This collection is composed of files from the office of David F. Pearson while serving as Vice President for Administration. Folders consist mainly of correspondence and files dealing with the F. O. Butler Foundation, the engineering controversy of the early 1970s, and material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial celebration on the campus of South Dakota State University.

The correspondence consists of letters sent and received by David F. Pearson while service was Vice President for Administration.

The F.O. Butler Foundation files are composed of material dealing with the organization of the F.O. Butler Foundation at South Dakota State University. Folders contain approved requests, Articles of Incorporation, campus enrichment, and correspondence files.

The Engineering Controversy files is composed of material dealing with the controversy surrounding the possible removal of the College of Engineering from South Dakota State University in the early 1970s. Folders contain correspondence, analysis, departmental actions, clippings, and master plan material.

The Bicentennial Celebration files is composed of material dealing with the celebration of the United States Bicentennial on the campus of South Dakota State University. Folders consist of budget and proposal material, committee minutes, calendar of events, and correspondence.

The David B. Doner collection is comprised primarily of a scrapbook documenting Doner’s career in higher education administration, alumni relations, and civic service. The scrapbook includes numerous newspaper clippings and approximately twenty certificates related to his professional and public roles. Photographic content consists of black and white photographs, including approximately eight images of South Dakota State University, eight images documenting alumni activities, thirty six personal snapshots, and a group of nine large format and thirteen smaller glossy photographs depicting public figures and events. Identified individuals represented include Governor Foss, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Senator Karl Mundt, and Christy Christesen. Additional materials include five menus or programs, two letters, one telegram, the publication Stadium for State dated circa 1959, and approximately eight photographs documenting travel and sightseeing. The collection also includes five loose black and white family photographs taken on March 19, 1949, in Iowa City, Iowa.

The collection documents David B. Doner’s professional life and public service, particularly his long tenure at South Dakota State College and South Dakota State University. It offers evidence of mid twentieth century university administration, alumni relations, civic engagement, and institutional culture, as well as visual documentation of university events, public figures, and Doner’s personal and family life. The scrapbook reflects Doner’s prominent role in the history of SDSU and his connections to state and national leaders.