Max Lucado, one of the world’s most renowned Christian authors and an ACU alumnus, donated his entire paper collection to the university last spring, and now the Brown Library has created a space to display his work.
Mac Ice, special collection librarian and archivist, and Amanda Dietz, archivist and curator, came up with the design of the exhibit that sits in the heart of the Library Commons. From the boxes that Lucado donated to the exhibit, their goal was to show a glimpse into Lucado’s beginnings leading up to his current works. The exhibit is entitled “From West Texas to the World.”
The climate-controlled display cabinet holds the letters and papers that were kept in pristine condition, Ice and Dietz said. The case also features shelves on the side that include materials any library visitor can pick up and read. The writing on the front of the cabinet features titles of Lucado’s works and excerpts of his books in his own handwriting.
Lucado, who graduated in 1977, served as a missionary in Brazil in the 1980s and as minister at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio for many years. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2003.
Ice said Lucado’s writings have a “wonderful personal connection to his reader.”
The exhibit includes many of Lucado’s bestselling books, including You are Special, Just the Way You Are, He Chose the Nails and You Did This For Me? Every Lucado book is still in circulation and has been printed in over 40 languages. Lucado’s writing style aims to be easy enough for anyone to enjoy, no matter their age.
One of the key benefits to having Lucado’s papers is the access that students will have to the collection, Dietz said.
“We encourage everyone, students and members of the community to come in and enjoy the collection,” she said.
Visitors can access the works ranging from rough drafts to final copies of Lucado’s books and sermons from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. every Monday through Friday in the Special Archives on the the lower level of the library. Visits do not require an appointment, but one is recommended to get help looking through the collection.
