Honors Convocation records

Collection

Identifier: 014.HC

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection of Eastern Michigan University Honors Convocation records contains programs, invitations, clippings, transcripts from the honors convocations held on campus. Records span from 1942 when Eastern Michigan University was known as Michigan State Normal College until 1990 when the program was disbanded. The collection is arranged into three series: Clippings and News Releases, General Information, and Materials. The Clippings and News Releases series of convocation proceedings date from 1950-1990. The material in the General Information series contains the history of the convocation, convocation invitations, convocation speaker’s biographies, convocation addresses, and correspondence. The Materials series include transcripts of the convocation proceedings, invitations, ticket stubs, and programs from the Honors convocation ceremonies from 1949-1990.

Dates

1942 - 1990

Creator

Eastern Michigan University (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Historical Note

On January 30, 1942, Dr. E.A. Pittenger of Aberdeen, South Dakota and a 1912 alum from Michigan State Normal College, tendered the Michigan State Board of Education an endowment to sustain an annual address at Michigan State Normal College to be known as the John M. Munson Address. In a resolution expressing appreciation for this unusual gift, the State Board of Education agreed to carry out the purposes indicated and placed the money in custody of the Normal College Student Aid Corporation, the income was to be used in securing annually a person distinguished in his or her field to give the annual John M. Munson Address at Michigan State Normal College. The first address took place on April 5, 1949 and the Honors Convocation continued until 1990. Only those honors students with a grade point average of 3.0-4.0 during their freshman through senior years were able to attend the ceremony.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 record center carton)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Eastern Michigan University Honors Convocation collection documents the honors convocation of undergraduate students with an average grade point average of 3.0-4.0. Established by Dr. E.A. Pittenger, to be the annual John M. Munson Address the first honors convocation took place in 1949 and continued through 1990. Materials in the collection are arranged chronologically and include programs, transcripts, and newspaper clippings. The collection is arranged into three series: Clippings and News Releases; General Information which includes information on convocation speakers and addresses, history of the honors convocation; and Materials which includes programs, transcripts and invitations. The collection is a complete record of the honors convocation proceedings of the Michigan State Normal College, Eastern Michigan College, and Eastern Michigan University.