United Campus Christian Ministry, San Jose State University, 1953-2001, bulk (bulk 1969-1998)

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Summary

Creators:
Thorn, Alice E
Abstract:
United Campus Christian Ministry began at San Jose State University as a Presbyterian effort in 1956. Various other denominations joined the Ministry through its history. UCCM focused on helping SJSU students and sponsored many programs and events, which often addressed social justice causes. By late 2000 the Ministry ceased operation. Collection contains organizational materials, records of activities, photographs, negatives and slides.
Extent:
5 boxes; 4.50 feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:

United Campus Christian Ministry, San Jose State University, GTU 2001-11-02. Graduate Theological Union Archives, Berkeley, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains organizational materials recording the activities of the United Campus Christian Ministry at San Jose State University from 1953 through 2001. There are seven series: Series 1, Administrative files; Series 2, Financial records; Series 3, Denominations (materials on the various communions involved with UCCM); Series 4, Programs and events related to UCCM; Series 5, Photographs; Series 6, Negatives; and Series 7, Slides. Hungerfest, a fundraising event for hunger concerns, was held yearly 1987-93.

Biographical / historical:

The United Campus Christian Ministry (UCCM) at San Jose State University had periods of intense activity through its 29 year history.

Beginning as a Presbyterian effort in 1956, the organization was joined by the Episcopal, Lutheran, Congregational, and Disciples of Christ denominations during the following year. Soon the Baptists, United Church of Christ, and Methodists also joined the group. The UCCM incorporated the Campus Christian Center in 1961.

During the mid-sixties, the UCCM became part of the United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE). This period is considered the Golden Era of Campus ministry with high student involvement, Civil Rights activity, debates over the Vietnam War, and other social justice issues. By the end of the decade the UCCM was at a low ebb due to changes in personnel and student interest.

Under the dynamic leadership of Pete Koopman and Natalie Shiras in 1970s and 1980s the participation grew once again at the UCCM through a number of programs and events including fundraisers, auctions, breakfasts, dinners, lectures, Hungerfest, and others. During the 1990s the ecumenical partnership that had been developed became frayed and denominations drew back from funding the campus ministry. With no money for the repair of the campus center and little support for the ongoing operation, the decision was made to sell it to the Catholic Diocese of San Jose in 1997. The UCCM struggled for a few more years and ceased operation in late 2000.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Alice E. Thorn , President of the UCCM Board of Directors, in November 2001.
Physical location:
5/G/1-2; 1/A/3
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been assigned to The Graduate Theological Union. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Graduate Theological Union as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Preferred citation:

United Campus Christian Ministry, San Jose State University, GTU 2001-11-02. Graduate Theological Union Archives, Berkeley, CA.

Location of this collection:
2400 Ridge Road
Berkeley, CA 94709, US
Contact:
(510) 649-2523/2501
archives@gtu.edu
Website