Thanks to longtime University of Tennessee, Knoxville, supporter and UT Health Science Center alumnus Fred O. Stone Jr., the UT Libraries now boasts its first named position: the Dr. Fred O. Stone University Archivist.
Stone’s interest in the UT Libraries, the university’s research home and archival hub, has ties dating back to the 1500s. During military service in Europe, Stone’s father purchased a religious manuscript dating from 16th century Spain. With delicate pages of parchment, the manuscript needed proper care. Stone discovered that UT Libraries Special Collections is focused on archival work and preservation of such manuscripts and other rare materials.
“It needed a safe place, so I donated it to Special Collections in 1981,” said Stone. “It was on display for many years in the old library across Cumberland Avenue from main campus.”
The UT Libraries Special Collections have since expanded to include the university archives, among other initiatives, and moved to Hodges Library due in no small part to Stone’s generous contributions. Over the decades, Stone has served on the John C. Hodges Society of the UT Libraries and donated a number of items and gifts. Through his previous support, special collections secured letters concerning the life and writings of Wilma Dykeman, a renowned Appalachian historian, author, and UT professor.
Stone chose to give to the UT Libraries because he resonates with its mission and understands the importance of its work.
He is truly committed to doing good in the world, and I feel honored that one of the ways he does that is through support of UT Libraries. His gift will help ensure that the university archives continue to prosper with the resources they need to care for, preserve, and share the story of the University of Tennessee for generations.
– Steve Smith, Dean of Libraries
“This is something that needs to keep going,” said Stone. “I hope this new named archivist position will help create progress and keep interest in UT Libraries and what Special Collections does to preserve rare texts, the university’s history, and the history of this area.”
Stone recently met the first person to hold this position, Alesha Shumar, who was naturally emphatic in her appreciation.
“The records in the university archives date from the chartering of the university in 1794 to the present,” said Shumar, assistant head of special collections and university archives. “We are so thankful for this new endowment, which will enable many new projects and ensure current and future generations have access to our archival resources that detail UT history and traditions.”
Dean of Libraries Steve Smith shares Shumar’s enthusiasm. He also shares Stone’s love of the great outdoors, and the two have walked a number of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park together.
“After each hike or visit with Fred I’m even more impressed with him as a person and as a Volunteer,” said Smith. “He is truly committed to doing good in the world, and I feel honored that one of the ways he does that is through support of UT Libraries. His gift will help ensure that the university archives continue to prosper with the resources they need to care for, preserve, and share the story of the University of Tennessee for generations.”
Stone’s passion for the past extends to Oliver Springs, Tennessee, where he practiced dentistry for 40 years and now supports the town’s historical society. In a world of shifting whims, Stone says he wants to keep the preservation of history a priority. Thanks to his steadfast support, the repository of UT’s past will weather time’s storms and continue to benefit students, professors, and the public.
