Alumni Federation Cards, 1750s-1970s, bulk 1880s-1940s

Collection context

Creator:
Alumni Federation of Columbia University
Abstract:
A collection of alphabetical card files kept by the Alumni Federation, these records contain degree and year for alumni as well as information about their lives after Columbia: occupation, addresses, milestones, etc.
Extent:
40 linear feet 80 index card boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection consists of two sets of card files, each arranged alphabetically, containing basic information about individuals who attended Columbia University. Cards exist for both graduates and non-graduates of Columbia University and can include birth and death dates, schools attended, degrees earned, addresses, employment information, family information, and honors received. Information about alumni from the 18th century is included in this collection, but the most informative cards are for those who attended from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. There are two alphabetical sequences in this collection: those for whom the Federation was notified that they had passed away and those alumni who were still living. The second alphabetical sequence (for those that were still living) is not complete and ends abruptly in the Ss.

Biographical / historical:

The Alumni Federation of Columbia University was formed as a stand-alone corporation in 1916 as an umbrella organization for the alumni of the various schools. Under the Federation's constitution, the alumni organization of each school was to have a leadership role in the Federation through membership on the 'Alumni Council'. The Federation ceased to operate as a separate corporation in the 1980s, and its activities were funded through the University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) budget which also provided administrative support. The Federation's activities were limited. In accordance with the University's By-Laws, the Federation participated in selecting candidates for nomination as 'Alumni Trustees' to the University's Board. As required by the University Statutes, the Federation appointed two members to the University Senate. Historically, the Federation also sponsored the Commencement Day luncheon where 10 alumni were annually awarded the Alumni Medal for Distinguished Service. Additionally, the Federation sponsored a mentoring program for current international students and two academic/social events per year. In 2005, after an extensive review of Columbia's alumni relations efforts it was decided that the University's 250,000 alumni worldwide would be better served by a centralized alumni association (Columbia Alumni Association) - building on the efforts of the existing school-based alumni associations and transcending traditional silos within the University. During the 2005 Commencement Day annual meeting of the Federation, the President of the Federation, Dr. Paul M. Thompson, called for a motion to dissolve the Federation as the representative organization for University alumni. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by all in attendance.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located onsite.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Alumni Federation Cards; Box; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
uarchives@columbia.edu