Even after leaving the classroom, some educators continue to influence students’ lives in meaningful ways. In Albuquerque, a retired professor is carrying on that mission–to honor his wife and preserve their shared legacy in education.
Retired University of New Mexico professor Richard Van Dongen paved the way for a new literacy chapter in Albuquerque Public Schools. Earlier this month, he donated $100,000 to the APS Education Foundation. The donation established the “Van Dongen Books Kids Want to Read Fund.”
He created the fund to honor his late wife, Barbara Chamberlin Van Dongen, and their lifelong partnership in education. Demonstrating his enduring devotion to the district, Richard also pledged part of his legacy gift to support the fund.
The effort highlights the commitment and generosity of two of Albuquerque’s most dedicated educators.
“This is an extraordinary gift for our students,” said APS Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey. “Literacy is the foundation for everything we do, and this donation will help us engage students and foster their love of reading. Words cannot express how grateful we are to the Van Dongens for this generous gift.”
Partners in Education
Richard and Barbara grew up in Albuquerque. They spent their professional lives championing student learning.
Barbara, who passed away in 2016, earned her undergraduate degree at Stanford University. She then received a PhD in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Maryland. She worked as a classroom teacher and librarian at APS before becoming the head of District Library Services.
Richard began his career in elementary education at APS. He later returned to UNM to earn a doctorate in education. He then stepped into senior leadership in UNM’s College of Education.
“Both educators dedicated their long careers to the education of teachers and students in Albuquerque and beyond,” said APS Education Foundation Executive Director Shannon Barnhill. “This spirit of commitment continues through the Van Dongen Books Kids Want to Read Fund.”
How the Fund Benefits School Libraries
The initiative addresses a persistent challenge in education: keeping school library collections current, relevant and engaging. The fund provides resources directly to library staff. It allows them to purchase popular literature, graphic novels, the latest nonfiction, and other genres that resonate with today’s students.
“This gift will provide APS students a say in the books they have in their school libraries,” said Rachel Altobelli, senior director of Library Services at APS. “Keeping school library collections current, relevant and inspiring can be a challenge without easily accessible funding.”
The fund is designed to be user-friendly for educators. It will be administered by the APS Education Foundation. School librarians can access the resources through a simple application process. The process enables them to tailor acquisitions to the specific interests and needs of their school communities.
The library serves as one of the most vital learning spaces in school. It acts as an extension of the classroom, where students expand upon their lessons and explore new ideas. The new fund keeps these environments dynamic and aims to inspire a lasting love of reading.
Community members can support this ongoing legacy by donating directly to the fund through the APS Foundation.
