Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Suzanne Cook Elmore Papers, 1961-1965, SC 0309, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Acquisition Information

Materials were part of a larger transfer of alumni materials made by the Centennial Office to Special Collections in July 2008.

Bio/Historical Note

Suzanne DuBose Cook of Richmond, Virginia matriculated into Madison College in the fall of 1964. During her freshman year she lived in Spotswood Hall. While a student, Cook was a member of the Student Education Association. She received her bachelor of science degree in 1968 and worked as a school teacher after graduation. Cook married George Elmore in 1971. She established the Margaret and Jesse Cook Memorial-Suzanne C. Elmore Scholarship to support the music program and the Marching Royal Dukes.

Scope and Content

The Suzanne Cook Elmore Papers, 1961-1965, comprise correspondence and documentation relating primarily to Cook's enrollment and freshman orientation at Madison College beginning in the fall of 1964. A few items are addressed to Cook's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse D. Cook.

The collection includes Cook's acceptance letter dated January 24, 1964; deposit fund card; annotated 1964-1965 student handbook; pamphlet titled "How to be a Freshman" (1961) with guidance related to dating, drinking, and extracurricular activities; list of general information for new students including what to bring (clothing, room accessories, dishes) and what not to bring, dormitory furnishings, finances, gym suits; information regarding room assignments, room registration, meals; instructions for registering for classes; Freshman class songs; details about the Grading System; and dormitory regulations.

Correspondents include G. Tyler Miller (president), William J. DeLong (director of admissions and student aid), Dorothy S. Garber (dean of women), Pauline Long (registrar), and student organization leaders (YWCA, Honor Council, SGA).

Of interest is an August 17, 1964 letter to Cook from Susan Martin, an upperclassman who was assigned to be Cook's "big sister." The big sister-little sister program was sponsored by the YWCA. The letter discusses what to look forward to as a freshman, and provides guidance and advice.

Arrangement

The collection is housed in one folder and arranged according to the order in which it was received by the Centennial Office.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• College freshmen -- Virginia -- Harrisonburg -- History
• Harrisonburg (Va.) -- History
• James Madison University -- Students -- History
• Letters (correspondence)
• Madison College -- Alumni and alumnae
• Madison College -- History
• Madison College -- Students
• Madison College -- Students -- Social life and customs
• School records