Rolland, Siegfried B., 1918-1989,

Siegfried B. Rolland was born in New York City February 12, 1918. He attended Ferrar Modern School, an experimental grade school in Stelton, New Jersey and Stuyvesant High School in New York City. Although he never received a high school diploma he earned a baccalaureate and master's degree from Wayne University at Detroit, Michigan, in 1941 and 1947, and a doctorate in history from the University of Wisconsin which was awarded in 1952.

He served in the United States Army from February 1941 to June 1946. He taught at Wayne University for three years before coming to the University of Idaho in 1952. He was offered the job in the social science department at Idaho without even applying for it, after university officials heard a recommendation from the history department chairman at Wisconsin. Rolland stayed at the University of Idaho for 32 years before retiring as head of the history department in April 1984. During his career he taught U.S. history, diplomatic history, Latin American history, Idaho history, Pacific Northwest history, and his specialty, U.S. colonial history.

He was frequently asked to consult on historical projects and speak on historical topics. He published scholarly articles in both professional and popular magazines.

He spearheaded the drive for better wages and benefits for UI faculty, and served as a member of at least 20 professional and scholarly organizations, boards, and faculty committees. He was also active in improving student-faculty relations at the university.

He married Julia Edgar at Pontiac, Michigan, on June 15, 1948. They had two daughters and one son. Rolland died of a heart attack on January 19, 1989.

From the guide to the Papers, 1945-1988, (University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives)