Alexander G. Gilliam collection of University of Virginia history papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

This collection is minimally processed and open for research.

Terms of access:

This collection contains some in-copyright material. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.

Preferred citation:

MSS 15240, Alexander G. Gilliam collection of University of Virginia history papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Summary

Extent:
1.64 Cubic Feet One cubic-foot box, one letter-sized file box, one half-width letter-sized file box, one small oversized folder
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

MSS 15240, Alexander G. Gilliam collection of University of Virginia history papers, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains essays and papers related to the history of the University of Virginia compiled by Alexander G. "Sandy" Gilliam, a University of Virginia alumnus, administrator, and historian. The content dates range from 1921 to 2019. Correspondence and greeting cards between Gilliam and University administrators, historians, and alums are present, as are forty special interest essays written by Gilliam on obscure University of Virginia historical subject matter. The essays discuss historical maps of the University, University Presidents, road nomenclature, secret societies, the history of buildings, the Rotunda, the Lawn, University faculty, and the evolution of student life. Also included are programs from University dinners, building grand openings, groundbreaking ceremonies, Final Exercises, dedications, funerals, on-Grounds weddings, and other events collected by Gilliam.

Biographical / historical:

Alexander G. "Sandy" Gilliam Jr. (1933–2024) was a University of Virginia alumnus, administrator, and historian. Gilliam was born on May 4, 1933, and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1955 with a degree in history. After his time as a student at Virginia, he served in the United States Army before joining the Foreign Service and later the State Department, where he worked in counterintelligence and diplomatic assignments in Israel, Africa, and the Middle East. His work involved studying cultures, politics, international protocol, and languages, including Arabic.

In 1975, Gilliam returned to the University of Virginia and began a career that lasted more than four decades. He served as Secretary to the Board of Visitors for 18 years, advising and guiding the University's governing body. He also worked as a special assistant to four University presidents, helping to shape institutional policy. Eventually, Gilliam was named University Historian, a role in which he documented and interpreted the University's traditions and history through a series of special interest essays and publications.

Gilliam descended from a long line of University of Virginia alums and remained deeply tied to the institution throughout his life. Gilliam died on June 8, 2024, at the age of 91.

References

Hill and Wood Funeral Service. 2024. "Alexander 'Sandy' G. Gilliam Jr. Obituary." Hill and Wood Funeral Home. June 2024. https://www.hillandwood.com/obituaries/Alexander-Sandy-G-Gilliam-Jr?obId=31804417

University of Virginia. 2024. "In Memoriam: UVA Storyteller, Dignitary Sandy Gilliam Will Be Greatly Missed." UVA Today. June 10, 2024. https://news.virginia.edu/content/memoriam-uva-storyteller-dignitary-sandy-gilliam-will-be-greatly-missed

Virginia Magazine. 2015. "Tinker, Tale Teller, Soldier Seven." Virginia Magazine: The University of Virginia Alumni Association. Fall 2015. https://uvamagazine.org/articles/tinker_tale_teller_soldier_seven

Acquisition information:
This collection was a transfer from Sandy Gilliam, University Historian, to the Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia on July 22, 2011, various dates over 2012-2016, and July 18, 2019.
Physical description:
Good
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard