Alfred "Al" Danegger began taking photographs at the University of Maryland as a freshman in 1942, and after serving as a combat photographer during World War II, he returned to work at the university part-time, graduating in 1950. That year, he was asked by President Harry Clifton "Curley" Byrd to create and manage the University Photographic Service. In that role, he captured major campus events and documented a gamut of routine activities. Danegger also served on the university faculty for 27 years, teaching courses in photojournalism, general photography, and general education.