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Collection Summary
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Creator: |
South Dakota State
University
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Title: |
SDSU Buildings &
Landmarks Collection/Tompkins Alumni Center Collection
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Dates: |
Inclusive: 1975-1986
Bulk: 1975
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Abstract: |
Collection consists of correspondence, bids
and contracts, and dedication material. Also included is
material dealing with the dedication of the John Ervine Bylander
Courtyard.
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Physical Description: |
.04 linear feet—.11
container (4 folders)
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Collection Number:
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UA 48.16 |
Background
Tompkins Alumni Center was
constructed and furnished at the cost of $240,000 through the generosity
of many SDSU alumni and friends. The idea of a permanent, separate
headquarters was discussed in the early 1970s when a tentative proposal
was made in the spring of 1972. A generous contribution pledged by
brothers Arthur, Lawrence and Charles Tompkins brought the plan into
focus. Work was completed on the 5000 square foot facility and the
building was occupied by the Alumni Association on May 17, 1976.
Dedication was held at the Alumni days summer reunion activities on the
campus on June 12, 1976. The center houses the staff of the Alumni
Association and contains three guest units, a council room, lounge, and
a library.
The construction of the Bylander Courtyard is
valued at $125,000 and was financed entirely through the
contributions of many SDSU alumni and friends. The idea of building
a grand courtyard with a clock/bell tower evolved from an
exploration by the SDSU Alumni Council intro constructing a simple
patio area for the Tompkins Alumni Center. At the same time a fund
raising effort was underway for the restoration of the Old North
Clock. A joint plan was made to combine the courtyard, the Old
North Clock and the bell from Old Central then housed in the
Coughlin Campanile. Just after the announcement the Alumni
Association received a gift from the estate of Minnie Bylander in
memory of her son, John Ervine Bylander. The Bylander gift provided
the funds the Alumni Association needed to launch a campaign to
construct the project. In August of 1985, construction was started
and it was dedicated in June of 1986.
Return to Table of Contents
Arrangement and Content
The Tompkins Alumni Center
sub-group consists of correspondence, bids and contracts, and dedication
material. Also included is material dealing with the dedication of the
John Ervine Bylander Courtyard.
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Container
List: UA 48.16—Tompkins Alumni Center Collection
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Box |
Description |
Dates |
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4 |
Bids and contracts |
1975 |
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Correspondence |
1975 |
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Dedication |
1976 |
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John Ervine Bylander
Courtyard dedication |
1986 |
Restrictions
Use
of Materials
This
collection is open to research without restriction.
Subject Terms
This
collection is indexed under the following headings in the subject guide.
Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places
should search the subject guide using these headings.
Related Material
Photograph Archives/Buildings & Landmarks/Tompkins Alumni
Center—Bylander Courtyard, South Dakota State University Archives, South
Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D. PA 1.48 Tompkins Alumni Center—Bylander Courtyard—Consult a staff
member for assistance with this material.
Administrative
Information
Preferred citation
SDSU
Buildings & Landmarks Collection/Tompkins Alumni Center Collection,
South Dakota State University Archives, South Dakota State University,
Brookings, S. D.
Provenance
Some
of these files were found in the archives stacks in the fall of 1997.
There is no indication of where they came from or how they came to be
here. Other parts of the collection are made up of material that arrived
in the archives through departmental records transfers, the university
campus mail, or random donation by various individuals.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Crystal J. Gamradt
on 7 May 2003.
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