The Sanford family began its long association with the University in 1835 when Shelton Palmer Sanford, noted educator and mathematician, entered the University to study classical languages and later mathematics. When he graduated in 1838, he was one of three students who did so with honors. His grandson, Steadman Vincent Sanford acted as a professor, dean, and president of the University before becoming the first Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. The family tradition of fostering education in the state of Georgia continues today through the work of his grandson, Charles Steadman Sanford, Jr., retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bankers Trust, New York. He has acted as co-chair of the University's Third Century Fund and currently serves on the Foundations Board of Trustees for the University. In 1997, the Terry College of Business dedicated Sanford Hall, the Business Student Center, in honor Charles Steadman Sanford Jr.'s service to the University.

The Sanford Family Papers collection, located in the Hargrett Library, demonstrates the family's continuing commitment to education in the University and throughout the state. Currently, the collection focuses mainly on Steadman Sanford's years at UGA, his son Shelton Palmer's World War I experiences, and grandson Charles Steadman, Jr's finance- related writings. Researchers will find correspondence dealing with University business, texts of speeches and writings, photographs and approximately 75 scrapbooks dealing with the University, education, and Sanford himself.

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