Among the awards and distinctions conferred at the Columbia University commencement exercises on June 14, 1905 was the Blanchet Gold Medal for outstanding bookkeeping student. This academic award is one of the earliest objects in the University’s museum collection and was named for its donor, Monsignor F. X. Blanchet, who was also present for the occasion.
The Blanchet Gold Medal was presented to Frederick L. Weber. One of a class of ten graduates. Mr. Weber was awarded a Commercial Diploma. Archbishop Alexander Christie, founder of the University, was in attendance and addressed the members of the graduating class. Mr. Ignatius McNamee delivered the valedictory.
The medal was only awarded twice, 1905 and 1906. These academic honors were, as it were, personal gifts by the sponsors to the student-recipient. And Monsignor Blanchet died in 1906.
Columbia University was the precursor to today’s University of Portland, existing from 1901-1935. The ten diplomas awarded in 1905 were in the high school division.
Reference:
The Columbiad, June 1905, vol. 3, no. 9
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