Description
Fred D. Fagg served as the sixth president of the University of Southern California (1947-1957). During his tenure, the University
underwent a great deal of post-war growth; in April 1948, USC dedicated some 29 buildings-- most of them former U.S. Army
barracks. Fagg also initiated the construction of much-needed new buildings, including a cafeteria and residence halls as
well as classroom and research facilities. As the University grew in significance nationally and internationally, Fagg instituted
modern cost-accounting practices, establishing a development office and increasing library holdings by two-thirds. He also
began a program of land acquisition, expanding the boundaries of the University Park campus, and then purchasing land near
the county hospital to create the Health Sciences campus. (The Health Sciences campus opened in 1952, the same year in which
the Norris Dental Science Center opened on the University Park campus.) Fagg resigned as President of USC in 1957 due to
poor health. This small collection consists of printed ephemera pertaining to the Inauguration of Fred Fagg as the sixth President
of the University of Southern California. Included in the mementos are congratulatory certificates and letters from Indiana
University, the University of Illinois, Yale University, the University of British Columbia, Syracuse University, etc. There
are also several folders of letters of "regret" from guests and delegates as well as letters of "accept" regarding attendance
at the inauguration. Three bundles of registration cards for delegates and guests are included in the collection as well
as several copies of the inaugural program and the invitation itself.
Background
Fred D. Fagg, Jr. (1896-1981) was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to California to attend the San Diego Army and Navy
Academy in Pacific Beach, California. He then entered the University of Redlands but left during his sophomore year to enlist
in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He completed flight training and was soon assigned to the 92nd Aero Squadron, U.S.A.E.F, and
in 1918 was flying night patrols across the English Channel.
Extent
0.42 Linear Feet
1 box
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian.
Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections 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.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Advance notice required for access.