The Shaw collection is an assemblage of personal materials such as correspondence, essays and student notebook, and of Shaw's work as an artists including drawings, etchings, and other examples of artistic expression that he used in connection with his work with the University's Alumni Association and its publications. Records of Shaw's activities with the university will be found in the record groups for the Alumni Association and the Bureau of Alumni Relations also located at the Bentley Library. The collection has been divided into five series: Correspondence, Essays, Drawings and Etchings, Miscellaneous, and Photographs and other Visual Materials.
Wilfred B. Shaw was born January 10, 1880 in Adrian, Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1904, Shaw was named general secretary of the Alumni Association and editor of the Michigan Alumnus. He served in this capacity until 1929 when he was appointed director of alumni relations, a position that had been established by the Regents for continuing education and other services to graduates. He retired from this position in 1951. In 1934, Shaw founded and served as first editor of the Michigan Alumnus Quarterly Review.
Before coming to the University to head up its alumni relations program, Shaw had attended the Art School at Chicago. Shaw achieved some renown as an artist and etcher, particularly of U-M campus scenes, buildings, and personalities. He had many exhibitions of his work and his illustrations were used in the University's alumni publications and in his various other writings.
Shaw died May 28, 1959.
