Gerard Eugene Mayer Papers

Collection

Identifier: M165

Staff Only

Abstract

Gerard Eugene Mayer was a graduate student in the History Department at the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado in 1962. As part of his reseach for his master's thesis, Mayer surveyed approximately 200 alumni of the University who studied at the University between 1920 and 1940 asking for their opinions on school spirit, relations between the students and faculty, and the lasting influence of faculty. He received 35 responses that detail the student experience during the 1920s and 1930s. His thesis was titled: A History of the University of Denver, 1920-1940 (v., 134 leaves, 1963) was approved by the University in 1963. The collection includes the 35 letters.

Dates

1962
Majority of material found in 8/1/1962-8/31/1962

Creator

Mayer, Gerard E. (Gerard Eugene) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Gerard Eugene Mayer was a graduate student in the History Department at the University of Denver, Denver, Colorado. In 1962 as part of his reseach for his master's thesis, Mayer surveyed approximately 200 alumni of the University who studied at the University between 1920 and 1940 asking for their opinions on school spirit, relations between the students and faculty, and the lasting influence of faculty. He received 35 responses, which constitute this collection. His papers are part of his research for a master's thesis he wrote in 1962. His thesis was titled: A History of the University of Denver, 1920-1940 (v., 134 leaves, 1963) was approved by the University in 1963.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 half letter document box)

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

In 1962, Gerard E. Mayer began working on his master's thesis on the history of the University of Denver, 1920 to 1940. In addition to the traditional sources of the university archives, newspapers and yearbooks, Mayer surveyed approximately 200 alumni who studied at the University from 1920 to 1940 asking for their opinions on school spirit, relations between the students and faculty, and the lasting influence of faculty. He received 35 responses, which constitute this collection. The letters vary greatly, as did the experiences of the students during their time at the University. Whether the respondent was an on-campus student or a day student affected their experience. The Great Depression had a serious impact on both students and the University during those years. Professors and chancellors were mentioned as having influence on both DU and the students. Several of the letters mention Ben Cherrington and the Social Science Foundation as adding an element of international interest to the campus. The letters are a source of information on the student experience during the 1920's and 1930's.