Press releases, 1996 February - 1997 April

Materials in this collection consist of official press or news releases created by the University News Service, to publicize and communicate University-related information with the public spanning from 1967 September to 2002. The press releases promote University events, describe campus updates, and highlight various University-related accomplishments. Various media outlets received press releases covering topics such as university sports, student and faculty accolades, sorority and fraternity activities, campus growth, beauty pageants and contests, and guest speakers, lectures, and workshops. Cutlines or captions for photographs relating to topics covered accompany some press releases and may or may not include a copy of the photo itself. Also included in this collection are “Hometowner” data sheets of feature students, and other supplemental material (pamphlets, programs, agenda, speeches, and travel itinerary) relating to the activities described in the press releases. There also are news logs which are lists with the title, assigned number, and date of the press release. Press releases from 2000 onward can be found on the university’s website.

Many of the press releases are type written some with multiple drafts attached with hand written edits and notes. “Media Directional Sheets” attached to each press release state the author and typist of the release, and the date sent from the News Service. The directional sheet also lists all the news outlets and mediums that received the release. University News Service Director, Pat Murdock, approved the majority of the press releases. Each release varies in length from about one paragraph to three or more pages. Arranged by date of press release. Press releases that do not have dates are arranged by the mail date listed on the Media Directional Sheet.

Events of note documented by press releases include:
• Snowball Fight Announcement – January 1968
• Miss Air Commando Contest – April 1968
• Men’s Gymnasium Fire – January 23–31, 1969
• LBJ Surprise Visit – January 23–31, 1969
• Library Moves from Flowers – July 16–29, 1969
• Agriculture Building Fire – October 13-16, 1969
• 1970 San Marcos Flood – May 6–19, 1970
• Kissing Marathon Announcement – October 17–31, 1970
• LBJ Visit for Dedication – November 1–10, 1972
• Class 1934 Honored at Homecoming – November 18–30, 1984
• Summerfest ’86 Announcement – June 26–July 15, 1986
• Willie Nelson Concert – October 14-24, 1987
• Kappa Sigma Fraternity Suspension for Hazing – November 11-30, 1987