A Passion for Learning Lives On: Henry S. & Katherine W. Evans

A Passion for Learning Lives On: Henry S. & Katherine W. Evans ’41

University Receives Additional Support in Their Honor

In 1998, Robert Evans established the Robert W. Evans Charitable Trust, providing substantial ongoing support to the Muskingum University library in honor of his mother’s Muskingum legacy and his father’s service as a Muskingum trustee. Sadly, Mr. Evans passed away in 2006 but his charitable legacy lives on through the generosity of the charitable trust, which recently made a significant gift to further provide for quality education at Muskingum.

Katherine Wilkison Evans ’41 earned her Muskingum Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She married Reverend Henry S. Evans, the pastor of College Drive Presbyterian Church, and a graduate of Westminster College and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

The couple settled in New Concord, where they forged deep bonds with the Muskingum learning community, as Henry led College Drive Presbyterian for more than 31 years, retiring in 1967. He was a long-time Muskingum trustee and received an honorary Muskingum doctoral degree for his service to the community.

Robert Evans, a graduate of the University of Chicago, led a distinguished career as a university librarian. He served Muskingum (1955-1961) and Oberlin College (1961-1968), before becoming the founding Director of the Library at SUNY-Purchase (1969-1989).

Katherine W. Evans ’41, Henry S. Evans, and Robert W. Evans

The Evans Distinguished Librarian chair, currently held by Director of the Library Dr. Nainsí Houston, recognizes the Evans family.

“We are extremely grateful to Robert, Henry, and Katherine Evans for their commitment to Muskingum. Their passion for learning, demonstrated through their service during their lifetimes, will continue to live on through their generosity, impacting current and future generations of The Long Magenta Line.”

President Susan S. Hasseler