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Edmon Low Library
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Centennial Histories Series

About the Collection

The Centennial Histories project began with a vision. It would be a series of books to acknowledge and honor "the lives and deeds" of all who shared in and served OSU during its first 100 years. Over a period of more than a decade, hundreds of people contributed their time and talents in producing 26 volumes about their University. The vision became a reality. From early, uncertain steps into previously uncharted areas, a coordinated, high-quality Centennial Histories series of books were produced.

The Centennial Histories project of Oklahoma State University is a unique achievement in several aspects. No other higher education institution in the United States or throughout the world has undertaken or completed a publishing project of these proportions relating its history at the time of an anniversary. As a result, the history of OSU has been studied as a whole in greater research and analytical depth than that of any other higher educational institution anywhere.

All books in the project, except for the picture volume, break new ground for portraying the history of higher educational institutions. These one-of-a-kind format volumes remain as examples of scholarly research studies not duplicated elsewhere. The books also serve as prototypes for similar studies in other higher educational institutions. The books of the Centennial Histories Project mirror much of higher educational, political, industrial, economic, and racial history of the territory and state of Oklahoma. The volumes also clearly define the wide range of operations and the vast impact of Oklahoma State University, as well as to delineate its role as a land-grant institution on local, state, national, and international levels. The books of the project likewise bring to maturity the idea that OSU is indeed rich in history and much concerned about its past while giving a high degree of attention to its present and future. Finally, the twenty-five volumes of the project will long remain the unequaled and enduring frontier of knowledge heirloom of the Centennial of the University.

Much appreciation is extended to Oklahoma State University and administrative heads who obtained funds and shared in the production of one or more Centennial Histories volumes. An estimated 125 people were substantially involved in the production over the Project's decade long existence. Hundreds of others shared insights, information and photographs. Deep appreciation is expressed to every person who contributed in any way.

In some ways, the final years and months of the Project were the most difficult, for "time and funding were running out," and pressures were mounting to complete the project. It is a tribute to editors and to other staff personnel that they were able to join with authors in successfully concluding the effort.

Access the Physical Collection

Physical copies of the Centennial History series are available in both the circulating collection and in the OSU Library Archives.

These materials are housed in the Archives. They can be consulted by appointment in the Archives office (2nd floor) of the Edmon Low Library at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. For more information please contact the Archives at 405-744-6311 or libscua@okstate.edu.

The Archives at the OSU Library
204 Edmon Low Library
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6311
libscua@okstate.edu

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