Your Salem Academy and College Archives had the privilege of displaying some of our artifacts from “graduations past” for the Post-Commencement Campus Walk held immediately after this year’s graduation on Saturday, May 8. Staffed by Access Services Supervisor Kenny Arnold, the display included items associated with past graduations along with photographs of the students who owned (or were awarded) the items.
The earliest item displayed was the 1880 diploma awarded Miss Sarah (Sally) Vest, who began her long teaching career at Salem the year following graduation. The white graduation dress worn by Miss Birdie Goslen (Mrs. H. E. Vogler) in 1889/1890 also was displayed. In two pieces, both garments were covered with matching lace and embroidery. Nancy Miriam Spoon’s cap and gown from her 1920 graduation were displayed, along with the 1920 Sights and Insights yearbook, which pictured her wearing the gown. The final item, and the one that generated the most interest, was the 1893 class ring owned by Miss Ella B. Anderson from Cedar Grove, NC. This small, gold-toned class ring simply formed the number “93” in the center.
The Archives is full of memorabilia that details various aspects of student life and school events through the years. Once campus re-opens, we invite you to make an appointment to tour archives and examine our treasures firsthand. In the meantime, please visit the Archives Facebook page for continued glimpses of “how it used to be.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! The Department of Teacher Education and Graduate Studies in Education extends a special salute to our teachers and school counselors who graduated from Salem this year. Education is a noble profession, and we are proud to welcome you as our colleagues.
Educators are incredibly creative people, and our undergraduate and graduate students have created a tradition of decorating their caps to reflect their passion and commitment to education. This year was certainly no exception. Here we spotlight a few examples of their creativity. Please visit us on Facebook and Instagram to see more photos.
Kaylee Pontillo who completed her degree in December with a BA in History and Elementary Teacher Licensure. Her cap includes the names of her students.
Candace Simmons graduated with a BA in Teaching, Schools, and Society and will enter our MEd in School Counseling program this fall.
Ashly Allman graduated with an MEd in School Counseling and is already employed as a school counselor.
Sheryl Long
Director of Teacher Education & Graduate Studies in Education
