Mary E. (Graf) Speer was born and educated in Elkader, Iowa. She received her B.S. (1946) in food and nutrition from Iowa State College (University). She became a consulting dietitian with small hospitals and nursing facilities throughout Central Iowa. This collection consists of loose scrapbook pages of memorabilia compiled by Speer during her college years at Iowa State. These materials include newspaper clippings, dance cards, athletic programs, concert programs, VEISHEA programs, Frisbie Fellowship Club materials, travel brochures, and her membership certificate for joining Sigma Eta Chi. The newspaper clippings cover various topics including student life, women's fashion trends, the integration of blacks into Big 6 athletic competitions, and World War II.

Mary E. (Graf) Speer, better known as Meg, was born and educated in Elkader, Iowa. She received her B.S. (1946) in food and nutrition from Iowa State College (University). As a student, she was involved in a number of campus organizations including, Sigma Iota Chi, Home Economics Club, YWCA, Interfaith Council, Women's Athletic Association, Junior Prom Central Committee, and Home Economics Ball.

Meg became a dietitian and worked for Bethany Manor in Story City and Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. She also served as a dietetic consultant for numerous small hospitals and nursing facilities throughout Central Iowa. Throughout her life, Meg was active in the community and served on boards for a number of local organizations.

In 1947, she married Iowa State graduate Vaughn C. Speer, who went on to teach in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State for many years. They had four children: David, Jim, Elizabeth, and Diana. They are both currently retired and reside in Ames, Iowa.

This collection (1943-1946) consists of loose scrapbook pages of memorabilia compiled by Speer during her college years at Iowa State. These materials include newspaper clippings, dance cards, athletic programs, concert programs, VEISHEA programs, Frisbie Fellowship Club materials, travel brochures, and her membership certificate for joining Sigma Eta Chi. The newspaper clippings consist of articles from the student paper documenting student life and commenting on women wearing pants, the integration of blacks into Big 6 athletic competitions, and the ever-present war in Europe. The collection also contains some brief biographical and genealogical information.