DANBURY, CONN. — The political life of the late former Danbury mayor James Dyer started many years ago on the campus of Western Connecticut State University.

Dyer’s election as vice president of the university’s Student Government Association was just the beginning of a long career of public service that included an appointment to the Connecticut State University System Board of Trustees and state and local government offices.

As a tribute to Dyer’s lifetime dedication to the community, Western has set up an exhibit showcasing his life from the classroom to the political arena. The exhibit will be in the first floor of the Ruth A. Haas Memorial Library on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury from Friday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

“The collection is a cross section of the material that Jim Dyer donated to us last year,” said Brian Stephens, archivist at WCSU’s Haas Library. “His collection — 75 linear feet of material — can give researchers an in-depth and unique look at the climate here at Western in the early ‘70s and the socio-political landscape of Danbury during his terms as mayor.”

Dyer served four terms as Danbury’s mayor from 1979 to 1987. He died unexpectedly in July 2011 at age 64.

Among Dyer’s collection are posters, pins, bumper stickers, photos, letters and awards that will represent three areas: his life at Western, his life in politics and Western during the 1970s.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.