|
ARCHIVES OF THE
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY DAMES |
Size: 6.0 linear feet
Literary rights:
Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission
is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish
them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law
literary rights, copyright laws
and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her
publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually
plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall
restrictions on publication before initial research.
Restrictions: None
Content note:
The Archives of the Wichita State University Dames include minutes, agendas,
committee reports, correspondence, memorandum, treasurer's reports, budgets,
ledgers, procedures, guidelines, calendars, posters, newsletters, scrapbooks,
clippings and photographs. The records are organized into 16 series: President;
1st Vice-President (Membership) and Membership Committee; 2nd Vice-President
(Programs) and Programs Committee; Secretary; Treasurer; Historian and Publicity
Committee; Newcomers Group; Bylaws Committee; Courtesy/Gift Books Committee;
Interest Groups Committee; Newsletter Committee; Social Committee; Special Projects
Committee; Telephone Committee; Yearbook Committee; and Other Committees Past
and Present. This is a growing collection. As additional material is accessioned,
it will be incorporated into the Archives as yearly addenda.
Historical note:
The Wichita State University Dames was founded in 1928 as the Faculty Wives
Club by Mrs. H. W. Foght, wife of University of Wichita President Harold Foght.
There were 30 charter members. Mrs. Foght was the first elected president of
the organization. In September 1929, the name of the club was changed to the
University of Wichita Dames and again in July 1964 to its present name (in response
to the renaming of the University as a whole).
In 1954, a small group was created within the original organization and called the Newcomers Group. The primary purpose of this group was to organize and sponsor socialization activities for first year members.
In March 1972, by a resolution to the original bylaws, women faculty of the University were invited to become Dames. Before this time, members had been only the wives of current, retired or deceased faculty and administrative personnel.
According to the bylaws printed in the 1991-1992 Wichita State University Dames Yearbook, the following officers are elected each year in March: President, lst Vice-President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. The President appoints the following officers: Curator, Parliamentarian, and Newcomers Coordinator. There are twelve committees: Auditing, Bylaws, Courtesy/Gift Books, Interest Groups, Membership, Newsletter, Programs, Publicity, Social, Special Projects, Telephone and Yearbook.
In the early years, the Wichita State University Dames generally was a social organization. After a tragic airplane crash in 1970, which killed many football players and faculty on their way to a game, the Dames organized their first fundraising event, a pre-game lunch, in their memory. The Wichita State University Dames became a successful service organization during this time, organizing a contribution campaign and assisting with the Night of Stars television benefit show. The collected monies were donated to the Football 1970 Memorial Fund. Since then, the Dames have raised money for their scholarship fund, through the efforts of the Special Projects Committee. The Gift Book Program honors Wichita State University Dames by placing a selected book in the Ablah Library in their name, upon their death or retirement. A book is also placed for the wife of each new President of the University and each retiring Dames President.
Acquisition: Donated to the library in 1990 by Annie Merriam, President of the Dames 1989-1990. Subsequent donations were made by Ruth Tasch, President of the Dames 1990-1991. Additional material is anticipated and will be accessioned as provided.
Processed by: PAM, 1-7-1992; JEF, 4-23-1998
