Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Alumni Association

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A committee met in 1893 to organize a permanent alumni association, and Joseph B. Keeler was named the first president of the newly-formed Brigham Young Academy Alumni Association. George H. Brimhall was elected in his stead after Brother Keeler received a mission call only days following his appointment. The Alumni Association of Brigham Young University still offers graduates many services such as a national and international network of job opportunities, annual campus activities, and discounts on BYU memorabilia. Alumni are also invited to return to campus to attend Homecoming and are allowed the use of other local facilities such as Aspen Grove. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the Brigham Young University Alumni Association.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976
  • Butterworth, Edwin Jr. Brigham Young University: 1,000 Views of 100 Years. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
• Secondary Sources related to the Alumni Association
  • 378.22 P323 The history of the Alumni Association and its influence on the development of Brigham Young University A history of the Alumni Association beginning in 1893. Includes information on the formation of the Alumni Association, the major events of its history, and the influence it has had on the development of the university.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Alumni Association: A sample of the materials that contain information about the BYU Alumni Association. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 636 Alumni Association deceased alumni records, 1875-2006 This collection contains information on deceased alumni gathered by the Alumni Association. It consists primarily of obituaries and student information sheets which contain vital information on the deceased. Birth dates, marriage dates, death dates, dates of attendance at BYU. Spousal and family information should be recognizable by viewing the obituary and included student information of each deceased alumni.
  • UA 541 Records, 1893-1975 Includes constitution, by-laws, and procedures of the Association. Also includes lists of officers, members, and organizations; also records of fund drives, activities and projects. Also includes receipt books, minutes, correspondence, surveys, news clippings, press releases, and class and club histories.
  • UA 975 Record of life memberships, ca. 1900-ca. 1950 One bound volume listing the life members of the Brigham Young Alumni Association. The memberships appear to have been purchased in the early to mid-twentieth century.
  • UA 130 Records, 1905-1922 Collection includes handwritten and typewritten summary lists of donations, endowments and contributions to the Karl G. Maeser Memorial Building exclusive of the property in deed of trust and the appropriations of the trustee-in-trust, and a brief financial history of Brigham Young University.
  • UA 1006 Historical records, 1937-1987 This collection includes periodicals and records of alumni activities including Homecomings and Founder’s Day celebrations.
  • UA 1133 Alumni Relations Records, 1955-1983 This collection contains various records, correspondence, and articles relating to Alumni Relations. Contains information pertaining to Aspen Grove, Athletic Activities, Development, Faculty, and other files.
  • UA 450 Records, 1967 Contains information and addresses about Founder’s Day at BYU. Also includes two addresses by Harold B. Lee and Karl Maeser.
  • UA 968 Activity files, 1967-1988 This collection includes files and correspondence from the Alumni Association’s activities for Founders’ Days, homecomings, and reunions.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the Brigham Young University Alumni Association. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.