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Seymour, Thaddeus Presidential Records, 1978-1990

 Collection
Identifier: AR-Seymour

Scope and Contents

The records of Dr. Thaddeus Seymour, 12th president of Rollins College, include his inauguration, correspondence, general college affairs, work with faculty, students, staff, alumni and the Board of Trustees, buildings, Rollins centennial celebration, his involvement with educational organizations and community service over his tenure of 12 years from 1978 to 1990. As these materials were periodically transferred by the Office of the President, information on a single topic may be found in multiple boxes. The Thaddeus Seymour Presidential Records are arranged in 11 series: Inauguration; Personal Information; Newspaper Clippings; General College Affairs (including: Faculty, Curriculum, Staff and Personnel Issues; Work with Students; Work with Alumni; Work with Trustees; Buildings; Commencements and Centennial; Rollins History; Involvement with Educational Organizations; and Complaints); Name Files; Chronological Files; Correspondence - Subject Files; A-Z Files; Retirement; Memorabilia; and Writing about Rollins.

Dates

  • Created: 1978 - 2011
  • Other: Majority of material found in 1978-1990

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open access unless otherwise noted.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished records are protected by copyright. Permission to publish or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical or Historical Information

Thaddeus Seymour came to Rollins in 1978 as the twelfth president of the college. During his twelve-year tenure, he not only transformed the school through fund-raising efforts, but also enhanced academic excellence of liberal arts education and strengthened the relationship with the local community. Seymour was born on June 29, 1928, in New York City. His father was Whitney North Seymour, a well-known attorney and president of the American Bar Association. Seymour attended Princeton and the University of California at Berkley as an undergraduate. From there, he went to the University of North Carolina, studied 18th century English literature, and received his master’s degree and Ph.D. Seymour began his academic career as an English professor at Dartmouth, and five years later became Dean of the College. Before coming to Rollins, Seymour served as president of Wabash College in Indiana for nine years. While at Rollins, Seymour led the college’s centennial celebration, rededicated the Walk of Fame, raised funds for the construction of the Olin Library and the Cornell Social Science Building, reinstated the Fox Day, and actively contributed to various community activities. He served as chairman, vice-chairman, and committee member of numerous academic and civic organizations. Throughout his life, Seymour is widely known not only as dean and college president, but also an inspiring teacher, a caring counselor, a supportive friend, a charming magician and a leading citizen of the community. Upon his retirement in 1990, Seymour received an honorary degree from Rollins College. He has also been recognized with honorary doctorates from Wilkes College (Pa.), Butler University, and Indiana State University. In 1994, he received the Citizens Award from the Sullivan Committee. Three years later, in 1997, Seymour and his wife, Polly, became Winter Park’s Citizens of the Year, in recognition of their continued service in the community.

Note written by

Extent

33.00 Linear Feet

21.00 Linear Feet

12.00 Linear Feet

0.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Physical Access Requirements

Rollins College Archives.

Method of Acquisition

The materials were transferred to the College Archives by the Office of the President during and at the end of Dr. Seymour's administration.

Existence and Location of Originals

multi-part note content

Related Materials

Interview of Dr. Seymour in 2005 is available online in the Rollins Oral History Archive:  some photos are available in the Rollins Digital Archives; and additional information can be found in the photographic and AV collections housed in the department.

http://asp3.rollins.edu/olin/Archives/oral_history/Updated%20Pages/Table_of_Interviews_New.htm

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Repository Details

Part of the Rollins College Archives & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Rollins College Box 2744
1000 Holt Avenue
Winter Park 32789-4499 US