Claude William Foss papers

Claude William Foss was born in Geneva, Illinois in 1855. He enrolled in Augustana College in 1879, and graduated in 1883 after studying in the classics and science departments. Foss was hired to teach English and history immediately after he graduated. In 1884, he was appointed to the chair of the History and Political Science department, and in 1886 he was elected vice-president of the college. Foss filled the position of president after the deaths of both President Hasselquist and President Olsson. He was interested in conserving the history of Augustana College and the Augustana Synod, and helped to found the Augustana Historical Society in 1930. Foss retired from his positions at Augustana College in 1932, and died several years later in 1935. His collection includes biographical accounts, photographs, certificates, estate papers, his passport, published articles, lecture notes, personal notes, personal correspondence, financial records, Augustana Synod correspondence, newspaper and newsletter articles, professional correspondence, class books, records from various organizations, programs and invitations, and travel memorabilia.