University of Virginia Library

Lack Of Quality Sheepskins
May End Diploma Custom

Last year the university
distributed 2,441 sheepskin
diplomas at graduation. This year
they may distribute none.

This state of affairs has
developed in the last couple of
months because of the lack of
availability of prime quality
sheepskins.

"The art of skinning sheep is
dying out and the quality of them
is declining," said William B.
Guilford, Assistant Registrar. "All
sheep skins must be imported from
England," he added.

"Skilled craftsmen must soak
and stretch the skins after they are
removed. Technicians then split the
skins into three or four parts
depending on their size and their
quality. The skins come out
uneven, some even with different
colorations because of the English
smog, he added.

The skins that come from
Australia are generally furred, with
blue veins streaked through them."
Mr. Guilford did not think that any
sheepskins were produced in the
United States.

"Only one or two small,
Catholic Colleges in the Midwest
aside from the University still
distribute sheepskin diplomas. The
University by far purchases more
sheepskin diplomas than any other
university in the country.

"In looking for sheepskins," Mr.
Guilford said, "the University looks
for quality and dependability. We
must deal with a respectable and
dependable firm.

"It would be embarrassing if the
company the University contracted
to deliver the diplomas did not have
them ready by June 5. Even more
embarrassing would be for the
diplomas to fall apart of discolor
after graduation.

"The Justin Company in
Pennsylvania has handled the
contract for the skins in the past. A
representative from the company
will be at the University next week
to find a suitable arrangement.

George McMilland of the Special
Duties Committee of the Student
Council will meet with Mr. Guilford
and the man from the Justin
Company. An arrangement will be
found by then, it is hoped.

"If it is found that it is
impossible to find enough
sheepskin diplomas, then a suitable
paper parchment substitute will be
used," Mr. Guilford said.

"Surprisingly enough, sheepskin
diplomas do not cost much more
than quality parchment," he said.