Diplomas first made from skins - May 30, 2003

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2003-06-04

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SUNNY Temp: 89 °F Wind: NNW at 12 mph Tuesday, June 3, 2003   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone   Wellness Connection   Real Estate   Newspaper in Education   Prime Times   Outdoor Journal   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything  E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend May 30, 2003 Diplomas first made from skins Why are diplomas referred to as sheepskins? What’s the origin behind that? — Tom C., Eagle Point Diplomas actually were sheepskin until about 100 years ago, Tom. The paper-thin, handwritten, rolled and beribboned document was the final order of scholastic accomplishment. Advertisement Many documents used to be done on animal skins because paper making was difficult. Most universities and colleges switched over to parchment when papermaking techniques improved. A handful of colleges — including Amherst and Notre Dame — still continue to hand out sheepskin diplomas on request. However, student and faculty animal-cruelty protests may make sheepskin diplomas a thing of the past. Printer Friendly Version   Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times