Guide to the Westminster College President's Office commencement records

Table of Contents

Collection Overview

Collection Inventory+/-

Content Description

Collection Use

Administrative Information

Subjects

Collection Overview +/-

Title: Westminster College President's Office commencement records
Dates: 1898-2001 (inclusive)
Collection Number: ACC-069
Summary: This collection consists of addresses, citations, correspondence, financial records, invitations, lists, news articles, graduating class photographs, and programs for Commencement exercises maintained between 1898 and 2001 by the President's Office of Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Repository: Westminster College, Giovale Library
Address:
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84105
Phone: (801) 832-2250

Collection Inventory +/-

box 1, folder 1: 1889-1921 Commencements

1 item moved to Box 15, Folder 1

box 1, folder 2: 1922-1929 Commencements
box 1, folder 3: 1930-1936 Commencements
box 1, folder 4: 1937 Commencement
box 1, folder 5: 1938 Commencement
box 1, folder 6: 1939 Commencement
box 1, folder 7: 1940 Commencement
box 1, folder 8: 1941 Commencement
box 1, folder 9: 1942 Commencement
box 1, folder 10: 1943 Commencement
box 1, folder 11: 1944 Commencement
box 1, folder 12: 1945 Commencement
box 1, folder 13: 1946 Commencement
box 1, folder 14: 1947 Commencement
box 1, folder 15: 1948 Commencement
box 1, folder 16: 1949 Commencement
box 1, folder 17: 1950 Commencement
box 1, folder 18: 1951 Commencement
box 1, folder 19: 1952 Commencement
box 1, folder 21: 1955 Commencement
box 1, folder 22: 1956 Commencement
box 1, folder 23: 1957 Commencement
box 1, folder 24: 1958 Commencement
box 1, folder 25: 1959 Commencement
box 2, folder 1: 1960 Commencement
box 2, folder 2: 1961 Commencement
box 2, folder 3: 1962 Commencement
box 2, folder 4: 1963 Commencement
box 2, folder 5: 1964 Commencement (1963 November - 1964 May)
box 2, folder 6: 1964 Commencement (1964 June 1 - July 30)
box 2, folder 7: 1965 Commencement (1964 September - 1965 May)
box 2, folder 8: 1965 Commencement (1965 June-November)
box 2, folder 9: 1966 Commencement (1965 May - 1966 May)
box 2, folder 10: 1966 Commencement (1966 June - 1967 March)
box 3, folder 1: 1967 Commencement (1966 December - 1967 May 22)
box 3, folder 2: 1967 Commencement (1967 May 23-31)
box 3, folder 3: 1967 Commencement (1967 June - 1969 February 3)
box 3, folder 4: 1967 Summer Commencement (1967 June 29 - August 7)
box 3, folder 5: 1968 Commencement
box 3, folder 6: 1968 Summer Commencement
box 3, folder 7: 1969 Commencement
box 3, folder 8: 1969 Summer Commencement
box 4, folder 1: 1970 Commencement
box 4, folder 2: 1970 Summer Commencement
box 4, folder 3: 1971 Commencement
box 4, folder 4: 1971 Summer Commencement
box 4, folder 5: 1972 Commencement
box 4, folder 6: 1972 Summer Commencement
box 5, folder 1: 1973 Commencement
box 5, folder 2: 1973 Summer Commencement
box 5, folder 3: 1974 Commencement
box 5, folder 4: 1974 Summer Commencement
box 5, folder 5: 1975 Commencement (1974 December - 1975 May 22)
box 5, folder 6: 1975 Commencement (1975 May 23 - September 16)
box 5, folder 7: 1975 Summer Commencement
box 6, folder 1: 1976 Commencement
box 6, folder 2: 1977 Commencement (1976 July - 1977 May 19)
box 6, folder 3: 1977 Commencement (1977 May 20 - August)
box 6, folder 4: 1978 Commencement (1977 October 21 - 1978 May 25)
box 6, folder 5: 1978 Commencement (1978 May 26-29)
box 6, folder 6: 1978 Commencement (1978 May 30 - August 1)
box 6, folder 7: 1979 Commencement
box 6, folder 8: 1980 Commencement
box 6, folder 9: 1981 Commencement
box 7, folder 1: 1982 Commencement
box 7, folder 2: 1983 Commencement (1982 July - 1983 May 19)
box 7, folder 3: 1983 Commencement (1983 May 20-21)
box 7, folder 4: 1984 Commencement (1983 June - 1984 May 24)
box 7, folder 5: 1984 Commencement (1984 May 25-26)
box 7, folder 6: 1984 Commencement (1984 May 27 - June 30)
box 7, folder 7: 1985 Commencement (1984 October 23 - 1985 May)
box 7, folder 8: 1985 Commencement (1985 May 24-25)
box 7, folder 9: 1985 Commencement (1985 May 26-31)
box 8, folder 1: 1986 Commencement
box 8, folder 2: 1987 Commencement (1986 June - 1987 February)
box 8, folder 3: 1987 Commencement (1987 March - May 29)
box 8, folder 4: 1987 Commencement (1987 May 30 - June 30)
box 8, folder 5: 1988 Commencement (1987 June - 1988 May 20)
box 8, folder 6: 1988 Commencement (1988 May 21 - June)
box 8, folder 7: 1988 Summer Commencement (1988 June - August 18)
box 9, folder 1: 1989 Commencement (1988 June - 1989 May 31)
box 9, folder 2: 1989 Commencement (1988 June 1-4)
box 9, folder 3: 1989 Commencement (1988 June 5 - July)
box 9, folder 4: 1989 Summer Commencement
box 9, folder 5: 1990 Commencement
box 9, folder 6: 1990 Summer Commencement
box 9, folder 7: 1991 Commencement
box 9, folder 8: 1991 Summer Commencement
box 10, folder 1: 1992 Commencement (1991 July - 1992 April 30)
box 10, folder 2: 1992 Commencement (1992 May 1 - June 9)
box 10, folder 3: 1992 Summer Commencement
box 10, folder 4: 1993 Commencement
box 10, folder 5: 1994 Commencement (1993 September - 1994 May)
box 10, folder 6: 1994 Commencement (1994 June)
box 10, folder 7: 1995 Commencement (1994 June - 1995 April 30)
box 10, folder 8: 1995 Commencement (1995 May 1-26)
box 10, folder 9: 1995 Commencement (1995 May 27 - June)
box 11, folder 1: 1996 Commencement (1995 - 1996 May 15)
box 11, folder 2: 1996 Commencement (1996 May 22 - June)
box 11, folder 3: 1997 Commencement (1997 January-April)
box 11, folder 4: 1997 Commencement (1997 May-June)
box 11, folder 5: 1998 Commencement (1997 July - 1998 April 30)
box 12, folder 1: 1998 Commencement (1998 May 1-28)
box 12, folder 2: 1998 Commencement (1998 May 29 - June)
box 12, folder 3: 1999 Commencement (1998 December - 1999 May 28)
box 12, folder 4: 1999 Commencement -- luncheon/dinner (1999 May 28-29)
box 12, folder 5: 1999 Commencement (1999 May 29 - September)
box 13, folder 1: 2000 Commencement (1999 December - 2000 April 30)
box 13, folder 2: 2000 Commencement (2000 May)
box 13, folder 3: 2000 Commencement (2000 June 1-3)
box 13, folder 4: 2000 Commencement (2000 June 3)
box 13, folder 5: 2000 Commencement (2000 June 4-30)
box 14, folder 1: 2001 Commencement (2000 September - 2001 March 30)
box 14, folder 2: 2001 Commencement (2001 April-May)
box 14, folder 3: 2001 Commencement -- lists (2001 April-June)
box 14, folder 4: 2001 Commencement (2001 June 2)
box 14, folder 5: 2001 Commencement -- Emeriti professors (2001 June 2)
box 14, folder 6: 2001 Commencement -- lunch/dinner (2001 June 2)
box 14, folder 7: 2001 Commencement (2001 June 3-21)
box 15, folder 1: 1882-1966 Parke Pontz's awarded degrees list
box 15, folder 2: 1983 degree lists
box 15, folder 3: 1999 Commencement dinner lists
box 15, folder 4: 2000 Dinner invitations and attendance lists

Content Description +/-

This collection consists of addresses, citations, correspondence, financial records, invitations, lists, news articles, graduating class photographs, and programs for Commencement exercises maintained between 1898 and 2001 by the President's Office of Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah. These records describe the end of year ceremonies at Westminster College. The term "commencement exercises" refers to the events at the close of the academic year, including: baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies, farewell dinners, commencement luncheons, vesper services, and other similar events. The baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies are the most important commencement events. The earliest materials record that the baccalaureate sermon was delivered to the graduating class earlier in the day at the First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, with the commencement ceremony following in the early evening.

After 1950, the ceremonies reflect the growth of the college and began to be held on the Westminster College campus, and in several instances at the Valley Music Hall in Woods Cross, Utah. The most common location for Commencement exercises was the Dane Hansen Memorial Stadium, located at the southwest corner of the Westminster campus (now the location of a parking structure and Dunke Soccer Field).

Typically, baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies followed simple, and similar, schedules. Generally, the programs included a welcome from the College President who either gave the commencement address himself, or introduced a member prominent to the Westminster Community to speak to the graduates. Beginning in 1945, Westminster College began awarding honorary degrees to people of significance in society, often focusing on alumni who had made a difference to Westminster as well as other groups within the larger society. Typically, four to five people were given honorary degrees during regular spring commencements, and two during summer commencements. Recipients of honorary degrees were announced, a short citation was read by a member of the Board of Trustees or College administration, and was presented to each honoree. Honorary degrees were given to people ranging from past College presidents, influential members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, and other prominent individuals including renowned scientist Dr. James Bonner and Former British Prime Minister Edward Heath. Those receiving honorary degrees spoke to the graduating class; often one recipient was chosen to give the commencement keynote address.

No consistent record prior to 1903 exist; however records for the years 1903-1936 include only programs and invitation to events – covering the presidency of Herbert W. Reherd. This collection begins with notes on the earliest Commencement ceremonies, often made by unidentified individuals; it continues with regularity from the presidency of Herbert Ware Reherd to the end of President Peggy A. Stock's presidency.

From 1939-1952, during Robert D. Steele's tenure as president, the files include programs from the events, lists of those in attendance at various commencement events, as well as an outline of important times and dates for activities leading up to the actual commencement. The schedule of important events was titled "Lest We Forget" and appears consistently in the records until 1968.

The records representing Dr. J. Richard Palmer's presidency are less detailed than the prior records. However, President Frank E. Duddy, Jr. enhanced the Commencement records, and included extensive correspondence relating to the speakers and honorary degree recipients.

Correspondence remains an essential element of the collection after President Duddy and continues throughout the rest of the collection. Correspondence includes direct communication between the College president and those receiving honorary degrees, as well as others instrumental in bringing the honorees to the College. One such group involved President Duddy, Senator Robert Bennett, and the President of the College Republicans, as they attempted to convince Vice-President Richard M. Nixon to speak at the 1960 Commencement exercises. The collection ends with the 2001 Commencement, the final one during the tenure of President Peggy Stock.

From 1943-1964, a single annual folder was maintained on each annual commencement exercises. The primary information contained in the files during these years includes invitations and programs to the Baccalaureate and Commencement events and brief outlines of the schedule of events created by the Commencement planners. Beginning in 1965, additional records were retained including more extensive correspondence and greater information on honorary degrees, speeches, and press coverage.

From 1979-2001, the records reflect that of the earlier years, including baccalaureate, commencement, correspondence, honorary degrees, speeches, and various related material. Programs of the Commencement exercises appear regularly along with copies of the annotated commencement ceremonies. Lists of graduates and their fields of study hold great importance. Pictures of the graduating classes, as well as the demographics of each academic year are closely examined in many of the records, (i.e., 1988 records show the follow up of the graduation class one year after their commencement). Other miscellaneous information includes pictures of individuals receiving honorary degrees along with a short biography, articles about the commencement ceremonies, Westminster College, and degree recipients, and in some cases copies of the Utah Westminster. Much of the miscellaneous material supplements the basic information in the collection, often provides an outside perspective on Westminster College events.

Concluding the collection, the records of President Stock are the most extensive. During her administration the Commencement luncheons and dinners became more prominent and elaborate. The number of records retained more than doubled during this period.

Gaps in the collection: No commencement files prior to 1889 have been located; there are no records for the years 1898-1902, 1906, 1908-1915, 1916, 1932-1933, and 1954.

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:

Westminster College President's Office commencement records, 1898-2001, ACC-069, Giovale Library Archives, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Administrative Information +/-

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically by commencement year, thereunder chronological by date. Larger files (from 1999-2001) are further divided alphabetically by subject or event category (i.e., lists, luncheon/dinner).

Acquisition Information:

The President's office transferred these records to the Archives in June 2003; additional files were transferred in June 2005.

Processing Note:

The records series was originally processed by Alana Dela Cruz in May 2005 and revised by Patricia Lyn Scott in October 2006. Originally, Commencement records were under the responsibility of the President's Office. Individual college presidents filed their records differently. A note in the original 1949 folder records stated that information between 1950-1955 was kept in President Duddy's files – information from Duddy's subject files were then copied and added to this series. The Commencement records for the years 1898 to 1983 were unorganized; records after 1983 have largely retained their original order. The records' original order was simplified to a chronological one only retaining subjects to the larger files.

All oversize items were placed in Box 15.

Creator:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983). President's Office

Westminster College of Salt Lake City. Office of the President

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- ). Office of the President

Language:

Collection materials are in English.

Quantity:

3.3 linear feet

Language of the Finding Aid:

English.

Author of the Finding Aid:

Finding aid written by Alana Dela Cruz in May 2005 and revised by Patricia Lyn Scott in October 2006.

EAD Creation Date:

2012 May 25 by Sarah Shaw

Standard:

Describing Archives : A Content Standard (DACS)

Subarea:

Archives

Related Material:

Related collections and photographs in Giovale Library Archives:

Subjects +/-

Corporate Names:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)
Westminster College of Salt Lake City
Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998-

Subject Terms:

Baccalaureate addresses--Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1902-1983)
Baccalaureate addresses--Westminster College of Salt Lake City
Baccalaureate addresses--Westminster College (Salt Lake City, Utah : 1998- )
Commencement ceremonies--Utah--Salt Lake City

Form or Genre Terms:

Articles
Correspondence
Financial records
Invitations
Photographs
Programs (documents)
Speeches

Personal Names:

Bennett, Robert F. (Robert Foster), 1933-
Bonner, James Frederick, 1910-
Duddy, Frank E. (Frank Edward), 1917-1986
Heath, Edward
Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994

Geographical Names:

Salt Lake City (Utah)--History--Sources