Inaugurations

The Archives holds audio recordings of all our University presidents except the first two, Martin B. Anderson (1853-1889) and David Jayne Hill (1889-1896). Anderson died in 1890, but Hill lived well into both the audio and film era, and it is possible that he was recorded before his death in 1932.

The inauguration of Alan Valentine in 1935 took place in the Eastman Theatre, which had a system installed to record the concerts in the hall. Unable to attend the event in person, Rush Rhees spoke by telephone from Boston, perhaps the first instance of a hybrid event at the University. 

1935: Alan Valentine

This portion of the recording includes the speeches at the inauguration luncheon, including Rush Rhees, which was broadcast on the radio.

Rush Rhees:

After an introduction by President Valentine, former University President Rush Rhees beings speaking at about the two minute mark.

1963: W. Allen Wallis

Speech of Dwight D. Eisenhower

Full event