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12:05 p.m., Dec. 11, 2002--Melva B. Guthrie (1897-1968) was honored for her generosity to the University of Delaware on Nov. 12, with the dedication of the Melva B. Guthrie Atrium in Morris Library.
 A Delaware native who grew up in Wilmington, Guthrie was married to the late James H. Guthrie, who was the general manager of Xanadu, the 1,400–acre Cuban estate of Irenee du Pont. After the death of her husband in 1938, Guthrie turned her attention to supporting local causes, including the Red Cross and Alcoholics Anonymous.
UD President David P. Roselle, speaking during the dedication ceremony, noted Guthrie’s philanthropic contributions to the University, which included gifts totaling more than $6 million, with the UD Library as the beneficiary.
“Mrs. Guthrie’s generosity has been extraordinary for the University of Delaware, and we deeply appreciate her support,” Roselle said. “The Melva B. Guthrie Endowment Fund has assisted and will continue to assist in meeting the needs of and providing even greater opportunities for the users of the Morris Library now and in the future.”
The dedication ceremony also was attended by a group of friends, family and UD officials, including speakers Susan Brynteson, May Morris Director of Libraries, and Timothy Murray, head of the special collections department.
The atrium, with its sky lighted and vaulted ceiling, is located on the second and third floors of Morris Library and is part of a 1986 addition to the building by the Baltimore architectural firm of Richter Cornbrooks Gribble.
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photo by Kathy Flickinger
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