TCNJ History

Title: Centennial Celebration, 1953-1957

Abstract:  The New Jersey Teachers College at Trenton celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 1955-1956 academic year. Much planning went into the centennial year. An Executive Committee consisting of faculty, alumni, and students was created to organize the events that took place throughout the year. The committee met numerous times between November 1953 and September 1955. In addition, within the Executive Committee were several subcommittees: Program, Theme for Centennial, Gift, Custody of Centennial Proceedings, Drama and Music, Commemorative Souvenirs, Publications, and Publicity.

Throughout the 1955-1956 academic year, the college hosted many events to celebrate its centennial. The year began with the Convocation, with author Norman Cousins as the featured speaker. Other events include Founders' Day, Parents' Day, and Homecoming Day. The celebration concluded with the Commencement ceremony on June 16, 1956.

Arrangement Note: The collection is arranged into three series:

Series 1: Planning
Series 2: Special Events
Series 3: Official Publications and News Releases

Extent: 1.0 box

Series 1: Planning, 1953-1957

Arranged chronologically, this series consists of budgets, proposals, committee minutes and reports, correspondence, and memoranda focused on the school's centennial planning efforts. This series also contains congratulatory correspondence received during the centennial year. The more prominent congratulatory letters and telegrams include a telegram from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a letter from Vice President Richard Nixon, and a copy of the Recital of Senate Proceedings Senate Resolution of Congratulations by State Senator Sido L. Ridolfi.

Series 2: Special Events, 1954-1956

Arranged chronologically, this series comprises event schedules, programs, research notes on Norman Cousins, and copies of public addresses made during ceremonies. Also included in this series are convocation procession lists; seating diagrams; maps of the homecoming parade route, parade location, and line-up; correspondence related to events; and programs from conferences sponsored by various departments.

Series 3: Official Publications and News Releases, 1955-1956

This file includes an order form to the book, Time, the Great Teacher, by Rachel Jarrold and Glenn Fromm, as well as a complimentary book list. In addition, arranged chronologically are news clippings related to the book.

Note: Photographs relating to the centennial celebration can be found in the Photographic Collections College Life, Events.

Processed by: Samantha Tai, Spring 1997