Wilson Day materials
Biographical/Historical note
Wilson Day was established in 1972 as an annual event dedicated to the memory of Joseph C. Wilson (Class of 1931). CEO of the Xerox Corporation and a trustee and benefactor of the University, Wilson promoted civic responsibility in business and sought to effect positive change in Rochester and beyond. The Wilson Day committee and University Public Relations staff organized the event, which was held in the fall at the Medical Center and River Campus. Wilson Day initially featured seminars and guest speakers, including scientists, authors, and educators. A tribute concert was held each year at the Eastman Theatre. In 1989, following a suggestion by Theresa Guenther (Class of 1990), Wilson Day was transformed into a day of community service in the city of Rochester for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to remember Wilson’s generosity of spirit. It is held in late August and is an important part of the University’s orientation program for incoming students. Volunteers spend the day helping local agencies with various jobs such as painting and gardening.
Scope and Contents note
The Wilson Day Materials collection contains items related both to the day’s original focus on seminars, concerts, and other events and to its current form as a day of community service. Materials from earlier Wilson Day celebrations (1972-1987) include letters of invitation, tickets, programs, speeches, photograph albums, and press clippings, as well as planning material such as guest lists, correspondence between guests and event organizers, and drafts of programs and letters of invitation. Early correspondence is between Chancellor W. Allen Wallis, University Relations Director Don Lyon, and Wilson Day committee members. Correspondence is also between Lyon or President Robert L. Sproull and those involved with planning Wilson Day. Letters of invitation are from President Sproull. Materials from 1990 onward consist of correspondence among organizers, service project lists, letters of invitation, T-shirts, press clippings, and photograph albums. Correspondence from 1990 onward is often written by the Associative Director of Media Relations Jan Fitzpatrick.
Creator
- University of Rochester (Organization)
Dates
- Creation: 1972-2014
Language of Materials
English
Extent
4.43 cubic feet (11 containers)
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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Materials acquired from various sources, including the Rochester Center for Community Leadership (RCCL).
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], Wilson Day Materials, UA353, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Geographic
Topical
Uniform Title
Bibliography
Pieterse, Janice Bullard. Our Work is but Begun. University of Rochester, 2014.
Rochester Center for Community Leadership, Civic Engagement. Accessed 13 December 2017.
Subject
- University of Rochester (Organization)
- Wilson, Joseph C. (Joseph Chamberlain), 1909-1971 (Person)
- Title
- Wilson Day 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
Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.
Rochester New York 14627-0055 USA
archives@library.rochester.edu
