The Howard and Evangeline Phalin Collection in English and American Literature was established in 1976. Howard (’28) and Evangeline “Pete” Peterson were married in the Notre Dame Log Chapel in 1931. They spent their life in book publishing, and as a testimony to their love of books and the University, they made a gift of the granite Word of Life Mural that adorns the Hesburgh Library.

Howard, who is now deceased, retired in 1968 as chairman of the board of Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, publisher of World Book, the same year he received an honorary doctor of law degree from the University. He was a member of the College of Arts and Letters Advisory Council and the Associate Board of Lay Trustees, and later the new Board of Trustees. He went on to become a Trustee Emeritus.

Pete was active in the Women’s Advisory Council and upon her death, Howard provided for the restoration of the stained glass windows in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in her memory.

The Phalin Endowment has allowed for the development of collections in English, American, and comparative literature as well as literature of women, African Americans, developing countries, and the Vietnam War. Retrospective materials, excessively priced items, and publications, especially those published before 1980, have also been purchased with help from this fund. Non-traditional materials such as videos, rare books, recordings, and compact discs are also part of the collection.