The Alfred R. and Lee Abrams Collection in Hebrew and Jewish Studies was established in 1976. Edward M. (’50) and Ann Uhry Abrams, together with Ed’s brother, Bernard, created it to honor the two brothers’ parents. Their father, Alfred (’21), was the first member of his family to attend a university. He went on to found Abrams Industries. Ed served on the College of Arts and Letters Advisory Council until his death in 2007. Dr. Ann Uhry Abrams currently serves on the University’s Snite Museum of Art Advisory Council. Ed and Ann have three children: Alan, Laurie, and Andy (’83).

The Abrams Endowment has vastly improved Notre Dame’s holdings in Judaica, especially in the fields of theology, philosophy, and history. Titles include the 13-volume Origins of Judaism and the 18-volume Archives of the Holocaust, which brings together many previously unpublished primary sources from important archival centers. The fund also supported the acquisition of titles encompassing the sweep of Jewish history, including the three-volume Greek and Latin Authors on Jews and Judaism, edited by Menahem Stern, for the new Theology Reference Collection.

In addition to this collection, Ed and Ann established a scholarship, fellowship, endowed professorship, and Endowment for Excellence at the University.