May 31, 2023
The Engine Room of Knowledge: An Interview with UW Libraries Donors Doug and Karen Forsyth
Doug and Karen Forsyth.
Doug and Karen Forsyth are a curious and humble couple with a love for sailing, books, Ancient Greece and the UW Libraries. Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with an emphasis on Native American Culture and a Teaching Certificate in Primary Education at the UW in 1980. Doug is a ‘Double Dawg’, earning his Bachelor of Arts in History (1977) and Master of Business Administration (1981) both at the UW Seattle campus. Doug also recently earned a Ph.D. in Ancient History from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Both spend part of each summer working on archaeological excavations in the Greek islands.
Excavating at 6th century BCE sanctuary to Apollo at Despotiko near the island of Paros in the central Aegean.
They have been UW supporters for a long time, making their first contributions just a few years after graduating. As a bold testament to their passion for the Libraries and education, the Forsyths dedicated the sailboat window in the Reading Room at Suzzallo Library.
We sat down with the couple to gain insight into why they support the Libraries and their thoughts on how the UW Libraries is integral to UW teaching, learning and research.
A Love for Books and UW Libraries
“The Libraries is the engine room; they power the whole ship”
Doug holding olive oil burning lamp from Despotiko.
Doug and Karen fondly recall studying in the Reading Room and exploring Suzzalo’s vast collection of books. “We love books,” exclaims Karen. The Forsyths’ experiences as students, the Libraries’ impact on current scholars and their relationships with staff inspired them to endow the sailboat window, one of 56 36-foot tall windows around the perimeter of the Reading Room.
“It’s a special place, one of our favorites. The sailboat medallion is also special to us as we are lifelong recreational sailors having sailed extensively in the Pacific Northwest and the Mediterranean with our two sons. Additionally, we worked with ships professionally in the seafood business,” they explain. “To us, boats symbolize connectivity, such as that which we share with friends, family and the University of Washington.”
Left: Image of sailboat window in the Reading Room. Right: Doug and Karen Forsyth in the Reading Room with their dedicated window.
In addition to their own fond memories in the reading room, they appreciate the Libraries impact as a resource for the public good. “It’s more than just the library for the UW, it’s public, we all own it, and the further it reaches out to the broader community, the better. They are doing a great job at that.”
Doug and Karen admire the central role the Libraries plays in advancing scholarship across the UW. “We learned a lot about the impact of the Libraries initially through our work with the Classics department, understanding that the Libraries plays an important role in the research process, providing access to resources and other services. The Libraries is the engine room; they power the whole ship,” Doug emphasizes.
From Collections to Accessibility
The Forsyths agree that the UW Libraries collection is one of the many things that sets it apart from other libraries while also acknowledging the importance of the Libraries’ partnerships to extend access to global collections.
“There’s an instant ability to reach beyond what’s available on campus, which I think is really wonderful.”
Doug and Karen believe that the UW Libraries will continue to grow and serve its users, particularly through outreach and expansion of electronic resources. They express that the Libraries’ accessibility, outreach efforts and commitment to growth showcase the critical role that it plays in serving the university community and beyond.
“It’s not just a repository of past knowledge–they do so many things that people may not even realize,” says Doug, “The UW Libraries today is active and interactive–creating as much as it is archiving–but also teaching, doing community outreach and making accessible all of the electronic information that is constantly being generated.”
Through their own experience as students, engaged alumni and as long-time Library users themselves, the Forsyths have great insight into how and why a gift to the Libraries benefits all users – now and into the future.
Window #26 – Male Dolphin
Make Your Mark
Learn more about how you can join the Forsyths and others in being a catalyst for student success by dedicating a window in one of the most iconic locations in Seattle.
