James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
880 Madison Drive MSC 1704 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807 Telephone: (540) 568-3612 library-special@jmu.edu URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/
Dillon Thomas
Repository
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
Identification
UA 0022
Title
Alumni Association Records 1931-2016
Quantity
4.29 cubic feet, 13 boxes
Creator
James Madison University. Alumni Association
Language
English
.
Abstract
The Alumni Association Records, 1934-2015, consists of 4.29 cubic feet in 13 boxes. The collection primarily consists of the
administrative files of the James Madison University Alumni Association, all referring to the individual graduated classes
of JMU, Madison College, and the State Normal School.
Copyright for materials authored or otherwise produced as official business of James Madison University is retained by James
Madison University. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials
protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the
copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners.
Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For more information, contact the Special Collections Reference
Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).
Access Restrictions
Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this
collection.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Alumni Association Records, 1934-2015, UA 0022, Special Collections, Carrier
Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
Acquisition Information
Transferred to Special Collections by the JMU Alumni Association in August 2016.
The JMU Alumni association was formed June 13, 1911, soon after the first 20 women graduated from the school, then the State
Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. At the time, it was known as the Alumnae Association, reflecting its
all-women membership. As the growing Madison College began accepting male students, the association renamed itself the Alumni
Association to reflect the institution's move towards coeducation. In 2017, the Alumni Association had over 127,000 members.
The JMU Alumni Association is a JMU organization which facilitates relations with JMU alumni and the university, encouraging
their continued engagement and support for the school. The organization's membership consists of all individuals who have
completed 12 credit hours from JMU or its previous institutional iterations.
The Alumni Association is directed by the Alumni Board of Directors, an executive committee, and representatives from the
JMU Board of Visitors. The primary actions and strategies of the Board of Directors are carried out by the Office of Alumni
Relations.
One of the most visible activities the Alumni Association organizes is class reunions. The reunions take place at regular
intervals after a class's graduation. The Alumni Association handles the logistical issues in planning, notifying, and registering
alumni for the event. Festivities often include campus tours, luncheons, and group photographs.
The Alumni Association also oversees the Bluestone Society, a subgroup of alumni from JMU having celebrated their 50th class
reunion. Bluestone reunions are marked by larger-scale events and festivities and the members' induction into the society.
The earliest mention of the organization was in 1974 at the 50th reunion of the class of 1924. Its official title was given
in 1983 for the joint reunion of alumni from 1908 to 1933. All alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago are automatically
inducted into the society. The society's name comes from the bluestone architecture of the quad area, the oldest portion of
the JMU campus.
The Alumni Association Records, 1934-2015, consists of 4.29 cubic feet in 13 boxes. The collection primarily consists of the
administrative files of the Alumni Association, all referring to the individual graduated classes of JMU, Madison College,
and the State Normal School. The collection also includes the photographs used in a commemorative reunion book and a VHS tape
of 1999 reunions.
The collection is arranged in two series. Series 1 is arranged alphabetically and then chronologically by class year. Series
2 is comprised of three multi-part folders.
The yearbook-style reunion book Welcome back to the memories… the decade of the '40s has been removed from the collection and is cataloged as part of Special Collections' rare book collection.
"History of Bluestone Reunions." http://www.alumni.jmu.edu/s/1591/gid3-Alumni/index.aspx?sid=1591&gid=3&pgid=3124 (accessed
August 2017).
"About the JMU Alumni Association." http://www.alumni.jmu.edu/s/1591/gid3-Alumni/index.aspx?sid=1591&gid=3&pgid=3124 (accessed
August 2017).
Series 1: Administrative Files, 1934-2015, is primarily made up of files used for the logistical planning of reunions and
files created for reunion attendees. These files include photographs, reunion booklets, active class member lists, sign-up
sheets, alumni correspondence, and newsletters. These files remain largely in their original order, organized by the graduating
classes. Nearly every class file includes reunion booklets for reunions between 1970 and 2005. Most class files include group
photographs of alumni during reunions, as well as candid shots of reunion festivities.
Some ephemeral material donated by alumni to be used to benefit reunion festivities. One such example is a Madison College
degree as well as a sorority membership certificate, housed in the Class of 1955 file.
Also in the series are files for the Bluestone Society and unlabeled class files. The Bluestone Society file includes administrative
files for early Bluestone Society reunions, as well as the alma mater for the society. The unlabeled class file includes materials
from reunions, but hold no indication as to which graduating class they correspond.
Photographs with accompanying negatives remain in their original envelopes for organizational purposes.
A VHS tape labeled "1999 Reunions" is also included. This likely has recordings of the events and festivities of various reunions
that took place in 1999. A note is included in the VHS box that lists names and addresses of alumni and their corresponding
years, likely a list of alumni to whom copies of the VHS were distributed.
Series 2: Photographs, 1945-1995, is made up of the photographs submitted by various 1940s alumni to be compiled into the
"Welcome back to the memories... the decade of the '40s" yearbook-style book given to Bluestone Society members during reunions
in the 1990s. All photographs have reference tags attached to refer to its location in the book. The photographs are largely
of the 1940s alumni, most taken in the 1990s to represent the alumni at the time of the reunion. The alumni are mostly depicted
with friends and family. Many photographs have hand-written notes on the back to identify those pictured and context. These
photographs are all represented in the book, most with additional detail on those depicted.
Photographs are stored according to size for organizational purposes.
Mixed Materials [1000898574] box: 13 folder: 1
"Welcome back to the memories…" Photographs (folder 1 of 3)
1940-1995
Mixed Materials [1000898574] box: 13 folder: 2
"Welcome back to the memories…" Photographs (folder 2 of 3)
1940-1995
Mixed Materials [1000898574] box: 13 folder: 3
"Welcome back to the memories…" Photographs (folder 3 of 3)