Kenneth T. and Thelma P. Lally of Schenectady have made a gift of $1 million to establish a reading room in the renovated and expanded Schaffer Library, it was announced by President Roger H. Hull.
“The Kenneth T. and Thelma P. Lally Reading Room, in recognition of two of Schenectady's leading benefactors, will be a key element of the library that is the intellectual hub of the Union campus,” Hull said. “Just as importantly, the
Lally Reading Room will make valuable resources more accessible to the Schenectady community.”
The Kenneth T. and Thelma P. Lally Reading Room will be a centerpiece of the renovated
and expanded building. It will be used extensively by students, faculty and members of the
local community who wish to browse new books and periodicals, or access a range of
collections through on-line technology.
“The Lally's gift couldn't come at a more appropriate time,” Hull said.
“We are completing the fundraising, and we look forward to embarking on the
renovation and expansion of the library.”
The Lallys have been long-time benefactors to a number of organizations in the Capital
District. Mr. Lally began his career as an engineer at General Electric and went on to be
president of a number of technology companies including Gurley-Teledyne, Coradian Corp.
and Testamatic Corp. Mrs. Lally, who retired as a teacher in the Niskayuna School
District, is active on a number of community boards.