Collections

This collection (13 oversized items) consists of certificates, diplomas, and other items relating the educational history of Allan T. Gwathmey, VMI Class of 1923. Gwathmey was an internationally known scientist that specialized in the field of single metal crystals. He taught chemistry at the University of Virginia from 1938 until his death in 1963. He was also the founder of the Virginia Institute for Scientific Research.

This collection contains materials dated 1784-1934. It includes correspondence, legal papers, and accounts, chiefly 1830-1892, of Benjamin S. Ewell, professor at the U.S. Military Academy, Hampden-Sydney College, Washington and Lee College, and the College of William and Mary (which he served as acting president, 1848-1849, and president, 1854-1888). Letters from Ewell during the Civil War when he was assistant adjutant-general to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston are included as well. Among the correspondents are members of the Tyler, Ewell, Campbell, and Brown families of Virginia and Tennessee. The collection also contains the memorandum book on the Ewell family by Elizabeth S. Ewell.

The letters in this collection were written by Dean Robert Henry Tucker to Mrs. David Embry who was inquiring about her husband's degree from Washington and Lee University. David Embry received his diploma, dated July 28, 1944, and graduated with honors. At the time of the letters he was serving in the Navy.

Over time the Health Sciences Library, Special Collections and Archives has received numerous diplomas and certificates. These have sometimes been single item donations or have come in with larger donations. This finding aid allows users to more easily learn about and locate these items. This collection includes diplomas that span the history of the Medical College of Virginia (MCV), beginning with diplomas issued when it was still a department of Hampden-Sydney College. Also included are diplomas from the University College of Medicine (UCM) which was another Richmond area medical school started by Hunter H. McGuire in 1893. UCM merged with MCV in 1913. There are also diplomas from other medical schools such as the University of Virginia, Jefferson College, and the University of Pennsylvania as well as from various Richmond hospital nursing school programs including St. Luke's Hospital, Old Dominion Hospital, and Virginia Hospital. In addition to the diplomas there are numerous certificates from a variety of medical organizations and from Boards of Examiners. Some items have been digitized and are linked to the digital image, located on the VCU Libraries Gallery site.

William & Mary diploma presented to Francis Macauley on July 4, 1811. The diploma is written in Latin on vellum, which is adhered to a linen backing. The diploma is signed by William & Mary President Bishop James Madison and faculty members John Bracken, William Nelson, George Blackburn.

This collection consists of correspondence from Frank M. Cockrell during his time as a student at Washington and Lee to his mother and his brother, Alexander. He writes about his classes and examinations, health, and the weather. Included are report cards, proficiency certificates, and his diploma from Washington and Lee University.