University of Richmond Library Beneficiary of $2.2 Million Gift

The University of Richmond made a lasting impression on Fletcher Stiers, class of 1948.

Through the years he showed his support of the university in many ways and upon his death he left $2.2 million to Boatwright Memorial Library.

The donation is welcomed by the library. “Fletcher was a dedicated and dear friend to the Boatwright Memorial Library,” said University Librarian Kevin Butterfield. “His unrestricted gift ensures that the University of Richmond Libraries may continue to acquire, preserve, and make accessible research collections for generations to come.”

Stiers had been a member of The Boatwright Society and Friends of the Boatwright Library. He also documented the history of the university in a book in which he noted every event or happening at the university on a particular day for an entire year. That book now resides within the Rare Book Collection of the library. 

His passion for the university was evident in other areas, too. Stiers was a founding member of the UR Spider Club and went on to serve five terms on its Board of Directors. He also dedicated his time to the UR Athletic Council, the Ambassador Program, and Past Presidents Council. He was an Osher Institute member and a season ticket holder for football and basketball. He received the UR Volunteer of the Year Award in 1989 and 1998.

“Fletcher was a dedicated and loyal alumnus in so many ways, and we are so grateful for the generous legacy that he has left at Richmond with this gift,” said Martha Callaghan, assistant vice president of development. “We’re especially pleased to have this support for the library, which touches every aspect of the university and is core to our academic mission.”

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