Guide to the A. Leroy Greason Papers, 1939-2006, undated
A. LeRoy Greason Papers, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
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A. LeRoy Greason was born in Newport, Rhode Island on September 13, 1922. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1945, received a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Harvard University, and in 1990 an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Bowdoin College. Greason was professor of English at Bowdoin from 1952 until 1981, dean of students from 1963-1966, and dean of the College from 1966 to 1975. In 1981 he was inaugurated as the twelfth president of Bowdoin College, a position he held until 1990. During his presidency he instituted new distribution requirements and placed an emphasis on a writing program for first year students. Greason also expanded the arts curriculum and tackled many environmental concerns. He encouraged diversification at Bowdoin by actively attracting students and faculty of racial and ethnic minorities. In addition, Greason developed the computer science, Asian studies and women's studies departments and initiated the construction of both Farley Field House and Hatch Science Library.
A. LeRoy Greason died in Brunswick on August 28, 2011. He is survived by his three children, Randall, Katherine, and Douglas, and four grandchildren. His wife, Pauline "Polly" Schaaf Greason, predeceased him in 2007.
The collection consists primarily of addresses and lectures written by Greason relating to his presidency of the College. Addresses include baccalaureate and convocation speeches, lectures given to incoming students and parents, alumni addresses, speaker introductions and chapel talks. Also included are various speeches written for local community organizations and high school convocations, class notes created by Greason when he was an English professor at Bowdoin, and papers documenting the activities of the American Association of University Professors at Bowdoin College. Also includes diplomas and regalia for Masters, PhD, and honorary degrees. For related materials, see the A. LeRoy Greason Administrative Records.
For related materials, see the A. LeRoy Greason Administrative Records.
Addresses and lectures written by Greason for Bowdoin occasions and gatherings including baccalaureate, convocation, commencement, chapel talks and alumni events. Also includes various addresses given to local community organizations and schools.
Alphabetical by subject, then chronological.
Baccalaureate: 1981-1982
Baccalaureate: 1983-1984
Baccalaureate: 1985-1986
Baccalaureate: 1987-1988
Baccalaureate: 1989-1990
Bowdoin alumni addresses, 1958-1990, n.d.
Bowdoin organizations addresses, 1957-1981, n.d.
Chapel Talks: 1953 Oct 3, "The Nature of Value Judgments: Wesleyan v. Bowdoin Football"
Chapel Talks: 1954 Apr 14, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1954 May 6, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1954 Oct 2, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1955 Dec 7, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1956 Apr 9, "Basic English" 1957 Jan 8, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1957 Sep 8, "Honor System" 1958 Oct 4, "Heroism"
Chapel Talks: 1959 Oct 26, "Esse Quane Videri" 1961 Nov 6, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1960 Mar 10,"Charity" 1960 Oct 17, "Summer Programs"
Chapel Talks: 1962 Apr 4, "Poetry and Bowdoin" 1963 Apr 29, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1963 Sep 30, "Things of this World"
Chapel Talks: 1963 Dec 4, "Chapel: Social Rules and Orientation"
Chapel Talks: 1964 Nov 18, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1965 Oct 12, "Fraternities at Bowdoin"
Chapel Talks: 1967 Oct 9, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1981 Iran Hostage Crisis
Chapel Talks: 1969 Oct 15, "Vietnam Moratorium Forum"
Chapel Talks: 1970 May 11, "How Students Live"
Chapel Talks: 1983 Nov 7, "Anticipation of Veteran's Day"
Chapel Talks: 1984 Apr 11, "Fraternities at Bowdoin"
Chapel Talks: 1985 Apr 21, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1988 Sep 21, Untitled
Chapel Talks: 1990 Jan 24, "E Pluribus Unum"
Chapel talks - miscellaneous
Chapel talks - undated and untitled
Commencement, 1981
Convocations: 1981
Convocations: 1982-1983
Convocations: 1984-1985
Convocations: 1986-1987
Convocations: 1988-1989
Eulogies, 1981, 1988-1989, n.d.
Freshmen and Parents: 1962, 1967
Freshmen and Parents: 1969-1971
Freshmen and Parents: 1972, 1974, 1978, 1981, 1982
Freshmen and Parents: 1983-1986
Freshmen and Parents: 1987-1989
High School Commencements: Bridgton (1972), Falmouth (n.d.), Freeport (1963), Hampden (1958)
High School Commencements: Hebron (n.d.), Husson (1965), Lincoln Academy (1961)
High School Commencements: North Shore (n.d.), North Yarmouth (1984), St. Josephs (1967)
High School Commencements: Stephens (1968), Waldoboro (1960), Waterville (1961)
High School Commencements: Inauguration/dedication speeches, 1982
High School Commencements: Introductions of guest speakers, 1966-1989, n.d.
Local organizations addresses (organized alphabetically),1955-1989, n.d.
1961 Sep, "On Humanities"
1955 May 21, "Ivy Weekend"
1963 May 17, "Ivy Weekend"
1965 Jun, "Recognition/Awards Assembly"
1970 Nov 11, "Academic Programs"
1984, "Common Good"
1985, "Bowdoin and 'The Common Good'"
1987, "Reading for the Boards: Life in the Ivory Tower" (plus correspondence)
1991 Oct 30, "Football Rally"
Newspaper clippings and articles, 1952-1982, n.d.
Radio address, 1958-1959
Examinations and assignments created by Greason when he was an English professor at Bowdoin College. Also includes a class enrollment list for English classes taught by Greason from 1952-1981.
Arranged chronologically.
English class enrollments, 1952-1981
English 9 assignments and exams: 1959-1960
English 9 assignments and exams: 1960-1961
English 9 assignments and exams: 1961-1962
English 10 assignments and exams: 1959-1961
English 10 assignments and exams: 1961-1962
Arranged chronologically.
Correspondence, briefs and meeting notes documenting the activities of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) at Bowdoin College from 1976-1980.
American Association of University Professors: 1976
American Association of University Professors: 1978
American Association of University Professors: 1979
American Association of University Professors: 1979
American Association of University Professors: 1980
Includes Greason's Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Harvard University, and diplomas and reagalia for several honorary degree awarded to Greason by colleges and universities including Wesleyan, Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby.
Diploma from Gamaliel Bradford Senior High School, 1939
Honorary degree regalia, Wesleyan University, 1987
Honorary degree regalia, Colby College, 1989
Honorary degree regalia, Bates College, 1990
Program from 1990 Commencement, 1990
Honorary degree regalia, University of Maine at Presque Isle, 1992
Honorary degree regalia, University of New England, 2006
Paul Harris Fellow Certificate, n.d.
Pure silk tie, "woven in England, exclusively for the President of Bowdoin College," n.d.
Bowdoin College Black Cap, n.d.
Paul Harris Fellow Medal and Pin, n.d.
Black robe with ALG monogram, n.d.
Blue, Black, & White Sash
Purple, Yellow, Black, & White Sash from University of Maine
Red, Black, & White Sash from Wesleyan University
Red & Black PhD. Sash from Harvard University
Green, Black, & White Sash from Bowdoin College
Burgundy, Black, & White Sash from Bates College
Purple, Mauve, Black, & White Sash from Colby College
Honorary degree from Bowdoin College, 1990 Commencement
Honorary degree regalia, Bowdoin College, 1990
Diplomas: Masters of Art, 1947 & Doctor of Philosophy, 1954, Harvard University