TitleRonald Reagan 1957 visit to Eureka College for Commencement (40)

Inventory Number1957.040

Full CollectionRonald Reagan Collection - Reagan Image Collection - 5x7 Images

Object Description

Photograph of the 1957 Eureka College graduation ceremony during Ronald Reagan's visit to Eureka College at which he attended the commencement for the graduates. Ronald Reagan attended Eureka College between 1928 and 1932. He was a member of the TKE's Iota Chapter during his time in Eureka and served as its President in 1928. Reagan was active in school including theater and football. At the time of the photograph, Ronald Reagan was working as an actor in Hollywood. As one of Eureka College's most famous celebrity, Reagan's arrival to campus was always celebrated by staff, faculty, students, Eureka College Alums, and the citizens of Eureka. 

This black and white photograph shows the attendees of the 1957 Eureka College graduation. There sits two sections of graduation attendees divided by an aisle through which the procession of attendees walks. There are several dozen guests photographed who sit on cinderblock and wooden board benches upon the grass field. The camera is positioned behind the staff of Eureka College who have come to Eureka's graduation to participate in the ceremony and support the graduates; each one of these are dressed in dark graduation regalia including academic gown and stole, with some wearing the mortarboard hat typical of graduation dress. 

Near the front of the group standings one man wearing a black gown. Although we cannot see what it is that is in front of him from the angle of the camera, it can be assumed from other photographs in the collection that this is a back angle of Ronald Reagan giving his speech to the attendees and graduates at the podium. 

Object Date1957

Object StatusCurrent

Object TypePhotographs

Country OriginUnited States

Credit LineEureka College

Full LocationEureka College Archives - Digital Archive

SubjectRonald Reagan, Actor Ronald Reagan, Eureka College Visit

Inventory Contact NameBouslog, Katelynn - Ronald Reagan Museum - Eureka College