The Raymond E. Mahoney New Opportunities Fund was established in 2001 through the estate of librarians Raymond E. and Alice E. Mahoney of East Lansing, Michigan. Raymond was acting state librarian for Michigan. He was a member of VISTA and a volunteer with the office of Service to the aging. Alice, born and raised in Maspath, New York, served two years as librarian at the Aquillar Branch of the New York Public Library. She was a specialist in children’s literature for the New Lincoln School, an experimental school founded by John Dewey and operated by the Teachers College at Columbia University. In addition to various other organizations, Alice was a member of the Michigan Library Association.

The Mahoney New Opportunities Fund helps the Hesburgh Libraries stay current with technology, digitizing unique resources and making them accessible. Funds also help to acquire rare books and to develop and maintain an expert, innovative, and enthusiastic library faculty and staff. As the University progresses to new levels of academic excellence, this endowment helps to ensure that the quality and breadth of its Libraries grows accordingly.

The Raymond E. Mahoney Endowed Collection in Shakespearean Studies was also created through the Mahoney estate.