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Winston Churchill Commencement materials

 Collection
Identifier: UA77

Biographical/Historical note

The University of Rochester commencement of 1941, held June 16 in the Eastman Theatre, has been called "the last really 'normal' affair for six years." World War II was already well underway and the entry of the United States seemed increasingly imminent. Under a tense international climate, the University of Rochester selected British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as the recipient of an honorary doctorate of laws for "his distinction as a historian . . . his position as an elected leader of a great and friendly democracy . . . [and] the courage, candor and effectiveness with which he is leading his nation."

Churchill accepted the degree via a live wireless trans-Atlantic radio address. His ten-minute speech appealed to Anglo-American unity, invoking his family connections to Rochester and Central New York. (His maternal grandfather was born near Syracuse, practiced law in Rochester, and married Churchill's grandmother in Palmyra. It was also believed at the time that Churchill's mother had been born in Rochester.) Though he enunciated the dangers facing the free world, his message was still one of hope and solemn resolve. "United we stand. Divided we fall. Divided the dark ages return. United we can save and guide the world," Churchill declared. The ensuing applause ran for almost as long as the speech itself.

The degree was received at the ceremony on Churchill's behalf by Noel Hall, British minister to Washington. Also awarded an honorary degree at the 1941 commencement was George Washington Carver, the distinguished scientist at the Tuskegee Institute. As he was unable to attend due to illness, President Valentine flew to Alabama and presented him the diploma personally.

Scope and Contents note

The Winston Churchill Commencement Materials contains letters, telegrams, memoranda, clippings, and other items relating to Churchill's speech and honorary degree. Correspondents include Winston Churchill, Fred Hovde, and Alan Valentine. A collection of additional photographs and postcards was received from the Minneapolis Collection at the Minneapolis Public Library in March 2004.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1941-2010

Language of Materials

English

Extent

0.23 cubic feet (1 container)

Restrictions on Access

For access to this collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu) at least two business days prior to your planned visit.

Please note: Some materials may be restricted or require permission for use.

Restrictions on Use

To request reproductions or permission to publish materials from the collection, please contact the University of Rochester Archives (archives@library.rochester.edu). Researchers may be responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Winston Churchill Commencement Materials, UA77, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Related Archival Materials note

Listen to Churchill's 1941 transatlantic Commencement acceptance speech.

A University of Rochester Library Bulletin article on the speech can be read here.

Title
Winston Churchill commencement materials
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the University of Rochester Archives Library

Contact:
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA