Collection inventory

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Syracuse University Clipping Files

An inventory of the collection at the Syracuse University Archives


Finding aid created by: Hadiya Lee, Jaihyun Park, and Meg Mason
Date: 2018

Historical Note

Syracuse University was founded on March 24, 1870, when its Board of Trustees signed the University charter and certificate of incorporation, acting on a proposal put forth earlier that year at the Methodist State Convention. Despite its modest beginnings, the story of Syracuse University has been one of growth and progress. The University’s population has expanded from a few dozen local students to over 21,000 students from all over the world. Significant eras of development in campus building and academic programs included the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries and the post-World War II years. The second half of the twentieth century saw the University transform into a modern research institution with international connections.

Scope and Content Note

The Syracuse University Clipping Files are a rich source of historical information about the University. The collection comprises mostly clipped articles from newspapers and other publications that provide historical and biographical information. The collection has been arranged in the following series:

The first series, Biographical files, is the largest series in the collection, containing individual clipping files related to notable Syracuse University alumni, faculty and staff, deans and directors, Chancellors, coaches, and visitors. Please note, there is currently no inventory for this series.

The next series, Academics, contains clippings related to the founding and development of the University’s schools, colleges, and academic programs. This series also includes files concerning research and experiential learning, such as the Syracuse University Research Institute and Syracuse University Abroad, respectively.

Information about organizations and extra-curricular activities at Syracuse University can be found in the Activities and organizations series. This series documents the wide range of opportunities available at the University from educational to recreational, such as national and student associations, Student Government, drama clubs, dances, and more.

The Administration series covers Syracuse University leadership including the Chancellors, the Treasurer’s Office, the Board of Trustees, and the University Senate.

The Administrative and student-related services series encompasses Syracuse University offices, programs, and initiatives related to University administration and student experience. A few notable examples include the Admissions Office, the Department of Public Safety, Hendricks Chapel, and the Syracuse University Press.

The Alumni series includes clippings related to the activities of Syracuse University alumni as a group, such as events, programs, awards, and clubs. Clippings related to individual alumni can be found in the Biographical files series.

Information about the artwork that has been acquired and exhibited by Syracuse University can be found in the Art collection and galleries series.

The Athletics series comprises files pertaining to Syracuse University varsity and club teams. The series is divided into three subseries: general, men’s, and women’s sports. The most well-documented sports include men's basketball, football, and lacrosse.

The Buildings and grounds series comprises clippings about buildings and spaces that are currently, or have previously been, owned or occupied by Syracuse University. This series documents Syracuse University buildings from their construction or acquisition, as well as building use, renovations, and demolitions.

The Campus activism and debate series covers significant issues that have inspired activism and debate on Syracuse University’s campus. A notable theme in this series is student-driven activism, protesting practices and politics at University, national, and international levels.

The Campus crises and incidents series documents significant incidents, crises, and tragedies that have impacted Syracuse University. Some of the major topics include accidents, bias incidents, crimes and assaults, and major weather events.

The Conferences, lectures, and seminars series contains files about one-time events hosted by individuals or groups, as well as recurring seminars and lectures.

The Faculty and staff series covers general history and topics of concern for Syracuse University employees. The series also includes files pertaining to faculty and staff awards, deans and directors, and general information about faculty research.

The Greek organizations and honor societies series documents the members, activities, and chapters of social fraternities and sororities, as well as honorary and professional societies at Syracuse University.

The Military and wars series covers the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), as well as the impact of the World Wars, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War on the Syracuse University community.

The Special events series includes clippings about commencement ceremonies, honors program convocations, and other significant celebrations and events on campus.

The Syracuse City and Onondaga County series documents areas surrounding Syracuse University such as Marshall Street, Thornden Park, and Westcott Street.

Lastly, the Traditions series covers Syracuse University traditions, both past and present, such as Freshman beanies and the Goon Squad.

This collection contains materials that users may find objectionable due to derogatory and harmful language. The language contained in this collection was prevalent at the time of its creation, although no less harmful and inaccurate than it is today. The collection is preserved and presented for its historic and research value.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

There are no restrictions for this collection.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Related Material

Many subjects in the Clipping Files Collection are also documented in other collections in the University Archives, such as the Syracuse University Photograph Collection, the Syracuse University Buildings and Grounds Collection, the Syracuse University Student Activities Reference Collection, and the Syracuse University Alumni Reference Collection.

Selected Search Terms

Names

Syracuse University -- Alumni and alumnae.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

Class reunions.
College administrators.
College buildings.
College campuses.
College sports.
Commencement ceremonies.
Greek letter societies.
Military history.
Student activities.
Student movements.
Student strikes.
Students -- Political activity.
Tradition.
Veterans.
Higher education.

Types of Material

Clippings files.
Clippings (information artifacts)
Printed materials (object genre)

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Syracuse University Clipping Files,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Transfers and gifts from campus offices and donors as well as clipped or printed by University Archives staff.

Processing Information

All clippings are housed in acid-free folders; some have been photocopied. Please note, the Biographical files series of this collection remains unprocessed. There is no inventory available for this portion of the collection.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically within series, with some clippings also filed in chronological order.

Table of Contents

Academics

Activities and organizations

Administration

Administrative and student-related services

Alumni

Art collection and galleries

Athletics

Buildings and grounds

Campus activism and debate

Campus crises and incidents

Conferences, lectures, and seminars

Faculty and staff

Greek organizations and honor societies

Military and wars

Special events

Students

Syracuse City and Onondaga County

Traditions

Inventory