The Kuzmich Earth Sciences Endowed Library Fund was established by Rudolph W. Kuzmich (’49) who holds the distinction of being the first person to graduate from Notre Dame with a degree in geology. Rudy entered Notre Dame in June 1943 in the Navy V–12 and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. In 1945 the Navy ordered him to active duty with the Pacific Fleet, after which he returned to graduate from Notre Dame.

In 1956 he founded his own company, R.K. Petroleum, headquartered in Midland, Texas. In recognition of his accomplishments, Rudy was given the Notre Dame science achievement award in 1965. He has five children.

Along with underwriting the acquisition of current basic materials for the study of the earth sciences, the Kuzmich Fund is working hard to fill in retrospective gaps and necessary reference materials. As fields of research interests evolve and shift at Notre Dame, this endowment responds as needed. Currently, it is providing critical support for the acquisition of new research materials in areas such as climatology, stratigraphy, and several areas that cross the boundaries between the earth sciences and engineering.

Rudy is a longstanding member of the Sorin Society.