A Guide to the University of Florida Alumni Association Records
Finding aid prepared by Dept. Staff
University of Florida Smathers Libraries - Special and Area Studies Collections
March 2005
Descriptive Summary |
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| Provenance: | University of Florida Alumni Association | |
| Title: | University of Florida Alumni Association Records | |
| Dates: | 1924-1973 | |
| Abstract: | A written history of the Alumni Association covering 1906-1972, an office operational guide, minutes from meetings, correspondence of Robert Colder Beaty, the by-laws, charter, and constitution of the association, and the correspondence of some of the past presidents of the Alumni Association. | |
| Extent: | 1.3 linear feet. (3 Boxes) | |
| Identification: | Manuscript Collection 19 | |
Biographical/Historical Note
The University of Florida Alumni Association was formed in 1906 by the fourteen graduates of the Class of 1906. Male graduates of all institutions abolished by the 1905 Buckman Act were eligible for membership as well. The first president of the Alumni Association was Warren A. Munsell (1906-1910). During the years prior to 1923, the Alumni Association tasks were undertaken by special committees or by the president and secretary. In 1923 a Council of seven members was appointed. The Council had three main concerns: 1) state support for the University, 2) an endowment fund, and 3) athletics. In an effort to disseminate news about the University to alumni as well as to appeal for funds the Alumni Association began publishing the Florida Alumnus. The first issue was September 1926. The Association also appointed its first director, Harry L. Thompson, who served from 1924-1926.
Robert Colder Beaty served as Director of the Alumni Loyalty Fund after he retired as Dean of Students in 1965. Beaty later acted as a consultant to the Vice President for University Relations and Development.
Scope and Content
The materials contained in this collection include a history of the Alumni Association covering the years 1906-1972, an office operational guide, minutes from meetings, the by-laws, charter, and constitution of the association, and the correspondence of some of the past presidents of the Alumni Association. Also included is the correspondence of Robert Colder Beaty. The history, which was compiled by Beaty, is of particular interest as it documents the growth and evolution of the Alumni Association from its beginnings until 1973.
Access or Use Restrictions
Access
Collection is open for research.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], University of Florida Alumni Association Records, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Acquisition Information
The records in this collection came from the papers of Dean Beaty, from files given to the Archives by President J. Wayne Reitz (who served as a consultant to the Florida Foundation after his tenure as University President), and from the association, itself.
Contents List
For further information, please contact: Special Collections Access Services.
