The José E. Fernández Sr. Library Retrospective Collection in Hispanic Caribbean Studies was established in 2004. José (’65) is chairman of the board of Omega Overseas Investment Corp., a privately held international bank. One of Puerto Rico’s most respected investment bankers and financial strategists, he has been at the center of the island’s economic development for more than 40 years.

José has been a member of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees since 1995 and is a past member of the Mendoza College of Business Advisory Council. José and his wife, Mary Jane, have three sons: José Jr. (’90), Juan, and Miguel (’99 BA, ’00 BBA).

Through the support of this endowment, the Hesburgh Library recently added many exciting items, including a rare 1850s color lithograph album with artfully composed views of Havana and its social customs.

As part of the study of the humanities, Hispanic Caribbean studies impact every aspect of the human condition—history, writings, religion, languages, and arts. As such, the Fernández Collection has greatly advanced the quality of Notre Dame’s research and the education of students.

José has also established the José E. Fernández Bjerg Scholarship, to bring more students from Puerto Rico to Notre Dame; the José E. Fernández Sr. Scholarship for Chicago Hispanic Students; and the José Enrique Fernández Sr. Endowed Graduate Fellowship.