Growing up in Illinois, Mary (Nelligan) Humenik (LA’85) and her siblings enjoyed weekly trips to their local library.
The oldest of seven children—four of them Purdue graduates—Humenik developed a deep love of reading that began with Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and other novels featuring strong female characters.

After earning a degree in English, she worked several years in publishing and, since 2006, has supported Purdue Libraries with an annual gift of $1,000. “My husband, Mark, and I agree that we need to give back to the schools we attended,” Humenik says. “Other than your parents, nothing shapes you more than your academics.”

Mark, a graduate of Marquette University, runs a dental practice in Northbrook, Illinois, and displays a signed photo
of Purdue astronauts above his desk.

When Humenik began her college search, she originally overlooked Purdue because it lacked a writing program. While visiting other schools in Indiana and Ohio, however, her mother suggested making a stop in West Lafayette.   

“It was a perfect day—the weather was amazing, and everyone bended over backward to help us,” she says. “The student guide was originally an engineering major who loved his English classes so much that he switched majors. I got back in the car and knew Purdue was the place for me.”

Humenik loved attending English classes taught by professors who shared their vast knowledge of Milton, Shakespeare, and other classic authors. Outside of the classroom, she played intramural sports, attended the annual Purdue Christmas Show, and enjoyed watching movies in Loeb Playhouse.

Still close with her college friends, Humenik returns to campus each year. Last fall’s visit included a reunion with her Chi Omega pledge sisters. For the past 29 years, she has assisted Mark with his dental practice and—of course—continues to pursue her lifelong passion for literature. “I can’t think of my life without books and libraries,” she says.