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Caroline Weaver or Bernie McTigue, 919/515-2273
Kevin Potter, NC State News Services, 919/515-3470 or kevin_potter@ncsu.edu

Dec. 18, 2000

'Sodfather' Exhibit and Endowment Featured at NCSU Libraries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

During an exhibit that will begin as Jim Graham steps down from office, the North Carolina State University Libraries will celebrate the 36-year career of North Carolina’s commissioner of agriculture.

The exhibit, which will run from Jan. 4 to April 4, 2001, in the circulation lobby of the D.H. Hill Library, will highlight one of North Carolina's most cherished public servants and one of NC State University’s best-known graduates.

The NCSU Libraries will kick off the exhibit with a ceremony and reception at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 4. At 6:45 p.m., Graham will be honored by state and university officials, including Lt. Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue; NC State Chancellor Marye Anne Fox; and N.C. Reps. Alex Warner, Joe Tolson and Bill Owens.

"The Sodfather: A Friend of Agriculture in North Carolina" uses photographs and artifacts to describe Graham's work to promote and develop agriculture in North Carolina. Complementing the documentation of Graham's achievements are materials drawn from the library's Special Collections Department, including the University Archives, which show how the state’s largest land-grant university has contributed to the improvement of North Carolina’s economic bases.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the NCSU Libraries has embarked on several initiatives to expand and enhance the resources available to researchers studying the history of North Carolina agriculture. The centerpiece of the Special Collection Department's research collections will be Graham's personal papers and memorabilia. Additionally, Graham's friends and family have created the Jim and Helen Ida Kirk Graham Agricultural Heritage Endowment to acquire books, journals, and electronic media relating to agriculture for the general library collections.

Another initiative will identify and collect records of agricultural leaders, organizations and businesses involved in agriculture or agribusiness activities in North Carolina. The library will gather unique source materials in fields such as tobacco cultivation and manufacturing, hog farming, poultry production and dairy farming. These resources will permit students and researchers to explore major developments in the state's economic history.

Additionally, a virtual exhibit mounted by the Special Collections staff at the NCSU Libraries will enable off-site perusal of materials displayed in the exhibit, as well as the opportunity to read The Sodfather, Graham's recollections of his career as "a friend of agriculture."

Graham, 79, has served as agriculture commissioner since he was first elected in 1964. The state's top leaders have praised his role in boosting North Carolina's farmers and agricultural businesses. Former Gov. Terry Sanford wrote, "All citizens, businesses and institutions [in North Carolina] will long benefit from his career of service." Gov. Jim Hunt noted that "Jim Graham has done more for our farmers and the agriculture industry than anyone in the history of our state." William Friday, president emeritus of The University of North Carolina system, said of him, "I know that his energies and dedication have been spent building a greater state, and for that uncommon spirit and commitment, we owe him our profound gratitude."

Before the exhibition opens, the library will host two private receptions for Graham, his family, members of state government and the university community, and friends to acknowledge and thank Graham for his long and distinguished service to North Carolina.

Funding for the exhibition and related events has been provided by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp.; Food Lion, Inc.; Friends of the Libraries of North Carolina State University; North Carolina Pork Council, Inc.; and Philip Morris U.S.A.

The D.H. Hill Library is located on the NC State Brickyard, near the intersection of Hillsborough and Gardner streets. It is wheelchair accessible.

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