A new book exploring the life and legacy of former Illinois Wesleyan University President Minor Myers, jr., who the Chicago Tribune once called “an indefatigable advocate of liberal arts education,” will be released next week.

A passionate champion of print culture and reading across disciplines, Myers was the driving force behind the construction of The Ames Library, which contains not only the records of his presidency, but also the Minor Myers, jr. Honors Collection, which is housed in the Bates and Merwin Reading Room and includes award-winning books in areas including fiction, poetry, cookbooks, history, biography, science, business, economics, nature, and the art of the book. The Honors Collection was originally imagined by Professor James Plath, R. Forrest Colwell Endowed Chair and Professor of English, as a reflection of the “multi-talented and multi-interested individuals” who pursue a liberal education, and was named for Myers following his death in 2003.

For those with an interest in exploring Myers and his impact on the university, more information may be found in the University Archives, which include the records of the Office of the President as well as other university and student publications. Please contact Meg Miner, Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist to schedule a visit, or view archival materials online.