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"The history of a living institution is the story of its people," write the editors of A Book of Memories, which beautifully combines prose and photographs to record the history of the people and place that is Kent State University.
This moving photographic narrative carefully balances historical overviews of higher education trends, political climates, and social and cultural movements with anecdotal reminiscences of campus life. Essays by six distinguished faculty and administrators provide personal insight and fond memories of the major eras of Kent's history, following the university from its normal school beginnings in 1910 to its present status as a comprehensive state institution of higher learning. Hundreds of black-and-white and color photographs selected from the University Archives enhance the text.
The late Robert I. White (d. 1990), professor of education and president emeritus (1963-71), contributes a historical overview of the university's 10 presidents.
Phillip R. Shriver, president emeritus of Miami University, wrote the first history of Kent State University while serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Kent. His essay here details the occasion of the university's founding and its early years.
Marvin R. Koller, professor emeritus of sociology and winner of the 1986 Kent State University Alumni Association's Distinguished Teaching Award, recounts the changing campus scene of the 1930s and 1940s. Dr. Koller has been part of the university's history for more than five decades.
Martin K. Nurmi, professor emeritus of English and third dean of the Graduate College (1964-68), was awarded the President's Medal in 1977. He records herein the university's tremendous growth in the late 1950s and the 1960s.
Lawrence S. Kaplan, university professor emeritus of history and founder of the Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Community Studies, describes the trials of the difficult 1970s after the tragedy of May 4. Dr. Kaplan was awarded the Kent State University Alumni Association's Distinguished Teaching Award in 1968 and the President's Medal in 1985.
Michael Schwartz, president emeritus (1982-91), professor of educational administration, and Trustees Professor, writes of the university's recovery and reconciliation in the 1980s.
A Book of Memories is about the whole university - its faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and students and captures the unique character and spirit of what editor William Hildebrand calls "this exasperating and wonderful institution." This stroll through time over Kent's beautiful, rolling campus, past familiar faces and places, will stir rich memories in anyone who has ever studied or worked at Kent State University.
