The Wayne State University School of Library and Information Science proudly celebrated 50 years of archival administration education on September 22, 2011 with a visit from the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero. SLIS faculty, staff, students, alumni and archival professionals from across metro Detroit gathered to hear urbane and entertaining remarks from Ferriero who emphasized the importance of archives in American democracy. 

Noting Thomas Jefferson’s words, “Information is the lifeblood of democracy,” Ferriero described the mission and collection of the National Archives and Records Administration and also shared some of its challenges as he leads the agency further into the electronic age. Ferriero congratulated Wayne State for rigorously preparing students for professional archival positions.  He noted some illustrious WSU archival studies alumni including Frank Boles, Director of Central Michigan University’s Clarke Historical Library and past SAA President, and Diane Vogt-O’Connor, Chief of the Conservation Division of the Library of Congress. 

Earlier in the day Mr. Ferriero met with SAA student chapter members and fielded questions at the Reuther Library on campus.  SLIS and the entire WSU community were honored to have such an esteemed visitor and guest speaker, as both reminder and recognition of the vital role our educational programs play in the civic life of our nation.