Clyde Patterson May 4 papers

May 4 Collection - Box 68

Finding Aid

Prepared by Tom Adamich, April 20, 1991; Updated November 2016

Inclusive Dates: 1970-1976
Extent: 1 slim document case, .16 cubic foot
Physical Location: 12th floor

Biographical Note

A Kent State University School of Architecture professor from 1958 to 1982, Clyde Patterson was instrumental in implementing a number of important projects and programs in the architecture field, including the establishment of the National Architectural Accrediting Board in the early 1960s. Kent State University's School of Architecture was one of the first schools in the U.S. to be accredited.

As a graduate of Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) with degrees in Architecture (B.A.) and Art and Art History (M.A.), Patterson exhibited his great commitment to architectural education. In 1961, Patterson, with the help of numerous colleagues, established the architectural honorary chapter, Tau Sigma Delta, at KSU. In addition, in 1973, Patterson, along with Professor Ron Roskins, founded the National Leaders Honor Society, an organization honoring the top 20% of architecture graduates across the United States. Patterson died in 2009.

Scope and Content

The main focus of the papers and its topical concentration is the events and administrative result of the May 4, 1970 Kent State shootings. Included are professional and personal correspondence; University Faculty Senate minutes, resolutions, and supporting documents; and assorted printed matter and reports.

Acquisition Note

Materials contained in this collection were accessioned on February 4, 1991 and given accession number U 91/15. Materials had been housed in the Kent State University School of Architecture and were brought to Kent State University Special Collections and Archives by Clyde Patterson.

Sponsor: Digitization of this collection was funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Box 68
Folder -- Contents

1. Administrative Correspondence Received by Patterson, May-July 1970; 1976
   Scope and Content: Contains letters sent by: Louis K. Harris, Vice-President and Provost, regarding completion of quarter; Louis K. Harris, Vice-President and Provost, request for statements from faculty witnesses; Louis K. Harris, Vice-President and Provost, regarding grading alternatives; Internal Communications, fact sheet and letter regarding payroll and facilities operations; Donald E. Halter, Registrar, regarding liberalization of grading procedures for Spring Quarter; John F. Ohles and Jeffrey Zink, regarding Subcommittee on Faculty Attitudes and Activities with Reference to the Violence; John A. Flower, Dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts, copy of written testimony to the Sub-Committee of the Ohio Select Legislative Committee on Campus Disorder; Robert I. White, President, to parents of students, regarding changes taking place at Kent State University; Glenn A. Olds, President, open letter to Kent State University.
2. Correspondence Sent by Patterson, May 1970; undated
   Scope and Content: Contains letters sent to: students, regarding the completion of the quarter; John A. Flower, Dean of the College of Fine and Professional Arts, regarding proposed Kent State University Seminar Center.
3. University Faculty Senate: Minutes, Resolutions, and Supporting Documents, May-July, 1970
   Scope and Content: Includes minutes from regular and special meetings of the University Faculty Senate; resolutions in response to the events of May 4; supporting documents regarding the selection of the President and the Provost of the University; and a questionnaire from the Faculty Senate Commission on the Quality of Life in the University Community.
4. Professional Organizations: Correspondence and Bulletins, May-June 1970; April 1971; undated
   Scope and Content: Includes correspondence from: Universities National Anti-War Fund, regarding membership drive; faculty, regarding Concerned Students of KSU; Kent Community for Non-Violent Change, memo regarding organization funding; American Association of University Professors, Kent State University Chapter, summer bulletins; Keeping Kent Open--Tactics to Insure it, bulletin.
5. Assorted Printed Matter and Reports, 1970; undated
   Scope and Content: Comments on the Portage County Special Grand Jury, by Harold Kitner, Dean for Faculty Counsel; Pamphlet, Kent Students Medical Fund; Term paper, The Tragedy at Kent State; Statement, read to a Special Assembly of the Pennsylvania State University Academic Senate by students and faculty of the Pennsylvania State University Department of Architecture.