As students cram for final exams, remember that this same scene has been repeated on college campuses for decades, down to those pesky blue books students give themselves hand cramps trying to fill and instructors struggle to read. “I spent the evening today correcting blue books,” recounts Professor Albert Waugh in his journal on December 10, 1941. “I have finally completed the last one, so that for the moment I do not have a single solitary uncorrected paper!” Professor Waugh’s jubilation at completing his grading no doubt reflects the joy students feel as they leave a final exam, rubbing their hand and thinking of winter break.

For those who may need a break from studying or grading–and some who don’t–may wish to take a moment to peruse Professor Waugh’s thoughts on exams, politics, and daily life at UConn in his recently digitized journals which cover over 25 years of his life at UConn. Waugh came to UConn in 1924 as an instructor in agricultural economics. In 1945 he was named Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and then became the university’s provost in 1950. He served as provost and academic vice president until his retirement in 1966. During this time Waugh recorded his thoughts in a daily journal. The digital collection includes entries from 1941-1969. Entries of interest include his reaction to Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941), keeping score of UConn football games (starting vs. Yale on September 26, 1959), and his “long record of not having voted for the winning candidate in a single presidential election since 1928” (November 9, 1960) among other political thoughts. His entries provide a snapshot into what was going on around campus and the country on any given day.

Professor Waugh’s daily journal can be accessed via the finding aid for his papers found on the Archives & Special Collections website.  And for those taking — or grading — exams, Good Luck and Best Wishes from the staff of Archives & Special Collections!

Krista Miller, Intern