Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent State University Semicentennial collection

Inclusive Date(s):

1956-1961

Bulk Date(s):

1959-1960

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Edith Serkownek, June 2008

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Edith Serkownek using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2008

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Kent State University Semicentennial Committee

Extent:

4.15 cubic feet (8 boxes)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0063

Abstract:

This collection documents the celebration of Kent State University's Semicentennial in 1959-1960. It includes some of the working documents of the Semicentennial Committee, photographs, press releases, periodical clippings, KSU publications and souvenirs produced for the Semicentennial.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of Kent State University Semicentennial

Kent State University celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 1959-1960 academic year. In order to prepare and promote the events and activities surrounding the anniversary, President George Bowman appointed a Semicentennial Committee in 1956. The committee, chaired by School of Journalism Head, Professor William Taylor, prepared a series of reports that outlined themes, symbols and a calendar of events for the year. Official souvenirs were created for the celebration including a medallion, a plate, an album of Kent State songs called Kent's Golden Year, and the publication of Phillip R. Shriver's KSU history, The Years of Youth. Semicentennial events throughout the year were documented through official photographs and KSU's Public Affairs Office sent out regular press releases and collected examples of press coverage.

Scope and Content

This collection documents the celebration of Kent State University's Semicentennial during the academic year 1959-1960. It includes some of the working documents of the Semicentennial Committee (1956-1961) including memorandum, correspondence and meeting minutes as well as the committee's official reports submitted to President George Bowman. The collection includes examples of invitations and programs created for Semicentennial events as well as general KSU publications bearing the Semicentennial logo, official photographs, press releases, clippings and periodicals. This collection also includes a number of souvenir and keepsake items created for the event.

Statement of Arrangement

The Kent State University Semicentennial collection is divided into the following series and subseries:

• Series 1: Semicentennial Committee Reports and Working Documents
• Series 2: KSU Publications
• Subseries 2A: KSU Publications: Semicentennial Official Calendar, Events and Convocations
• Subseries 2B: KSU Publications: General
• Series 3: Souvenirs and Promotional Objects
• Series 4: Photographs
• Subseries 4A: Photographs: Events
• Subseries 4B: Photographs: Souvenir and Promotional Objects
• Subseries 4C: Photographs: Photograph Albums
• Series 5: Press Kits, Releases and Clippings
• Series 6: Periodicals
• Series 7: Oversized Material

Related Material

Further materials relating to the KSU Semicentennial can be found in the William D. Taylor papers, the Philip R. Shriver papers and the Kent State University, Artifacts collection.

Preferred Citation

Kent State Univeristy Semicentennial collection. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

This collection was compiled by the KSU Department of Special Collections and Archives from various sources, primarily the Kent State University Semicentennial Committee. The bulk of the photographs series was originally part of the Kent State University School of Journalism Short Course in News Photography records.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Persons:

• Bowman, George A.
• Shriver, Phillip R. (Phillip Raymond), 1922-
• Taylor, William D., 1903-1975

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent State University--History
• Kent State University--Centennial celebrations, etc.
• Kent State University. Semicentennial Committee

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)--History

Occupations:

• College administrators
• College teachers

Material Types:

• Souvenirs
• Press releases
• Photographs
• News photographs
• Photograph albums

Detailed Description of The Collection