More than 400 people visited Hunt Library during Homecoming weekend for an event co-hosted by IDeATe and the University Archives as part of the 125th Anniversary campus celebration.
IDeATe’s “Beyond the Intersection of Art and Technology, ” showcased student projects that explore novel physical computing devices, computational weavings, dynamic gaming worlds, and experimental animations & sounds.
The University Archives “Hands-On: Cake & Crafts, a 125th Birthday Celebration with the University Archives,” showcased treasured pieces from their collection, highlighting student organizations and cherished traditions alongside retro artifacts and athletic memorabilia.
Visitors came to IDeATE Studio A & B, along with the Hunt Library Gallery, to celebrate CMU’s history and to interact with student projects.Alumni gravitated towards the sports archive to see photos, memorabilia, and programs from the past.
Video games made by IDeATe students were a big hit with visitors of all ages.Crystal Johnson, Community Collections Processing Archivist, celebrates hair. ”In the 18th and 19th centuries, before photographs were common, hair clippings were often kept as mementos,” Johnson wrote. 'Hair was tucked into letters, albums, lockets, and scrapbooks, and that is often how it makes its way into collections today.”
Johnson also had the opportunity to introduce CMU to the next generation of Tartans.This four-person game made by IDeATe students proved to be a big hit with the alumni.
One of the IDeATE projects on display was a recreation of the children’s game Operation.Kathleen Donahoe, Lead Archivist, Robotics Project, created a display of CMU’s changing campus over time. The top photo is of the old Scaife Hall. On the right, construction of Hunt Library. On the left, Donner Hall.
Visitors of all ages were invited to vote on a CMU tradition that the University Archives will celebrate. The choices: the Beaux Art Ball, Dinks, Push Ball, Cornerstone Pagaents, The Quaich, Communal Silver Bowl, The Class Chain, Gazorching, Parade Floats, Tug-o-War, “Freak” BuggiesStudents and alumni interacted with archival materials and past IDeATe projects while waiting for a slice of cake.
John Shaffner (CFA 1976) and Joe Stewart (CFA 1977) created the beloved sets for Friends that millions still recognize today. They visited the “Room to Imagine” exhibit during Homecoming with Julia Corrin, Michael and Lonna Smith University Archivis and Associate Dean for Distinctive CollectionsUniversity Libraries Faculty and Staff: Erin Swift, Ryan McKelvey, Julia Corrin, Crystal Johnson, Kathleen Donahoe, and Emily Davis
