In January 2016, a generous monetary gift was given to Benner Library from Robert Norman Farley in memory of his wife Irene Clerico Farley ’47.

Irene was raised in Flint, Michigan, the only daughter in an Italian immigrant family. Her mother valued education above anything else and made sure her children had an opportunity for a college education. Irene followed her brother, John, to Olivet where he was actively engaged in the academic experience. She thrived at Olivet and was involved in many campus activities, including: International Relations Club, Platonian Philosophical Society, Chi Sigma Rho, Glimmerglass, Linguistic Society and “O” Club. In addition to active memberships, she also held leadership positions in campus clubs. She worked throughout her time at Olivet in the library as an intern. Irene graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1947 and then returned the following year to complete her teaching credential and a Bachelor of Science degree.

In 1949, Irene married Robert Farley, a fellow Olivetian, and the two moved to Sacramento, California in 1954. Irene had a lifelong career as a librarian in a number of different institutions—University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law; Sacramento City College; and the Sacramento City and County library system. After years of service and raising her three daughters with her husband, Robert, Irene passed away to meet the Lord in the summer of 2015. She was 90 years old.

Benner Library used the donation to create the Irene Clerico Learning Zone (ICLZ). It includes 24 Steelcase Node chairs, a large screen TV, two book binders, a small lamenation machine, a 3D and poster printer, and 2 movable whiteboards along with additonal Ellison die-cut choices.

A dedication ceremony was held in the Irene Clerico Learning Zone (ICZL) on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. In attendance was Irene's daughter along with a good family friend.