in chemistry. He became the president and chief executive officer of Stryker in 1977 and retired in 2010.

Read the full release.

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  Don Shull hasnt changed a bit from back at Michigan Christian College! My most sincere condolences to a wonderful family on your parting from a wonderful woman. I was a student at MCC at the same time Hope was and while I join in the sadness of her leaving, I rejoice in knowing that she has raised a wonderful family with Don and has certainly gone home – the goal we all strive to achieve!!
  Linda (Pate) Lawther

  Linda Lawther

  August, 23 2013

  A perfect tribute for Hope, someone who loved learning and excelled at being Christ to others. Kudos to the donor family for allowing their generosity to be used in such a meaningful, personal way, blessing others at many levels.

  Ron Hadfield

  August, 27 2013