Commencement Records

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Mary Washington
Special Collections and University Archives
Simpson Library
University of Mary Washington
1801 College Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401-4665
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Sarah Appleby
Phone: (540) 654-2045
Fax: (540) 654-1067

Summary

Extent:
3 Linear Feet 3 flat boxes and 1 letter-size upright document box.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Commencement programs document the names, conferred degrees, and academic honors for graduating students, and also list featured speakers and other ceremonial events.

Commencement exercises first began at the Fredericksburg State Normal and Industrial School (now the University of Mary Washington) in 1912, continuing into the present through many institutional name changes and the addition of graduate programs.

This series features copies of speeches delivered at commencement ceremonies.

This series includes copies of individual sermons and programs from Baccalaureate Sermons delivered to graduating classes. Evidence suggests that an official Baccalaurate Sermon as part of commencement exercises ended around the late 1960s-early 1970s, but individual campus religious groups may have continued the practice.

This series includes paper memorabilia from commencement cereremonies over the years. Materials include invitations, announcements, tickets, newspaper clippings, calendars of events, rosters, and a congratulatory letter to the class of 1967 from President Lyndon Johnson.

This series features photographs from commencement ceremonies beginning in the 1930s.

This series features diplomas from the college's earliest days through the 1980s, showcasing many of the name changes over the years.

Physical / technical requirements:

Special Collections may not have the necessary playback devices to view the material on VHS or audiocassette.