Records of the University and Development Events office include files on major recurring campus events as well as special dedications and occasions. Events files often contain planning materials, correspondence, programs, scripts, invitation lists, newspaper clippings, and photographs. Photographs often depict decorations and event setup as well as those in attendance. The records are arranged within two series: Event Files and Audio-Visual Material.
The Office of University and Development Events is responsible for planning and managing the University of Michigan's official and ceremonial events. The office plans and coordinates approximately 100 events annually, including commencements, faculty and student honors convocations, official presidential and regental activities, and development events such as campaign activities and donor receptions and programs. This unit also has oversight for the President's House and Inglis House operations. Previously, many of these responsibilities fell on several other units. The Office of the Chief Marshall of the University, and that of the Secretary of the University both at one time oversaw the planning of commencement activities. Planning for various other events has fallen under the Office of the Assistant to the President and the Office of the Vice President for Development. The creation of an office of University and Development Events was an effort at centralizing and coordinating planning and logistics.
In early 1989 the Office of University Events was formally established. Anita Miller held the post designated at the time as Director of University Events and Assistant to the Secretary of the University. Responsibilities for development events and planning were gradually added to the position.
