Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Access restrictions apply under the terms of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (F.E.R.P.A.) to student papers (Folder: 9)

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Memorabilia of Robert T. Canevari, 1973-1999, #12818, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

The collection was given to Special Collections by Robert T. Canevari on July 9, 1999.

Biographical/Historical Information

Robert T. Canevari served as the Dean of Students at the University of Virginia from 1970 to 1999. He also served as acting interim Vice President of Student Affairs (1993-1994.) Dean Canevari began his work at the University as a student in 1955. He played football for the Cavaliers for two of his four years. He also served in the Army ROTC after graduating from the Education School in 1960. He became Assistant Dean of Students in 1965 under Dean B. F. D. Runk. Described as enthusiastic and caring, Dean Canevari had a gift of making students feel comfortable. Associate Dean of Students V. Shamim Sisson said of Canevari, "his most important contribution he has given over the years has been himself." He helped students during the Vietnam War protests and also through the continuing cultural changes in student life during an era of dramatic growth and diversification at the University. In 1984 the University showed their appreciation by giving him one of their highest honors, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award which was given annually to a member of the University Community for their "high qualities of heart and mind" in serving the University. The citation read "As a loyal and trustworthy individual Mr. Canevari may always be relied upon for an honest opinion exhibiting a remarkable degree of empathy." He was also given an award by the Seven Society and had a scholarship established by former students and friends in his name to honor his contributions to the University. Canevari loved working with the students so much that he couldn't believe he was paid to do it.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of correspondence of University of Virginia Dean of Students Robert T. Canevari, newspaper clippings about Canevari and his appearance on "A Closer Look" with Jane Pauley, and Office of the Dean of Students reports. Of interest is a letter from Amy Garrou, Assistant Dean of Admissions to the Society of Purple Shadows criticizing the use of their robes and hoods. There is a response from the Society defending their position to Dean Canevari. There are also notes from students, a card from the Society, and a paperback book titled, "The Shadow Laughs"

There are also trophies and gifts from students and the University including an American Flag that was flown at the Capitol for Canevari in appreciation for his allowing the use of Newcomb Hall for the Virginia Congressional Delegation Academy Day on March 20, 1993. Other awards include the Algernon Sydney Sullivan plague, a resolution commending Canevari for his twenty nine years of service to the students of the University of Virginia and several trophies for his dedication to the University of Virginia. The collection is 167 items, one and half Hollinger boxes and one cubic and 2 linear feet.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by topic and chronologically within each folder