Reference Point

7 On June 7, 1958, Hudson 'Hud' Keenan, '53, and Ann Andres, '58, celebrated their marriage with a reception at Central Michigan University's Sloan Hall – on the campus where they met and in the residence hall Ann lived in while earning her undergraduate degree. The Keenans' story began here and continues to be enriched by the university community and the collections of Clarke Historical Library. They've been loyal annual supporters of the CMU Libraries for nearly thirty years. "We value education and have a love of lifelong learning," the Keenans said. "We're happy to support the library resources at CMU that have given us so much knowledge and enjoyment." The Keenans made Mount Pleasant their home and education their vocation. They are both science educators. Hud taught at Mount Pleasant High School for 35 years before retiring in 1991. Ann taught at several local schools and at CMU before retiring from Mount Pleasant High School in 1996. She also earned two master's degrees from CMU. In retirement, they're frequent patrons of Clarke Library. Hud began using Clarke as a resource for conducting genealogy research; and, as he delved into its resources, other areas of historical interest emerged. Ann shared his enthusiasm, A l u m n i f a m i l y g i ve s b a c k t o C M U L i b r a r i e s B y A my S o p e r helped him research and edited his typewritten notes. In 1999 Hud published his first book, "Storms and Other Extreme Weather Events in Central Michigan." He also published several historical articles and two more books. The Keenans have four children, three of whom earned degrees from CMU. Their daughter, Kieran Keenan, '81, has been providing generous financial support to the Libraries since 2000. Kieran remembers attending the lab school on campus and visiting Clarke at least once a year with her classmates. In later years, as an English major at CMU and while working at the Student Book Exchange, she spent much of her time at Park Library. "I would never have been able to complete a term paper or research essay without the Libraries," Kieran said. "Books, periodicals and microfilm were all part of my experience." Kieran is now vice president of store transitions for Follett Higher Education Group, which provides textbook services to college and university students through campus stores across the nation. When asked why she chooses to support the Libraries, Kieran said, "When thinking of my time at CMU, it was about learning. What other entity on campus has the potential to benefit every single student, not just a few?" • A legacy Top: Hudson and Ann Keenan Center: Hud and Ann Keenan's wedding reception Bottom: Kieran Keenan

• Cover