Eastern Michigan University receives a generous gift from Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation for modernization of Bruce T. Halle Library building

Exterior photo of Halle Library with students at the main entrance.
(EMU file photo)

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University has received a generous gift from the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation to upgrade and modernize the University’s Bruce T. Halle Library. Located in the center of Eastern’s campus, the Halle Library has been a key resource for thousands of students, faculty and staff, and community residents since it opened in 1998.

Bruce T. Halle is the founder of Discount Tire, a leading national retailer of tires and wheels. Halle first enrolled at Eastern in 1948. After serving in the Marine Corps in the Korean War, Halle returned to Eastern in 1953 and completed his degree three years later. He opened his first Discount Tire store in Ann Arbor in 1960. Today, Discount Tire has more than 1,100 stores and 27,000 employees across the U.S.

Halle was awarded an honorary doctorate and delivered the University’s commencement address in 1995. He established the Bruce T. Halle Endowment, which led to the construction of the architecturally-stunning Halle Library in his name.

Diane and Bruce Halle
Bruce and Diane Halle

In 2002, Bruce and his wife Diane Halle established the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation as a philanthropic resource to ensure that all people can build healthy, productive, and inspiring lives. Mr. Halle passed away in 2018, but the foundation continues and honors the five lessons that he taught those around him: be honest, work hard, have fun, be grateful and pay it forward.

Project scope

This generous gift will be utilized to renovate Halle Library to further meet the needs of today’s students and continue to honor the legacy of Bruce T. Halle for future generations of students. The project will transform the first floor of the library into a state-of-the-art information commons. This new learning center will play a key role in supporting student success, retention and graduation by creating spaces for the campus community to gather for collaboration, instruction and celebration of achievement.

The revitalization project includes the following:

  • An entrance that reflects the intention of a 21st century library
  • Improved consulting space to allow for research, writing, technology/digital media, communication consultations, and tutoring
  • Creation of exhibit space for students and community to showcase work
  • Creation of flexible spaces to recharge and connect

“The legacy of an outstanding citizen and supporter of the University lives on,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “This gift allows us to build on the technology that is central to the redefinition of what a modern library offers in today’s world.

“While books and reference services remain vital elements to library operations, creating new spaces that expand student support services, campus collaboration, community connections and celebrate academic accomplishments will make a Halle Library a key centralized resource for decades in the future. We are extremely thankful to the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation for its continued support of the vision of Bruce T. Halle.”

The project will allow for further expansion of important student-focused support efforts in the Halle Library. These include the Holman Success Center; the Writing Center; the Bruce K. Nelson Faculty Development Center; and, the Academic Projects Center.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

About the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation
The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation works to strengthen the daily opportunities and lifelong outcomes for the people and communities they serve by identifying and funding outstanding nonprofits to ensure that all people can build healthy, productive, and inspiring lives. It serves as a leader in providing philanthropic resources for organizations working in the fields of human services, health and medical, education, art and culture, and spirituality. Learn more about The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation by visiting dianeandbrucehallefoundation.org.

April 12, 2023

Written by:
Walter Kraft

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401