Mary recognized the important role the libraries play at Washington University—enriching all academic experiences here. Her enduring love for the libraries, and for her alma mater, continues to be seen through the legacy she left in the endowment that bears her family name. Upon her death, Mary bequest $2 million to establish the Isabella and Frank Wickenhauser Memorial Library Fund for Film and Theater Arts in honor of her parents. The endowment supports the library’s acquisition for television, film, and theater arts.
    Since 1998, the Washington University Libraries have purchased more than 16,000 books, journals, databases, DVDs and 16mm and 35mm film prints to meet the challenge of supporting the ever evolving curriculum for Washington University Performing Arts Departments and Program in Film and Media Studies.
    In addition, she gave her personal papers and memorabilia, including scripts, photographs, correspondence, family material and more to the Department of Special Collections, which is available to researchers at University Archives as the Mary Wickes Papers.