Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (School of Law ’80) will donate a collection of his personal papers to the University Archives, according to a Thursday news release.

The papers include Quinn’s correspondence with Gold Star families — families who have lost a loved one in military service — and other documents related to Illinois veterans who died in Afghanistan and Iraq, the release said.

“Quinn attended wakes and funerals for service members killed in action, corresponded with Gold Star families and honored heroes throughout his time as lieutenant governor and governor,” the release said. “This collection of documents provides unique insight into those who have borne the battle defending citizens in America’s wars.”

Quinn’s donation will be formally announced at a Friday event at the Mudd Science and Engineering Library.

The event, held the day before Veterans Day, will honor Gold Star families and their loved ones who died in action, the release said. Families will also be honored at the men’s basketball game on Friday and the football game on Saturday.

“As you know, honoring our military personnel is of the utmost importance to Governor Quinn; it’s also important to Northwestern University,” Dean of Libraries Sarah Pritchard said in the release. “We choose this occasion, on the eve of Veterans Day, to thank these families for their sacrifices.”

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