Identifier

UA 51.1

Dates

1979-1982

Extent

1.74 linear feet (4 boxes) sound recordings

Abstract

The Centennial Steering Committee was formed on July 16, 1979, to guide the university through the celebration of its Centennial year (1981). This collection is composed of committee files produced for or in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration of South Dakota State University held in 1981.

Historical Note

The Centennial Steering Committee was formed on July 16, 1979, to guide the university through the celebration of its Centennial year (1981). H.M. Briggs, President Emeritus, was appointed Chairman of the Committee, while David Pearson, former Vice President of South Dakota State University was appointed Vice-Chairman. The committee, made up of representatives from various units on campus and from outside the university, first met on July 21, 1980. At this meeting, Briggs outlined the charges of the committee and explained that each member of the Steering Committee would also take the role of sub-committee chairperson for the respective area of the university. Once some tentative activities were brainstormed, the Steering Committee members were further broken into sub-committees to deal with specific projects. With this basic structure, the Steering Committee began its work. They received an initial stipend from the University to perform their functions, which was added to throughout the committee's existence. While the subcommittees performed much of the work of the Steering Committee, the Centennial Office, consisting of Briggs and an office assistant, Yvonne Ehlebracht, managed much of the day-to-day work. The office was responsible for the overall running of the committee, maintaining the budget, keeping the files, and arranging and paying for meetings and trips. In addition, much of the correspondence associated with the event was filtered through this office.

Content Notes

This collection is composed of committee files produced for or in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration of South Dakota State University held in 1981. Material is arranged into three series: office files, general material and memorabilia.

The material had been arranged at least one time prior to formal processing, so no effort was made to retain original order. Series were determined and materials were placed accordingly at the time of processing. Duplicates were discarded at this time. The correspondence folders were separated into two groups at some time; thank you notes and general correspondence. This order was maintained. Removed from the file were audiocassettes, which were placed in the A/V Collection. Photocopies were made of all newspaper clippings.

Series 1. Office files.

The office files series includes budgets, correspondence, committee minutes and the files from each sub-committee. The budgets material consists mainly of the accounting used to put on the centennial celebration and to run an office devoted to such an event. The sub-committees files consist mainly of simple reports on the actions of various departments and various committees over the year. The notable exception to this is the calendar committee, which demonstrated some of the scheduling programs of such a huge event. The most useful files include the minutes of the Steering Committee and the correspondence files, as they reflect the inner workings of the group and the magnitude of such an event. Much attention is given throughout this material to the appearance of and seminar honoring Theodore Schultz, SDSU graduate and Nobel Prize winner.

Series 2. General material.

The general material series includes material that was produced for or in conjunction with the Centennial Celebration. Included in this file are the finished calendars, lists of speakers, publications association with the centennial, and congratulatory letters from land grant colleges, alumni, dignitaries and South Dakota organizations. Also included are programs and flyers from various centennial events. The transcripts and audiocassettes of the commencement addresses are also included.

Series 3. Memorabilia.

The memorabilia series includes examples of some the souvenirs that were produced during the centennial. Included are two paperweights, one is bronze and housed in a redwood box with blue velvet lining, and one is marble with a cork bottom, a brass insignia with clear acrylic covering an insignia which has a dark blue background and gold lettering. Also included is a light blue coaster with gold lettering, a tan button with dark brown lettering, and an acrylic box of gummed gold SDSU notarial seals and blue and yellow ribbons approximately one inch long.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

Follow this link for more information:

https://www.sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/university-archives

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

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