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Eric H. Faigle Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives


Finding aid created by: Matthew Isom
Date: 2014

Biography

Eric H. Faigle

Eric H. Faigle (1900-1971) was a professor and administrator at Syracuse University. He was born in Winterdale, Pennsylvania on August 16, 1900. He received a bachelor's degree in geography from Syracuse University in 1928 and accepted a position as a graduate instructor the same year. He went on to earn his master's degree from Syracuse in 1930 and in 1935 completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan. Besides the few years he spent in Michigan, his entire academic career was at Syracuse University.

Faigle became an assistant professor of geography at Syracuse University in 1935, was promoted to an associate professor in 1940 and became a full professor in 1943. The same steady progression of his career led him to become the dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 1950 and the dean of the School of Speech and Dramatic Art in 1953. Faigle was known to be highly interested in the students and faculty and helped the schools prosper greatly under his care. He continued to gain responsibilities when he was named a vice president of the University, a role he held until his retirement in 1968. The University honored Faigle that year with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

As well as a variety of articles on geography and education, Faigle was the co-author of World Geography, a textbook published in 1944 that was used in public schools across the country. He was one of six educators that helped formulate policies and curriculum for the new Alaska Methodist University at Anchorage and gave its first graduating class commencement speech in 1962. He was a member of many business and professional organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Association of American Geographers, and the education committee of the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.

Faigle's participation in his field and various organizations earned him numerous awards throughout his career. The Sons of the American Revolution honored him in 1954 for good citizenship. He was also awarded the U.S. Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal in 1962 for serving as a consultant in World War II. In 1959, Syracuse University awarded Faigle the George Arents Pioneer Medal, the highest award given to alumni, and the Centennial Medal of Syracuse University in 1968 for service to higher education and society.

Scope and Content Note

The Eric H. Faigle Papers contain materials dating from 1914 to 1962, the majority from the 1920s through the 1960s.

A large part of the collection consists of the diplomas Faigle earned in his academic career and awards given for his service as a professor, dean and vice president of Syracuse University. Photographs include a group photo of the various academic diplomas, certificates and awards given to Faigle and another of his parent's marriage certificate.

There are nearly 60 lantern slides, the bulk of which are of maps and graphs of Syracuse concerning population demographics, traffic patterns and geography. There are a number of Faigle's publications pertaining to the geography of Syracuse, New York, including his doctoral dissertation from the University of Michigan. Other publications focus on the role of teachers and students within academia.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Related Material

The University Archives holds a clipping file and portrait file of Eric H. Faigle.

Selected Search Terms

Names

Faigle, Eric H., 1900-1971.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

Geography.
College administrators.
College teachers.
Higher education.

Types of Material

Diplomas.
Lantern slides.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Eric H. Faigle Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Most probably gift of Lucy Faigle, in 1981.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in acid-free housing.

Table of Contents

Papers

Inventory