Table of ContentsCollection OverviewCollection Inventory+/-
Biographical Note/Historical NoteContent DescriptionCollection UseAdministrative InformationSubjects |
Collection Overview +/-
Collection Inventory +/-
box 1, folder 1: Adrian College – Austin Peay State University
box 1, folder 2: Baker University – Butler University
box 1, folder 3: Cabrini College – Claflin University
1 oversized item removed to Box 3, Folder 1
box 1, folder 4: Claremont Graduate University – Columbus State University
box 1, folder 5: Concordia University – D'Youville College
box 1, folder 6: East Stroudsburg University – Frostburg State University
box 1, folder 7: Gallaudet University – Hollins University
1 oversized item removed to Box 3, Folder 1
box 1, folder 8: Hood College – King College
box 1, folder 9: La Sierra University – Lyon College
box 1, folder 10: Madonna University – Montana State University
box 1, folder 11: Montreat College – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
box 1, folder 12: North Dakota State University – Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio
box 2, folder 1: Pacific Union College – Princeton University
box 2, folder 2: Regis University – Salem Academy and College
box 2, folder 3: Salve Regina University – Southeast Missouri State University
box 2, folder 4: Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Sweet Briar College
1 oversized item removed to Box 3, Folder 1
box 2, folder 5: Tennessee Technological University – Tulane University
box 2
, folder 6: Union College – University of Hartford
box 2
, folder 7: University of Hawaii at Hilo – University of New Mexico
box 2
, folder 8: University of North Alabama – University of St. Francis
1 oversized item removed to Box 3, Folder 1
box 2
, folder 9: University of St. Thomas – Utica College
box 2
, folder 10: Vanderbilt University – Western Michigan University
box 2
, folder 11: Western Oregon University – Youngstown State University
1 oversized item removed to Box 3, Folder 1
box 2
, folder 12: Outgoing Correspondence
box 3
, folder 1: California State University, Los Angeles – Yale University [oversize]
Biographical Note/Historical Note +/-Michael S. Bassis was the 16th President of Westminster College, serving from 2002-2012. Dr. Bassis had a wide range of experiences as a teacher, scholar, and administrator over his 40-year career in higher education. Before coming to Westminster College, he served as the chief academic and administrative officer of New College of Florida (1998-2001), president of Olivet College in Michigan (1993-1998), and executive Vice-President and university provost at Antioch University (1989-1993). Michael Steven Bassis was born in 1944, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bassis of Harrison, N.Y. He married Mary Suzanne Wilson, daughter of Ruth and Clark Loudon Wilson of New Canaan, Conn. on December 27, 1977. Michael Bassis and his wife Mary have four grown children (Christina, Betsy, Jessica, and Nicholas), and at the time of his retirement in 2012, three granddaughters. Dr. Bassis graduated from Brown University (with honors) in 1967, majoring in sociology. He received his M.A. (1968) and Ph.D. (1974) in Sociology of Education at University of Chicago. Michael Bassis co-authored 3 books and published numerous articles in journals and newspapers. An advocate for educational innovation and change, President Bassis pioneered new approaches to student learning, focusing on interdisciplinary learning, setting learning goals, and blending online learning with face-to-face faculty interaction. "Since joining Westminster in 2002, Bassis has focused on broader learning goals for students involving interdisciplinary learning. He has also required all students to put together electronic portfolios, as well as blending online learning with real-time faculty interaction." (1) "Under Bassis' leadership, Westminster enrollment grew by 44 percent and the student body became far more diverse. Nine graduate and 19 undergraduate programs have been added, along with eight athletic teams, and seven new academic centers, such as the Great Salt Lake Institute, were established. This fall, 56 percent of the freshman class is from outside Utah, up from 18 percent when Bassis arrived, and there are far more international students and students of color on campus ... Westminster has become a national destination that shifted the school's focus from teaching to learning by using new technology, trustees say." (2) "Bassis was responsible for the enactment of several programs that have shaped the campus of Westminster as a whole. These include the Center for Civic Engagement, the Winter at Westminster program and the McNair Scholars program." (3) Seven new facilities were built or purchased during Bassis' tenure including: the Meldrum Science Center; Dolores Dore Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletics Center (HWAC); newly acquired Garfield School (future home of the Westminster Center for the Arts); Westminster on the Draw (6-story combination student housing/classrooms/retail space located in Sugar House); renovation of Nightingale Hall (transformed to include a state-of-the-art electronic portfolio laboratory and an indoor Student Commons). To honor Michael Bassis' 10-year service as President, Westminster College established the Michael and Mary Bassis Scholarship Fund in 2012 and the renovated Nightingale Hall will be renamed the Bassis Center for Student Learning. Sources:
Content Description +/-This collection consists of official certificates and incoming letters from different colleges, universities, and people congratulating Dr. Michael S. Bassis on his appointment and 2002 inauguration as the 16th president of Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah. While many institutions sent both a certificate and letter, some just sent a certificate or letter. Most of the letters stated regrets in being unable to send a representative to the inauguration. Those accepting the invitation listed the person who would be attending. One letter simply requested a change to Westminster College's mailing list indicating the name of their own new president. Among the letters of congratulations are those from: Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, U.S. Representative Jim Matheson, an unidentified supporter, and Mrs. Pauline Barth. There is also a single form letter -- an outgoing thank you letter addressed to "friend" from the Westminster Community acknowledging the recipient's attendance at the inaugural ceremony. Collection Use +/-Restrictions on Access: Open to public research. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law. Twenty-four hours advance notice is encouraged. Restrictions on Use: It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material must be obtained from the director of the Giovale Library. Preferred Citation: Michael S. Bassis Westminster College President's official inaugural congratulatory correspondence, 2002, ACC-049, Giovale Library Archives, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah. Administrative Information +/-Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically by the name of the university, college, or person's last name. Processing Note: Processed in June 2003 by Laura Richey. Creator: Bassis, Michael S. Language: Collection materials are in English. Quantity: 1 linear foot Language of the Finding Aid: English. Author of the Finding Aid: Finding aid written June 2003 by Laura Richey; expanded May 2012 with a biographical note written by Sarah Shaw. EAD Creation Date: 2012 May 9 by Sarah Shaw Standard: Describing Archives : A Content Standard (DACS) Subarea: ArchivesRelated Material: Related collections and photographs in Giovale Library Archives:
Subjects +/-Corporate Names: Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- )--History--Sources Subject Terms: College presidents--Utah--Salt Lake City--Inauguration Form or Genre Terms: Certificates Personal Names: Anderson, Rocky (Ross Carl), 1951- Geographical Names: Salt Lake City (Utah)--History--Sources |
