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James MacAlister papers, 1900-1905 (bulk) 1889-1941 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.66 cubic feet
Abstract:
James MacAlister (1840-1913) served as the first president of the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry from 1891 to 1913. He was a proponent of vocational and technical education throughout his career. This collection documents his term as president, his views on education, and his involvement in the early history of the Drexel Institute. Records include MacAlister’s letters, a book that he published, lectures, and his personal notebook, as well as research notes believed to have been compiled by Harriet Worrell for the book Drexel Institute of Technology 1891-1941: A Memorial History.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Kenneth G. Matheson administration records, 1921-1932 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.66 cubic feet
Abstract:
This collection contains the files of Kenneth G. Matheson, president of the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry from 1922 to 1931. As he took office, Matheson and the Institute faced many challenges, including financial difficulties, decreasing enrollments, outdated facilities, and a generally dissatisfied university community. The files contain correspondence with faculty, parents and students which documents the numerous, positive changes Matheson helped to initiate during his presidency. Reports on departments, budgets, faculty, facilities, curriculum and extra-curricular activities as well as faculty publications are often attached as supporting documents to the letters and memoranda. A complete set of annual reports for the period 1922-1931 is also included.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Parke R. Kolbe administration records, 1931-1941 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.5 cubic feet
Abstract:
Parke Rexford Kolbe, the Drexel Institute's fourth president, served from 1932 to 1942. Before coming to Drexel, Dr. Kolbe was president of the University of Akron from 1913 to 1925 and of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn from 1925 to 1932. As Drexel's president, Dr. Kolbe presided over the decentralization of Drexel's administration and the development of educational programs to support national defense as the threat of U.S. involvement in World War II loomed. The bulk of the collection consists of Dr. Kolbe's correspondence, mostly with faculty but also including parents and students. The collection also includes copies of surveys of university faculty salaries from 1940 and 1941, as well as a brief set of records relating to the survey.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Office of the President records, 1913-1954 (bulk) 1891-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:
9.0 cubic feet
Abstract:
This collection consists of subject files created by the Office of the President during the tenures of the first six presidents of the Drexel Institute: James MacAlister (1840-1913, president 1891-1913), Hollis Godfrey (1874-1936, president 1914-1921), Kenneth Matheson (1864-1931, president 1921-1932), Parke R. Kolbe (1881-1942, president 1932-1942), George P. Rea (1894-1978, president 1942-1944), and James Creese (1896-1966, president 1945-1963), as well as during the interim presidency of Robert C. Disque (1883-1968, interim president 1944-1945). The subject files cover individuals affiliated with the university, faculty, university committees, historical events, and subjects of interest. It is likely that the files were compiled and arranged at least in part by Harriet Worrell, who worked in the Office of the President during the mid twentieth century; many records contain her annotations.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Office of the President records, 1950-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:
5.0 cubic feet
Abstract:
Four presidents of Drexel University are represented in the collection: James Creese (1896-1966, president 1945-1963), William Walsh Hagerty (1916-1986, president 1963-1984), William Samuel Gaither (b. 1932, president 1984-1987), and Richard Breslin (b. 1937 or 1938, president 1988-1994). This collection consists of subject files, reports, and other materials compiled by the staff of the Office of the President between 1950 and 1989, overlapping the terms of several presidents. It contains substantial material on the University City Science Center and President Gaither's long-range plan developed in the 1980s. The materials include correspondence, reports, memorandum, drafts, inauguration programs, pamphlets, brochures, drafts of reports,newspaper clippings and photocopies, minutes, agendas, and transparencies. Arrangement: Portions of the collection are arranged alphabetically by subject within each box.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

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