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

Summary Information

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.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into one series.

• Series I: Individuals

Description

Summary

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.

• Series I: Individuals

  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..

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

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.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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.

Related Materials

Historical Biographical Files Collection (UA#0002)

Accrual

No additions are expected

Ownership and Custodial History

Material was donated to the University Archives by the Alumni Office in the early 1990s.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers processed by Jocelyn Wilk 01/2007.

Finding aid written by Jocelyn Wilk 01/2017.

Revision Description

2017-02-03 File created.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

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.