Papers of a history professor and president of Wisconsin State University, River Falls from 1946 to 1967. Included is correspondence, speeches, a reminiscence, manuscripts of his dissertation and his book "In the Shadow : Reflections of a State College President," clippings, academic records, and memorabilia.

Recollections by Alvstad of her family's emigration in 1889 from N. Aurdal, Valdres, Norway; the sinking of their ship, the SS Denmark and the rescue by the SS Missouri; their arrival in Philadelphia; their settlement in Gilman Township, Pierce County, Wisconsin; and her early years there as her family established a farm home.