University of Connecticut, University Communications Office Records

The University Communications Office has a long and varied history beginning with the University Editorial Office which opened in 1922 under the direction of Walter Stemmons, College Editor. In 1954, after Mr. Stemmons retired, the office was renamed to reflect its broadened responsibilities. The Division of Communication, directed by John H. Gleason, had four subdivisions: General News (News Office), Sports Information, University Photography (Photo Lab), and Publications-Central Duplicating. In 1962, Donald Friedman became head of the office. In 1964, the name was again changed, this time to Office of Public Information and Publications. This office absorbed University News, Sports Information, Photography, Publications, and Central Duplicating. In 1967, Raymond J. Buck became Director of University Publications when the Office became the Office of Public Information (OPI). Friedman continued to work for Buck as director of OPI until 1977 when Walter S. McGowen became the director. Sports Information was transferred to the Division of Athletics in 1977/1978. In 1986, the office was renamed the Office of University Relations and Karen Grava Williams was named Director of Institutional Relations. The following year, the office was divided into two offices: Institutional Relations and University Publications. Although the responsibilities of the unit have remained pretty much the same, by 2005 was known as University Communications and was responsible for strategic marketing and planning to promote the University's image and enhance its reputation among key local, regional and national audiences. On the Storrs campus the work was carried out by seven units: Design Services, Internet Services, Lodewick Visitors Center, Marketing Services, Multimedia Services, University Events, and University News and Information. Under different directors and changes across the campuses, University Communications in 2019 is comprised of the following departments: News and Editorial, Strategic Marketing, UConn Health Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, Internal Communications, Public Records and UConn Magazine.

University Communications continues to serve as the primary source of UConn news and information and to promote the University as a national leader in higher education, research, and service.