On Dec. 1, 1940, Donna Reed was elected Campus Queen of Los Angeles City College. Photographs brought her to the attention of talent scouts.

Early September - Aunt Mildred finds a way for Donna to attend college for $5 per semester. After graduating from Denison High School in...

Retired educator Judy Miller shares some of her finds sleuthing in the Donna Reed Heritage Archives in Donna's hometown of Denison, Iowa.

The drama department at Los Angeles City College wasn't impressed with Donna Reed's talent. But winning a beauty contest brought the agents.

On Dec. 1, 1940, Donna Reed was elected Campus Queen of Los Angeles City College. Photographs brought her to the attention of talent scouts.

The drama department at Los Angeles City College wasn't impressed with Donna Reed's talent. But winning a beauty contest brought the agents.

On Dec. 1, 1940, Donna Reed was elected Campus Queen of Los Angeles City College. Photographs brought her to the attention of talent scouts.

With the help of her Aunt Mildrid, Donna Reed was able to enroll in Los Angeles City College for five dollars a semester.

Donna Reed was named campus queen while attending Los Angeles City College. Newspaper photos brought her to the attention of talent scouts.