Southern Methodist University anniversary records

A Guide to the Collection

Historical Note

Although Southern Methodist University obtained its charter in 1911, the doors of the University were not opened until September 1915. Nineteen hundred and sixty-five marks the fiftieth year of SMU’s program of instruction. This anniversary was commemorated in special publications and events, beginning with June Commencement in1965 and ending with June Commencement of 1966.

Claude Albritton, Dean of the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences was the Anniversary General Chair and head of the Anniversary Executive Committee. The remaining members of the Anniversary Executive Committee were W.L. Ayres, Vice President of SMU, and Marshall Terry, SMU’s head of public relations. President Willis M. Tate presided during its 50th Anniversary celebration and ceremonies.

There were a number of notable 50th Anniversary Celebration events including a lecture given by Olga Ragusa of Columbia University, commemorating the 700th Anniversary of Dante. The first Women’s Symposium, whose theme was "The Education of Women for Social and Political Leadership" was launched during SMU’s 50th Anniversary season. More generally, unique records of departmental events have been well preserved illustrating the different ways in which SMU celebrated its milestone.

SMU’s 75th Anniversary was given the theme "A Legacy of Learning," referencing the large strides the university had made from 706 students in 1915 to 9,000 students in 1986. The theme also emphasized the significant impact SMU students and alumni have had on the local and state level, making SMU one of the preeminent institutions for undergraduate education in the Southwest.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

This collection is comprised primarily of the publications produced by Southern Methodist University for its 50th Anniversary, and publicity, primarily newspaper articles, produced by the Dallas media. Planning and budgeting records along faculty correspondence, for the Anniversary year are also included.

The other major portion of the collection is comprised of the records of SMU’s 75th Anniversary. This includes faculty correspondence, publicity, and most uniquely, written memoirs of SMU alumni from its 75 year history.

In addition, the collection contains records from SMU’s 25th Anniversary celebration, held in 1940. The committees of the 50th Anniversary celebration used the records of the 25th Anniversary celebration as reference materials for planning the events of SMU’s 50th Anniversary.

Restrictions

Access to Collection:

Collection is open for research use.

Publication Rights:

Permission to publish materials must be obtained from the Director of the DeGolyer Library.

Copyright Statement:

It is the responsibility of the user to obtain copyright authorization.

Related Material

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Southern Methodist University anniversary records, Southern Methodist University Archives, DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University.

Acquisition Information

Deposit.

Processing Information

Collection was re-foldered and re-organized in 2009.

Finding aid written by

Lane J. Sobehrad, May 2009.

Encoded by

Lara Corazalla, 2009.

Detailed Description of the Collection