These series contains records about St. Cloud State University commencement, dating from 1871 to 2009. Additions to this series will be ongoing.
Arranged chronologically, the main focus of the records are the programs. Programs were issued for each ceremony, listing names of those who graduated and the degree that was received. Early programs do not list graduates, but instead just the events surrounding commencement.
Starting in 2000, commencement was split into two: one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students. Thus, there were two programs. It later combined into a single program.
Other material is contained here, including invitations, speeches of commencement speakers, and audio and video of commencement, dating back to 1968.
The commencement records are split into four separate series.
Series 1: Reference Copy
This series contains the most complete run of SCSU commencement programs. There is one copy for each commencement program that the Archives has.
Series 2: Archives Copy
This series contains, when possible, two copies of each commencement program. Commencement programs here are duplicated in Series 1.
Series 3: Other Material
Contained in this series are invitations, schedules, and other material related to the commencement ceremony. Text of speeches, dated mostly from the 1960s, are in this series as well.
Series 4: Audio/Visual
This series has audio and video of commencement programs dating back to 1968. Some years there is only audio, which is on either cassette tape or reel to reel. Video exists here for many commencement ceremonies, especially after 1999, though there is earlier video. Video formats include VHS and DVD.
