Faculty Papers/V. V. (Vivian Virginia) Volstorff Papers

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Collection Summary 

Biography

Dr. Vivian Virginia Volstorff, Dean of Women, Director of Student Activities, and professor of history, joined the South Dakota State University [SDSU] faculty in 1932.  She was graduated from Elgin, Illinois high school and received an associate degree from Elgin Junior College before attending Northwestern University where she received three degrees—Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

Vivian V. Volstorff is responsible for establishing several organizations for women at South Dakota State University; including Mortar Board and two national social sororities.  She was the originator of Women's Day at the university, a day when women were honored and scholarships awarded.  The event became a tradition soon after she established it in 1934, and was continued until 1970.

Volstorff held membership in several organizations, including the American Historical Association, National Association of Deans of Women and Counselors, Phi Kappa Phi, and an honorary membership in Mortar Board.  She was also a very active member in the Brookings Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).  She thought AAUW was so important that she worked to get the university accredited in order the make the Brookings Branch official.

Dean Volstorff was well known throughout South Dakota as a speaker in the field of international affairs and contemporary university students.

Arrangement and Content

The V. V. (Vivian Virginia) Volstorff Papers sub-group is arranged into series.

Dean of Women Records
Collection Number: UA 53.12.1
Dates: 1921-1976
Physical Description: .50 linear feet—.50 container (9 folders)

Scope: This series consists of material collected by Vivian V. Volstorff during her career as Dean of Women at South Dakota State University. The bulk of the material consists of minutes and notes from committee meetings, which dealt mainly with women's housing and dormitories. Also included is an annual report from the late 1960's, drafts of the publication Collegiate Wise (a guide for women students), lists of responsibilities of the Dean of Women (with a brief mention of the Dean of Men), and material dealing with student organizations. This material is arranged alphabetically.

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Personal Papers
Collection Number: UA 53.12.2
Dates: 1905-2002
Physical Description: .75 linear feet—.75 container, 213 photographs, 33 negatives, 3 slides, audiocassettes
Scope: This series consists of items collected by Volstorff. Included are articles, biographical information, family information, correspondence, and photographs. Also included are audio tapes of an interview of Volstorff in 1998. This material is arranged alphabetically. 

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Organizations
Collection Number: UA 53.12.3
Dates: 1939-2000
Physical Description: .25 linear feet—.25 container
Scope: This series consists of material from many organizations in which Volstorff was involved. Included is material for honor societies, fraternities and sororities, and women’s organizations. 

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Writings
Collection Number: UA 53.12.4
Dates: 1929-1958
Physical Description: .25 linear feet—.25 container
Scope: This series consists of writings by Volstorff. Included are her theses and dissertation. Also included are drafts of some chapters of her book, Winds of Change. This material is arranged alphabetically. 

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Speeches
Collection Number: UA 53.12.5
Dates: 1943-1981
Physical Description: .58 linear feet—.58 container
Scope: This series consists of speeches written and presented by Volstorff during and after her career at South Dakota State University. Also included is information collected by Volstorff for use in her speeches. This material is arranged alphabetically. 

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Collected Material
Collection Number: UA 53.12.6
Dates: 1929-2001
Physical Description: 1.06 linear feet—.83 container
Scope: This series consists of materials collected by Volstorff, including newspaper clippings, magazine and journal articles, and several publications. This material is arranged alphabetically.