Mercyhurst archivist Bryan Colvin saluted for excellence

Few people who have sought the assistance of Mercyhurst University archivist Bryan Colvin go away empty-handed.

Whether looking for the founding date of a building on campus or charting the trajectory of an academic program, he delivers. Recently, he helped write the history of Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst as part of its 30th anniversary observance and did the same for Hospitality Management as it celebrated its 50th,  both in 2022.

Sometimes he even extends his Mercyhurst role to lend a hand elsewhere, which is how he came to be recognized this month by the Erie Section of the American Chemical Society. Colvin said the Erie group maintains its archives at Mercyhurst and, upon being asked to help research its history for its 100th anniversary, he readily agreed.

For his contribution, the organization shared the following:

“In recognition of your contributions to this effort, we are awarding you Bryan Colvin and the Mercyhurst University Archives with an American Chemical Society Salutes to Excellence. Salutes to Excellence is a recognition award that gives ACS local sections an opportunity to underscore outstanding service for individuals who have made a positive impact on everyday life.”

In accepting the honor, Colvin noted the pillars of his profession: Preserving History, Discovery, and Sharing Knowledge, all of which fulfill his passion for protecting historical documents and artifacts for future generations.

Now in his fifth year at Mercyhurst, Colvin is working on the arrangement, processing, and digitization of both the university archives and those of the Tom & Michele Ridge Collection, a particularly pressing undertaking as the university moves toward its centennial celebration in 2026.

PHOTO: Bryan Colvin receives the ACS Salutes to Excellence Award from Betty Jo Chitester.