University Ceremonies records, 1921-2010
Collection context
- Creator:
- Columbia University
- Extent:
- 34 linear feet (34 record cartons)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection consists of the records related to ceremonies, events, prizes, dinners, etc. It includes the planning records of events related to University prizes (Butler Medal, Bancroft, Cabot, Horwitz), honorary degrees, dignitary visits, presidential inaugurations and commencement. There are also materials related to the University's greetings, credentials and representation at non-Columbia events.
- Biographical / historical:
-
In October 1908, the University Council, the representative body of the faculty and administration on campus, changed the name of the Committee on Commencement to the Committee on Public Ceremonies. This body would be in charge of all of the "ceremonies" on campus, not just Commencement. The committee was made up of a Chair (faculty member, George Francis Sever, instructor in Electrical Engineering, 1908-1909), the Secretary of the University, the Chaplain, the Superintendent, and the Secretary of Teachers College. Sever only served for one year, when Charles Knapp, Professor of Classical Philology, became Chair. In 1910, the membership of the Committee was expanded to include the Secretary of the University Council and the Secretary of the Alumni Council. Professor Knapp led the Committee for 10 years. After Knapp's retirement, the Committee on Public Ceremonies was further expanded (2 additional faculty members, but no longer the Secretary of the University Council) and the Committee coordinated academic ceremonies, visits from dignitaries and other public events, with the help of staff in the Office of the Secretary. Chairs included Edward Elliot (c. 1921-1925), Herbert N. Shenton (c. 1926-1927, with the first outdoors commencement ceremony on South Court), Enrique Zanetti (c. 1928-1930), Rexford Tugwell (c. 1933), Rosewell Magill (c. 1934), Harry Morgan Ayres (c. 1939), Albert C. Jacobs (c. 1941), Russell Potter (1943-1945) and George M. Allen (1945-1948).
In 1948, with the arrival of University President Dwight D. Eisenhower, there were a number of shifts in the administration. The work of the Committee on Public Ceremonies was briefly transferred from the Office of Secretary to the Office of the General Secretary, later known as the Vice President for Development, Paul H. Davis. The Chairs were then asked to serve three-year terms whenever possible. These include Justin M. O'Brien (c. 1949-1951), John Angus Burrell (1951-1953), Harry S. Carman (1953-1956), Hugh Borton (1956-1957), and Moses Hadas (1957-1960).
By 1964, there was a dedicated staff member in the Office of the Secretary, the Assistant to the Secretary for Public Ceremonies. The position was filled by Mary K. Gunn (1964-1966) and later Dorothy G. Torbert (1966-1972). Torbert continued in this function and with different titles for many years (until 1979), but the reporting structure shifted almost year to year: under the Office of the President, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, to the Office of Public Affairs, back to Development, and back again to the Office of the President. Kay Sheehan (1979-1981) and Barbara J. Boland (1981-1982) served as Coordinators of Public Ceremonies. In addition to overseeing commencement and prize dinners, this office also coordinated Columbia's representation. That is, when the President is invited to an event such as a University presidential inauguration, campus dedication, or anniversary celebration and he cannot attend, a faculty member or alum is asked to represent Columbia in his stead, or the office sends the official greetings from the University.
Under the Office of the President, the Office of Presidential and Development Events and later called Office of University Programs and Events coordinates such events as the World Leaders Forum, the University Lectures and Commencement.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
All administrative records of the University are restricted for 25 years from the date of creation.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions 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; Date (if known); University Ceremonies records; Box and Folder; University Archives, Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries.
- Location of this collection:
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6th Floor East Butler Library535 West 114th StreetNew 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