The Carol and Rees LaBar General Library Endowment was established in 2007 by the late John “Rees” LaBar (’53) and his wife, Carolyn “Carol.” John was a longtime member of the Hesburgh Libraries Advisory Council. He and Carol have 12 children: Sue, Mike, Meg, John, Dan, Ann, Kate, Lisa, Tom, Sandra, Vicki, and Teri.

Unrestricted in nature, the LaBar Endowment is and will continue to be a flexible partner for the Hesburgh Libraries as they support the mission of academic excellence of the University. As Notre Dame closely manages LaBar Endowment resources in relation to the most pressing needs of our students and faculty, the University shall acquire current United States and foreign publications important to student and faculty research. These funds will also help to expand the information infrastructure so as to enable seamless desktop access to learning, teaching, and research resources for all user groups. With LaBar funds, the Libraries provide programs and services, all aimed at taking control of information resources and optimizing their use for academic achievement.

Carol is a member of the Badin Guild. The LaBars have also supported the LaBar Practice Complex, the Rees and Carol LaBar Director of the Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes, and the H. and E. LaBar Scholarship.