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The William T. Patten Foundation was founded at Indiana University in May 1931 by Indiana University alumnus William T. Patten. The Foundation hosts scholars from various institutions and disciplines to give lectures in his/her area of expertise. This collection contains files on each scholar who has assumed the role of Patten Lecturer since 1968. The files include recommendations from IU faculty to the Patten Committee, programs, and correspondence, as well as some audio and video recordings of the lectures.

William "Bill" Shirk Poorman (born 1945) is a retired American escape artist, actor, entrepreneur, and longtime Indianapolis radio personality. He uses his middle name (also his mother's maiden name), Shirk, as his professional surname. He is frequently billed as the "Modern Day Houdini" for his elaborate and death-defying stunts. Between 1976 and 1980, Poorman set eight world records, including the fastest escape from a straitjacket and the fastest jail break. His work as an escape artist inspired him to write, produce, and star as a fictionalized version of himself in the 1983 film "The Escapist". This collection contains material related to the production of "The Escapist" and Poorman's career as an escape artist.

The Williams, Diane mss., ca. 1986-2008, include the correspondence, papers, and drafts of American short story writer, Diane Williams.

William R. Ringer graduated from Indiana University in 1920. After earning his JD at the University of Michigan, he went on to have a successful legal career. This small collection consists primarily of diaries and journals maintained while Ringer was an Indiana University student.

Writings, speeches, promotional materials, clippings, and information about the documentary film pursuits of William Greaves.

This collection consists of manuscript scores of Banfield's music, promotional and ephemeral material relating to Banfield, and recordings and transcripts of interviews that Banfield conducted with a variety of African-American composers as well as recordings of Banfield's radio show, Landscapes in Color.

The Whitman, Walt mss., 1864-1960, consist of correspondence, publications, and material about and related to Walt Whitman.

The Wensinger, Arthur S. mss., 1798-2007, consists of the papers of translator and academic Arthur S. Wensinger, 1926- .

The Wells, H.B mss., 1980-2000, consists of the writings of Herman B Wells, 1902-2000, president of Indiana University.

The Welles mss. II, ca. 1931-2001, consists of individual items about or relating to actor, writer, producer, and director Orson Welles, 1915-1985.