Robert Mahn, Secretary of the University Files

The contents of this collection contain the administrative papers of Robert while he held the position of Secretary of Ohio University. These papers range from administration notes to student social activities from 1964-1975. Most of the collection includes notes that Mahn took during administration meetings, school regulations and rules, department information, plans, and information on student activities. This collection is organized in sixty-two Hollinger boxes into two parts. The first part of the collection is organized into chronological order while the second part, General Files, is organized in alphabetical order. The second section has no particular chronological order, but the bulk of the content ranges between the years 1964-1975.

After studying for his bachelor's degree at Miami University (1935) and his master's degree at University of Kentucky (1937), Robert Mahn was brought to Ohio University in 1938 as Assistant to the Registrar and University Examiner. From this point on, Mahn held over thirty positions over the next five decades, including Secretary of Ohio University. As Secretary of the University, Robert Mahn took notes at the administrative meetings, Board of Trustee meetings, and held information on student affairs and each department. During his five decades at Ohio University, Mahn served under seven Presidents until his retirement in 1984 at the age of 70.

Besides Ohio University, Mahn also worked in the National Archives for a short time and served as the Ohio University archivist for several years after the library created the Archives. Due to his contributions to the library system and the Ohio University Archives, the Alden Library Archives are now named after Robert and Jean Mahn. Robert Mahn passed away February 1, 2004 at the age of 90, but is still recognized for his major achievements and contributions to Ohio University.

This collection is a good description of the rule and regulations at Ohio University during the years 1964-1975 and what administration was attempting to accomplish at this time. It is interesting to see the different plans administration was attempting to enact on campus, as well as the events students were putting on throughout the decade. The administrative aspect during this time is very fascinating to look at, specifically regarding the finances and where they were allocating money for projects and for the school.