The Sophronia B. Schmuhl Library Endowment in American Studies and Journalism was established in 2010, together with the William J. Schmuhl Library Endowment in Business Management.

The donors, Sophronia B. Schmuhl and her husband William J. Schmuhl (’36), considered both subjects—American studies and journalism, and business management —of personal importance to them and of scholarly importance to Notre Dame. Each endowment provides permanent support for acquisitions by the Hesburgh Libraries to advance research and teaching in these areas. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmuhl, endowments such as these are more about the future than the past—an opportunity to help in the furtherance of the tools necessary for a first-rate university.

The Schmuhls were the parents of three children: William J. Schmuhl Jr. (’65, ’67 JD), Margo Schmuhl Bowman (SMC ’67), and Robert P. Schmuhl (’70).

The Sophronia B. Schmuhl Endowment in American Studies and Journalism provides welcome support to the Hesburgh Libraries in developing collections and services that support the study of American history, literature, politics, and journalism. Through it materials can be obtained to support learning, teaching, and doing research about the American experience.