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SBU Libraries Hosts Javits Family and Panel Discussion Celebrating $1 Million Gift and Senator Javits’ Legacy

Posted on by Kristen Nyitray

Stony Brook University Libraries recently welcomed the Javits family and distinguished guests to celebrate a major milestone – a generous $1 million gift from the Marian B. and Jacob K. Javits Foundation. The event honored the enduring legacy of Senator Jacob K. Javits and marked a significant step forward in preserving and sharing his life’s work.

The donation established the Senator Jacob K. Javits Collection Engagement Fund, an endowment that will support efforts to maintain, promote, and expand access to the Senator’s vast archival collection housed at Stony Brook. Thanks to New York State’s matching fund program and the Simons Infinity Investment Match Challenge, the impact of this gift will be tripled – making it a transformative contribution to historical scholarship and civic education.

The celebration included an archival exhibit featuring memorabilia from the Senator’s life — including his original desk, now a permanent part of the university’s collection. Attendees were also invited to tour Special Collections to view a curated selection of items from Senator Javits’ archive. With nearly two million items, including speeches, photos, recordings, and campaign materials, it stands as one of the most comprehensive collections documenting 20th-century American public service.

Event attendees, including the Javits family, Javits Foundation Board members, and representatives from the University Libraries, gathered beside an exhibition of Senator Javits’ archive in the Melville Library. Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz, Stony Brook University
Event attendees, including the Javits family, Javits Foundation Board members, and representatives from the University Libraries, gathered beside an exhibition of Senator Javits’ archive in the Melville Library. Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz, Stony Brook University

A highlight of the day was a thought-provoking panel discussion reflecting on Senator Javits’ political career, his impact on civil rights, labor, and foreign policy, and the importance of archiving such histories for future generations featuring New York State Assemblyman Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square); Chief Strategy & Public Affairs Officer for “Future Caucus,” Reed Howard and former executive assistant to Senator Javits, Jud Sommer. Stony Brook Associate Professor Reuben Kline moderated the panel.

The Javits family and discussion panelists. Pictured left to right: Joy, Joshua, and Carla Javits (children of Senator Javits and Marian B. Javits); Professor Reuben Kline; New York State Assemblyman Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square); Reed Howard (Future Caucus); and Jud Sommer (Executive Assistant to Senator Javits). Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz, Stony Brook University.
The Javits family and discussion panelists. Pictured left to right: Joy, Joshua, and Carla Javits (children of Senator Javits and Marian B. Javits); Professor Reuben Kline; New York State Assemblyman Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square); Reed Howard (Future Caucus); and Jud Sommer (Executive Assistant to Senator Javits). Photo credit: Kristy Leibowitz, Stony Brook University.

Looking ahead, the library plans to use the endowment to broaden access to the archive by digitizing materials, developing curricula, and supporting scholarly research. Stony Brook University invites those interested in the Senator’s legacy – or in exploring the rich history of American politics – to schedule a visit with Special Collections.

Read the full press release here. 

Kristen Nyitray

Kristen Nyitray

Associate Librarian; Director, Special Collections and University Archives; and University Archivist at Stony Brook University Libraries
Contact her for research assistance with rare books, manuscript collections, historical maps, and SBU history. E-mail: kristen.nyitray@stonybrook.edu.
Kristen Nyitray

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