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The Geschke Learning Resource Center
Named in honor of Charles and Nancy Geschke, the 1997 addition to Gleeson Library typifies the renewed spirit of vigor and excitement at the University of San Francisco.
The Geschke Learning Resource Center was conceived by Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis, Bay Area architects who have garnered national acclaim for library design, working in tandem with then-President John P. Schlegel, S.J.
The Geschke Center, located in front of the existing Gleeson Library, was the first new building erected on the central campus since 1973. Adding nearly 36,000 square feet to the University libraries, the Geschke Center provides improved reference and circulation services, better access for disabled patrons and will permit the collections to increase in size.
The first floor of the western end of the building houses the library's reference and circulation departments. The periodicals department is on the second floor, and stack areas and the Dean's office suite are on the third. Remodeled areas on the first floor of the existing building include the Thacher Gallery, a study and service area for disabled students and an electronic library instruction classroom.
The Geschkes have been closely connected to USF since their daughter, Kathleen, matriculated here in 1988. Chuck Geschke joined the President's Roundtable in 1989, became Chairman of the Arts and Sciences Advisory Board and was appointed a Trustee in 1991. He currently serves as Chairman of the USF Board of Trustees. A respected leader in the software industry for more than 25 years, Geschke was president and co-founder of Adobe Systems, Inc. His roots in Jesuit education extend back to 1963-68, when he taught Mathematics at John Carroll University.
Since Nancy Geschke holds a Master's in Library Science degree from San Jose State University, it was natural that the couple was interested in the library addition. Nancy notes, "This building appealed to us because it will be the center of learning at USF, and learning is obviously the heart of the University. As a librarian, I know what a difference a well-designed facility can make for students and all library patrons." In agreeing to help fund the Center, Chuck Geschke adds, "We eagerly accepted the opportunity to have our family be associated with USF."
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