The University Libraries' Special Collections Department at the University of Nevada, Reno has recently published "A Pictorial History of the University of Nevada, Reno," put together by two University librarians: Betty Glass, University Archivist, and Amy Hunsaker, Digital Initiatives Librarian. The book contains 138 pages of photographs, dating from 1874 through 2013, that portray students, professors, campus locations and more.
"University Archives serves as our institutional memory, preserving a variety of records to support historical research," Glass said. She observed that the archival images also document the contributions of faculty and staff in shaping the University and depict the curricular and extracurricular activities that capture students' imaginations and harness their energy toward worthy objectives.
Glass and Hunsaker found it challenging to select which archival images to includedin the book. There are many photos that have great historical significance to the University, including a portrait of Reno rancher John Evans who played a role in establishing the University campus, as well as images of Comstock miner John Mackay and his son, Clarence Mackay, who provided the University with significant financial support.
The University's 2015-2021 Strategic Plan notes that three themes, learning, discovery and engagement, have been the underlying themes of the University since its inception in 1874. "A Pictorial History of the University of Nevada, Reno" is also organized around these three themes, as the photographs echo the University's longstanding values, "... excellence in all its endeavors, integrity in all its actions, inclusiveness of diverse cultures and identities, and collaboration between disciplines and programs and with community partners and stakeholders," as stated in the Institutional Strategic Plan, 2015-2021.
"A Pictorial History of the University of Nevada, Reno" is available for sale at the University's Special Collections, and copies are also available at the Nevada Historical Society for $16.