UND Department of Special Collections unveils new exhibit celebrating football tradition in time for Homecoming

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

9-22-2015

Campus Unit

Chester Fritz Library

Abstract

A new exhibit showcasing the history of University of North Dakota football is open to visitors in the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections in the Chester Fritz Library.

Titled “UND Football: Proud Heritage, Bright Future,” the exhibit features photographs, game programs, memorabilia and other items that are part of various collections housed in Special Collections, including the Athletic Department Records, Bruce Smith Papers, and Clayton N. Watkins Papers.

Among the items in the exhibit are game programs dating back to 1912, pennants, a football helmet loaned from the Athletics Department, a Jim Kleinsasser bobble head figure and several items related to Bruce Smith, dean of the UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Smith played football at UND from 1967 to 1969. His letter jacket, a game ball from the 1969 UND-NDSU game, and a large framed collage of photographs document his playing days.

The exhibit revolves around three themes: “Fields of Change,” covers the various sites that have been home to UND football, including Merrifield Field, where the Hyslop now stands, Memorial Stadium, the Alerus Center and the new High-Performance Center; “Beyond UND: Going Pro” profiles three UND alums that went on to careers in either the NFL or Canadian Football League; and finally, “Stand Up and Cheer: Memories and Mementos” showcases the various artifacts and souvenirs that have been a part of UND football history, including a “Beat the Aggies” pin from the 1920s, referencing the rivalry game between UND and NDSU.

UND Homecoming is set for the week of Oct. 5-10. The UND football team will play Idaho State at 1 p.m., Oct. 10 at the Alerus Center.

The exhibit is open to viewing during the normal hours of operation for the Department of Special Collections, which are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except during school breaks.

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