sheet, proof
Catalog Number
2017.41.1Date of Origin
ca. 1957Manufacturer
unknownArtist/Author
noneMaterials
paperDimensions
8.2 in.Description
Proof sheet containing 12 black and white photographs. 11 of the photos show teacher Arthur C. Hills sitting at the head of his classroom, conducting. The classroom blackboard and clock are visible in the background.The 12th photo shows an unidentified femail student playing a clarinet.
History
Arthur C. Hills was a music instructor for the Holland Public Schools, particularly at Holland High, during the 1950s and early 1960s. By 1966, he had moved to Allendale, MI to become a music instructor at Grand Valley State College.Arthur married Shirley. They lived in Holland, MI at 697 Ruth Ave from about 1952-1960.
The following obituary comes from the Grand Rapids Press, March of 2013...
"Arthur Hills, a pioneer professor and administrator at Grand Valley State University, died March 31, 2013 in Grand Rapids. He was 92. Hills, a musician and music instructor, was Grand Valley's first fine arts professor, a past academic officer, Secretary of the Board of Trustees and the composer of Grand Valley's alma mater, "Hail to Thee Grand Valley." Hills began his career at Grand Valley as one of the original 14 faculty members in 1963. He served as a music professor when classes first began at what was then Grand Valley State College. The next year he was appointed assistant dean of the college and in 1966 he became associate dean of Academic Affairs. He also coordinated the college's Teaching Preparation Program. In 1971, Hills was appointed vice president for Administration and chief academic officer and became founding director of the Performing Arts Center. In 1978 he became executive assistant to President Arend D. Lubbers and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. "Art Hills contributed to the establishment of Grand Valley," said Lubbers. "He influenced its academic development, and his positive spirit at the beginning contributed significantly to the way Grand Valley operates today. Working with Art for many years was a pleasure for me. To understand Grand Valley in its early years you have to be aware of Art Hills' contributions." The Arthur C. Hills Living Center on the Allendale Campus is named for him, as is the Arthur C. Hills Music Scholarship and the Art Hills Spirit Award. A celebration of Arthur's life will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2013, 2:00 P.M., Cook Dewitt Center, Allendale Campus of GVSU."