This collection has no restrictions.
This collection is located onsite.
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.
Arranged in one series these cards contain basic information about individuals who attended Columbia University. Although the content of these cards varies widely by individual, cards always include the date and type of degree earned. Cards are arranged in two alphabetical sequences: one for those whom the Federation was notified that they had passed away and the second for 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 If the last name can be found in two boxes (one from each sequence), request both..
This collection is arranged into one series.
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
This collection has no restrictions.
This collection is located onsite.
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.
Identification of specific item; Alumni Federation Cards; Box; University Archives, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University in the City of New York.
Historical Biographical Files Collection (UA#0002)
No additions are expected
Material was donated to the University Archives by the Alumni Office in the early 1990s.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Papers processed by Jocelyn Wilk 01/2007.
Finding aid written by Jocelyn Wilk 01/2017.
2017-02-03 File created.
2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.
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.
The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.
All links open new windows.