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Harry J. Sentiff Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives

Summary

Creator: Sentiff, Harry J.
Title: Harry J. Sentiff Papers
Dates: 1934-1947
Size: 1 box (.25 linear foot)
Abstract: The Harry J. Sentiff Papers contain photographs, clippings and other materials from Sentiff's time as a student and athlete at Syracuse University.
Language: English
Repository: University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
222 Waverly Ave., Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010
https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center/university-archives

Biography

Harry J. Sentiff (1916-2009), born in Rochester, New York, was a certified public accountant (CPA) and 1938 graduate of Syracuse University. During his time at the University, Sentiff studied business administration and was actively involved in the cross-country and track teams. He was named most valuable trackman in 1938 and was a varsity letter winner in 1937 and 1938.

Sentiff was also chairman of the 1937 Block “S” Dinner Committee. Established in the 1910s, the Block “S” Dinners were special events during which letters were awarded to Syracuse University athletes and other prestigious athletic awards were presented.

Sentiff’s additional activities and organizational involvement at the University included the Men’s Glee Club, Theta Chi, the Double Seven (as a junior), and later, Phi Kappa Alpha (the oldest honorary fraternity on campus) to which Sentiff was inducted for outstanding service to Syracuse University.

After graduating, Sentiff worked as a CPA in Buffalo, New York. In 1942, his career was interrupted when he was drafted into the army. He served 3.5 years in the Counter Intelligence Corps before reviving his accounting career in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Medina (New York) and eventually Brockport (New York).

Sentiff was as active in his community as he was during his college career. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Brockport, the Lions Club, and the Monroe County Historical Society, Sentiff also served two terms on the Board of Lakeside Memorial Hospital, was a former member and president of the SUNY College at Brockport Foundation, served on the SUNY College Council and was a former president of the State Association of College Council and Trustees.

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Scope and Content Note

The Harry J. Sentiff Papers contain news clippings, programs, photographs, varsity letters and printed materials related to Sentiff’s involvement with the Block “S” Dinners, cross-country team, track team and Phi Kappa Alpha.

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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 the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

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Related Material

A Syracuse University baseball team photograph hand-dated "1934-5 season" was removed to be incorporated into the University Archives' Photograph Collection.

The University Archives holds a clipping file on Harry J. Sentiff.

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Selected Search Terms

Names

Sentiff, Harry J.
Syracuse University -- Alumni and alumnae.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.

Subjects

Athletics.
Higher education.

Types of material

Photographs.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Harry J. Sentiff Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

In 2016, the Syracuse University Archives accepted the Harry J. Sentiff Papers from the University's Alumni Engagement Office, which had received them from Marge Sentiff.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in acid-free housing, and photographs were placed in Mylar sleeves.

Finding Aid Information

Created by: Jen Bort
Date: 2016
Revision history:

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Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically.

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Inventory

Papers
Box 1 Block "S" Dinners 1937-1938
Box 1 Cross-Country and Track - Clippings 1935-1938
Box 1 Cross-Country and Track - Photographs 1934-1938
Box 1 Cross-Country and Track - Varsity Letters undated
Box 1 Phi Kappa Alpha 1947
Box 1 Spiked Shoe 1938

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