3 Boxes

This series consists of newspapers and printed materials that document the San Jose State College Centennial Year Convocation Event. The bulk of the collection documents newspaper coverage of the Centennial Celebration. The Spartan Daily and the San Jose Mercury News recorded the ten-day celebration, which took place May 2-11, 1957. The San Jose Mercury News produced a Centennial Edition, "San Jose State College Centennial, 1857-1957; Pioneers of One Hundred Years, April 28, 1957." The Centennial Edition included articles on the early formation of the State Normal School, described the devastation of the 1880 fire, which completely destroyed the Normal School; a new building was constructed in 1881. Other articles present the list of famous lecturers who visited campus and included John Dewey, Jack London, David Starr Jordan, Frederick Jackson Turner, Mary Austin, Charles F. Loomis, among others. Other items in the collection include awards, posters, programs, and a calendar depicting the Centennial Celebration Event, local news, and events of San Jose State College.

The San Jose College Centennial Celebration started with an academic procession that included over 1000 participants, delegates representing over 200 colleges and universities in the U.S., presidents of other colleges, and over 500 faculty members and students. The President’s Convocation Event held at the San Jose Civic Auditorium included national dignitaries. California Governor, Goodwin J. Knight addressed the students, faculty, and delegates. During the ceremony, the City of Sparta, Greece presented a replica of an ancient Spartan Shield to the President Wahlquist. Opera singer Irene Dalis, alumna from the class of 1946, received an honorary Master degree and she also performed at the college Symphony Orchestra Concert.

This series is arranged chronologically by date.