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University Archives

What is the University Archives

The University Archives, as the source of institutional memory, is the official repository for all permanent records of Western University of Health Sciences. Our primary purpose is to document the history and development of the university, including its social, cultural, and intellectual activities of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Our goal is to ensure the survival of reliable and relevant information about the university and to ensure that the contents of our collections are accessible and sustainable.

The permanent records in the custody of the Archives include records created by university departments, organizations, and individuals, such as:

  • Institutional Records (administrative and operational records)
  • Photographic Collections
  • Video Collections
  • Publications
  • Year Books
  • Theses and dissertations
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Oral histories
  • Memorabilia

The Archives also houses the personal papers of the Founding Board of Directors and other individuals who are part of the WesternU history.

University Archives Services

The University Archives staff is pleased to assist you in requesting:
  • Institutional records
  • Historical photographs
  • Early campus videos
  • Rare books


To ensure the preservation of our rare book collection, books do not circulate but are available for library use only. Please contact us in advance to make an appointment.

  • Donate to the Archives

    To augment its repository of institutional records, the University Archives seeks materials from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. These records provide a window to the personal, social and cultural lives of the University community.

    Students and Alumni

    Student and alumni materials can richly enhances our collection of campus life. We seek to document a full-range of related student and alumni experiences. The following items can provide unique insights to campus traditions, academic achievement, personal growth, and career development:

    • Correspondence
    • Diaries
    • Course work (papers, class notes)
    • Photographs
    • Unpublished writings
    • Scrapbooks
    • Residential life
    • Memberships in organizations and student clubs

    Faculty

    The University Archives is also interested in documenting the intellectual life on our campus. Faculty are encouraged to donate:

    • Recorded interviews, photographs, CVs, and other biographical materials
    • Professional correspondence
    • Lecture notes, syllabi, reading lists, classroom materials
    • Conference papers and other documents from involvement in professional organizations
    • Addresses and speeches
    • Research journals and notes
    • Awards and certificates
    • Books and other published works
    • Memorabilia to the archives
  • Digital Collections Copyright Statement

    In each collection, we have included standardized “rights statements” that are used by many archival repositories to provide guidance on the current copyright status of the materials. University Archives has made an effort to choose the appropriate statement for each collection. However, it is still up to the researcher to determine the proper status of the items.

    If you believe we have incorrectly identified the copyright status of any materials, please contact University Archives at uarchives@westernu.edu. Any other questions about our collections should also be directed to University Archives. In certain cases, we have limited access to digital materials for on-campus viewing only.

    If you use any items from our collections, please cite Western University of Health Sciences University Archives as the source of the material.

  • Special Collections

    Special Collections is the repository for the display of older, rare, and important medical books, journals, and medical and scientific artifacts. Special Collections also collects works authored by WesternU faculty and alumni.

    Older medical writings help us to understand the paths followed in the quest for better medical understanding. Studying the directions that medical research has taken in the struggle for discovery of the causes and treatments of diseases and physical difficulties in humans and animals can contribute to our wisdom and understanding and shape the future of medicine.

    Special Collections is sustained by donations from local practitioners and alumni.
    Materials do not circulate but are available for study in the Pumerantz Library.

    Make an Appointment

    To better serve your needs, please call in advance:

    Mary Helen Ellis, Special Collections and Events Specialist
    Call: (909) 469-5321 or
    Email: uarchives@westernu.edu

    Special Collection Items

  • Online Exhibits and Activities

    The Journey of African American Healing Hands in Medicine (Spring 2024)

    In recognition of Black History Month, the Pumerantz Library presented a slide show “The Journey of African American Healing Hands in Medicine.” A few individuals from WesternU were recognized for their accomplishments, including Dr. William G. Anderson, a faculty member in the early years of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, and Dr. Herman B. Bell, an alumnus from our DO class of ’83. The library has copies of each of their books, Autobiographies of a Black Couple of the Greatest Generation by Norma L. & William G. Anderson, D.O. and String of Perils: From Hobo to D.O. by Herman Bell, D.O. ‘83.

    Your Library Through the Years Exhibit (Fall 2022)

    In celebration of the 2022 remodeling of the Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library and Learning Resource Center, scroll through a quick review of the locations of the library since the founding days of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP).

    Recalling our Beginning Exhibit (Spring 2022)

    Honoring the first graduating class of the College of Osteopathic Physicians and the path they paved for our latest graduates to continue their legacy and pave their own bold new paths.

    Relax with Old Books Activity (Fall 2021)

    Do you have old books that reached the end of their useful life? Consider a DIY craft! Repurpose outdated books into a hanging book mobile, a WesternU ornament, and paper roses.

    Favorite Family Recipes Activity (Spring 2021)

    Are you missing your favorite family meals? Learn how you can collect and share your favorite recipes.

  • Contact Us

    University Archives services are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    Staff

    Portrait of Olivia Solis

    Olivia Solis

    University Archivist

    (909) 469-5304

    osolis@westernu.edu

    WesternU Seal - Default Image

    Mary Helen Ellis

    Special Collections & Events Specialist

    (909) 469-5321

    mellis@westernu.edu

    Portrait of Jon Ganahl

    Jon Ganahl

    Digital Preservation Specialist

    jganahl@westernu.edu