This library subject endowment is established by UCSC alumnus Jeffrey Skala in memory of his grandmother Virginia McAfee. A woman who initiated a family tradition of support for community libraries that her grandson has continued, both in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado and at his alma mater. Virginia McAfee graduated in 1929 from the University of Michigan with a degree in Library Science. She worked for five years in the Detroit Public Library system and was a strong supporter of community libraries throughout her life. 

The Virginia McAfee Physics/Mathematics Endowment supports UCSC library collections in Physics and Mathematics, the two challenging fields Jeff studied simultaneously as a double major. Income from the endowment will be used by the Physics and Mathematics bibliographers to acquire needed library materials in the two disciplines, including books, reference materials, and serial subscriptions; regardless of whether the format is printed, digital, audiovisual or the like. Endowment income is intended to enhance the depth, character, and distinction of the UCSC Physics and Mathematics collections and to provide a specialized resource for UCSC students and faculty, as well as for sharing within the UC system.