The University Archives maintains a vast, comprehensive collection of resources about the history of The University of Akron and its predecessor institutions, Municipal University of Akron (1913-1926) and Buchtel College (1870-1913).
The University Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to official records that have been identified as having historical value. It also holds unofficial records, papers, and publications that pertain to the university but were created or received by university-affiliated individuals and organizations. Historical materials are transferred on a continual basis.
Note: Some records are restricted due to confidentiality or federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). To access these records, a Public Records Request must be submitted for consideration by the Office of General Counsel.
The University of Akron has a rich history dating back to its founding as a small denominational college in 1870. John R. Buchtel, an Akron industrialist, was instrumental in persuading the Ohio Universalist Convention to place its college in Akron, Ohio. More on the history of The University of Akron..
The University of Akron changed names three times during its history:
The University of Akron has named 19 presidents.
In 1927, the Zippers were chosen as the athletic teams’ nickname, which was shortened to Zips in 1950. Zippy the kangaroo became the official mascot in 1953.
Secondary sources are available in the archives or circulating copies are available through Bierce Library.
Clinefelter, Ruth W. A History of Bierce Library of the University, 1956
Duke, Theodore T. Glorious to View: A Reconstruction of Old Buchtel, 1971-1899 (published between 1963-1979)
A History of the Establishment of the Municipal University of Akron, compiled by P.R. Kolbe (Akron: The Municipal University of Akron) 1914
Knepper, George W. New Lamps for Old: One hundred years of Urban Higher Education at The University of Akron (Akron: The University of Akron) 1970
Knepper, George W. Summit’s Glory : Sketches of Buchtel College and The University of Akron (Akron: University of Akron Press) 1990
Spanton, A. I., ed., Fifty Years of Buchtel (1870-1920): Published under the auspices of the Buchtel College Alumni Association (Akron: Buchtel College Alumni Association) 1922
Weaver, G. S. Autobiography of George Sumner Weaver, D.D.: A Sketch of a Busy Life, 1914 (Schenectady, New York: Ernest L. Robinson) circa 1965