Oral Histories

An initiative that began in 2017, the University Archives has begun to digitize items from the Historical Audio Recordings collection and other collections. We have sorted these recordings into four categories: Lectures and Presentations, Oral Histories, Performances and Speeches. At present the category of Oral Histories is the only category that we are actively adding to. With support from the Office of the Provost, the University Archives has been interviewing current and emeritus faculty, staff and students on their experiences at Eastern Michigan University.

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Rick Ross, Interview, 2022

Cassandra Mitchell and Cheyelle Pitts-Chatman

On October 1, 2022, students from the EMU Archives and Oral History Program recorded stories of EMU students past and present. Using the EMU Aerie, the Archives’ mobile oral history recording booth, student oral historians captured the formative experiences and perspectives of EMU alums from a variety of campus eras. Here, EMU alum Rick Ross (class of 1975) talks about his experience with the EMU Track team, including Coach Bob Parks. Ross names alums Kurt Hill and Judy Sturgis-Hill for helping him navigate through college, crediting them for his four degrees from EMU. Ross is also one of the founders of the Black Gospel Choir, and talks briefly about the founding of the group. A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Ross describes the lasting relationships formed in the fraternity and the mentees he has known throughout his years as an educator.
Robert Anschuetz, Oral History Interview, 2023

Katie Delahoyde

Robert Anscheutz, born in 1965 in Ann Arbor, shared his memories of growing up in Ypsilanti, attending local schools, and the community events he participated in, including the sesquicentennial celebration in 1973 and the bicentennial celebration in 2023. He highlighted the historical significance of Ypsilanti, such as the Huron Hotel and the log cabin reconstruction in 1923, and the community-driven heritage festivals. Robert, who now splits his time between Orlando and Ypsilanti, emphasized the importance of historical preservation and community engagement, noting recent events like the historical walking tour and the time capsule opening. He expressed hope for Ypsilanti's future while maintaining its historic charm and community spirit.
Robert England, Oral History Interview, 2019

Matt Jones

Bob England served Eastern Michigan University from 1968 until his retirement in 2011. In this interview, England, who served as Director of Intramurals and Recreation, speaks of the development of the Intramurals and Recreation program into one of national prominence and record attendance. England also discusses the turbulence of the late 1960s, the construction of Olds-Robb Intramural and Recreation Building, the EMU Lake House, and the inception of the annual Huron River float-a-thon. England speaks of his football playing days at University of Michigan, and of the struggle to increase attendance at EMU sporting events.
Roberto Frausto, Oral History Interview, 2023

Kat Hacanyan

In this interview Ypsi native Roberto Frausto shares their experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that they first attended a few years ago when they were coming to terms with their identity. Frausto shares that they identify as two-spirit, and they did not find that label for themself until they were in their twenties. Frausto also explores the power of queer connection, their thoughts on drag, and their love for their hometown of Ypsilanti.
Robert Smith, September 27, 2018

Rachel Burns and Matt Jones

Robert Smith is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University who graduated from the university in 1971. During his time at EMU, Smith was involved with the Black Student Association and Campus Service Corps. Smith was instrumental in the creation of Black Demands and the takeover of Pierce Hall in February 20th, 1969. Smith graduated from Eastern in 1971 with a double major in history and graphic arts. Smith went on to serve the communities of Detroit and Highland Park in roles at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Wayne State University, and the Highland Park School District.
Robin Axelrod, Oral History Interview, 2025

Kat Hacanyan

Robin Axelrod is CEO of Axelrod Coaching and Consulting and a member of the Center for Jewish Studies advisory board. A licensed social worker and established leader in the Metro-Detroit area, she became part of CJS after first hearing about it while working at the University of Michigan. Axelrod's time with U of M has provided her with a unique insight to the experiences of Jewish college students, which she is able to bring forth into her work in the advisory board here. In this interview, she talks about the things that helped shape her Jewish identity, being one of the first graduates of Judaic Studies at U of M, and the opportunities CJS provides to EMU students and beyond.
Robin Kreger, Oral History Interview, 2022

Matt Jones

Robin "Hawk" Kreger was an active member of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1962 until 1965.Growing up in Wyandotte, MI, Kreger was the younger brother of the infamous Dale "Luke" Kreger, also an Arm of Honor member in this collection. Grandson of the mayor of Wyandotte, Kreger details growing up in a family that was a fixture of the community, along with several other Arm members as well. Kreger describes his brother Luke and some of the hi-jinx they found themselves in as fraternity members. Kreger talks of his initiation into the fraternity, the reputation of the fraternity, strong personalities in the fraternity, and the reason for his nickname, Hawk. Kreger also speaks of how to survive the intense swatting sessions, rivalries with other fraternities, and the working class, local aspect of the fraternity that made it so unique.
Rob Musial, Oral History Interview, 2022

Akaiia Ridley and Matt Jones

In the Fall of 2022, Matt Jones’s Oral History Techniques class conducted a set of interviews documenting the stories behind the student unrest on Eastern Michigan University’s campus from 1966-1972. Rob Musial was a student at EMU during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and editor of the Eastern Echo during that time. Rob was involved with reporting on campus demonstrations and student unrest during his time there, working to make the campus aware of what was going on.
Ron Collins Oral History Interview, 1998 August 12

Laurence Smith

Ron Collins arrived at Eastern Michigan University in 1965 as Assistant Professor of Chemistry. After becoming Department Head in 1977, he was made Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1980, and then Provost in 1983 where he served until his retirement. In this interview, Collins discusses low EMU enrollment at the time of his arrival, the changes to the University over time, which Collins calls “overwhelmingly positive,” and the technological advances at Eastern. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
Ron Paschal, Interview, 2022

Connor Ashley

On October 1, 2022, students from the EMU Archives and Oral History Program recorded stories of EMU students past and present. Using the EMU Aerie, the Archives’ mobile oral history recording booth, student oral historians captured the formative experiences and perspectives of EMU alums from a variety of campus eras. Here, alum Ron Paschal (class of 1969) describes his desire to be a teacher as one of the driving forces that brought him to EMU in the mid-1960s, and the importance of the the relationships formed at EMU in guiding his future career and personal decision
Roy Wilbanks Oral History Interview, 1998 April 7

Laurence Smith

Roy Wilbanks’ extensive involvement with Eastern Michigan University began in 1983 as assistant to the president for governmental and community relations. He subsequently held the positions of secretary to the Board of Regents, vice president for University Relations, executive vice president, and supervisor of the EMU Foundation. He served on the Board of Regents from 2004 to 2012. In this interview, Wilbanks discusses the development of the EMU athletic program, the planning and cost of campus structures, and the corporate culture that John Porter brought to Eastern Michigan University. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
Ruby Meis and Stephen Brewer Oral History Interview, 2017

Matt Jones

Ruby Meis joined the faculty of Eastern Michigan University in 1964 as a professor with the Home Economics Program, then an unaffiliated program within the University. Meis also served as Acting Assistant Dean of the Graduate School at EMU, as well as Vice President of the Women’s Commission and Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. Meis retired on December 31, 1993. Stephen Brewer joined EMU in 1964 as a professor of Chemistry, and during his tenure at EMU authored the textbook, “Solving Problems in Analytical Chemistry,” published by John Wiley and Sons. Brewer retired on September 10, 2001. In this interview, Brewer and Meis reflect on their respective relationships with longtime EMU Vice President for Instruction, Bruce K. Nelson. Meis speaks of her appreciation for Nelson’s encouragement and assistance in developing the Department of Home Economics, while Brewer expresses his appreciation for Nelson’s ability to keep his cool during some of the hardest times on campus, the student demonstrations of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
Sadaf Ali, Oral History Interview, 2024

Elizabeth Allen and Finn Vincent-Fix

Dr. Sadaf Ali is a professor of Digital Media, Cinema, and Journalism at Eastern Michigan University, and has been working at EMU since 2012. Ali recounts how she became interested in news media, what led her to pursue a career in broadcasting, and her career working in journalism and broadcasting prior to coming to work at EMU. Ali describes her commitment to covering diverse stories, creating audio story and writing an article for WEMU about the Afghan refugee led cooking class coordinated by Zuzana Tomas’s Academic Service-Learning class, and the cultural importance of food as a person of Pakistani descent. Ali also discusses how refugees are depicted in the media, being a second generation American, and future journalism projects she would like to work on.
Sally McCracken Oral History Interview, 1998 April 30

Laurence Smith

Sally McCracken arrived at Eastern Michigan University in 1968 as a professor in the Communication and Theater Arts Department. McCracken has negotiated many contracts on behalf of the American Association of University Professors Union, and has won several teaching awards during her service at EMU. In this interview, McCracken details the role of the AAUP in faculty decisions and strikes. She gives recollections of several prominent faculty and administrators, as well as explains the reasons why she came to love EMU. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
Sally McCracken, Oral History Interview, 2018

Matt Jones and Rachel Burns

Dr. Sally McCracken is an Emeritus Professor from the Eastern Michigan University Communication, Media, and Theater Arts Department, teaching at EMU from 1968 until her retirement in 2012. In addition to teaching at EMU, McCracken has negotiated several contracts on behalf of the American Association of University Professors, an institution in which she played many roles: chief negotiator and president until 1968- From 1968 till 1994 and continued to function as regional council member. McCracken served on the Faculty Council, reader of names for commencement and president of the Emeritus Faculty Association. In this interview, McCracken details her experience growing up in Southern Ohio, the essentiality of Communication studies to forging productive relationships, and her perspectives on the growing diversity of EMU programs and campus life.
Sam Hirsch, Oral History Interview, 2025

Kat Hacanyan

Sam Hirsch is Vice Chair of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees and member of the Center for Jewish Studies advisory board. A retired pathologist from the University of Michigan, Hirsch first stepped into the EMU community while his daughter was a student here; and joined CJS in part because the founding director, Marty Shichtman, was her favorite professor. Since then, he's developed a greater appreciation for Eastern and the things that distinguish it from U of M. In this interview, Hirsch talks about his unexpected place at EMU as an outsider, what being on the advisory board means, and how he's seen the center's impact continue to grow.
Scott Radetski, Oral History Interview, 2021

Katrina Finkelstein

Scott Radetski served in the United States Navy for over 27 years as a nuclear machinist mate, engineering laboratory technician, drug and alcohol counselor and as a chaplain. He earned his bachelor's degree in organizational studies at Bethel University, Masters of Divinity at Bethel Theological Seminary and a Postmasters Certificate in Pastoral Counseling at Seattle University. This oral history was conducted by EMU Historic Preservation graduate student Katrina Finkelstein as part of her final master's project, a study of commemorative place naming and memorialization in the landscape of the United States Marine Corps Bases.
Senator Gilbert Bursley, EMU Roles and Perspectives Interview, 1972

Robert Hoexter

EMU Roles and Perspectives was taped television program broadcast from the campus of EMU, and produced by Robert Hoexter (1930-1978). Hoexter joined the faculty at the EMU School of Education in 1964, and served as Coordinator of Graduate Advising from 1969-1971. A member of the Faculty Senate from 1973-1976, Hoexter was elected vice-chairman from 1974-1975, and chairman, 1975-1976. In this episode of Roles and Perspectives, Hoexter interviews Senator Gilbert Bursely. Gilbert E. Bursley was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, February 28, 1913. He was educated at the University of Michigan (A.B., 1934) and the Harvard Business School (M.B.A., 1936). Prior to his election to the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1960, Bursley had a varied career in the military as military attaché in Turkey after World War II, as United Nations peacekeeping observer in the Middle East in the 1950s, and as United States Information Agency head in portions of Africa. Returning to Michigan, he served as chairman of the Ann Arbor Republican Party, 1958-1959, then in 1960, he won election to the Michigan House, serving two terms, then in 1964, he was elected to the Michigan Senate, where he served until 1978. After leaving office, he became president of Cleary College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He died in September 1998. In this interview, Bursely discusses the relation of redistributed tax dollars to quality education. Stating that the state needs to play a greater role in the oversight of
Serge Barna, Oral History Interview, 2022

Matt Jones

Serge Barna was an active member of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1964 until 1968. Brother of Arm Ken Barna, Serge was raised in Detroit, graduated from the Detroit Public Schools System, and was surrounded by aspiring teachers, growing up. Without a solid direction following high school, Barna served a ten-month tour in Vietnam before coming back to EMU and the Arm of Honor. Barna discusses his expectations for college and his perceptions of EMU President Harold Sponberg before speaking of his most memorable Arm brothers and the living conditions inside the frat house. Barna speaks of the complex relationships between the fraternity and the university, and the rules and regulations of fraternity house living. Barna describes the atmosphere on campus the day that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Alumni Day, Arm of Honor athletic prowess, and the importance of Arm connections long after college graduation.
Shirley Spork, Oral History Interview, 2021, part 1

Matt Jones

1949 Michigan State Normal College graduate and co-founder of the LPGA Shirley Spork has led a life uniquely her own, balancing her love of the game of golf with her passion for teaching and leaving the game of better place for those who come after her. Despite the lack of a competitive women's golf program in the 1940s, MSNC saw Spork emerge as the brightest star of the game as she won the 1947 Women's National Collegiate Golf Championship and was Tam o' Shanter All American Amateur Champion in 1948. She was runner up in the National Collegiate Golf Championship, and won the Michigan State Women's Amateur title. Spork was one of the top ten Money winners of 1951 and toured Europe as the first LPGA pro to conduct clinics in foreign countries. Following the whirlwind tours of the early LPGA, Spork became widely recognized as a teaching professional and it was written that Spork's "gregarious grin and golf know-how made her exceptionally effective in nurturing the potential in junior golfers. Spork has been awarded the Joe Graffis Award for Outstanding contributions to the teaching of golf, the LPGA Teacher of the Year Award and was inducted into the Michigan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1968, and the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. Spork is the namesake of the annual Shirley Spork Invitational. This interview covers Sporks experience at Michigan State Normal College as a student. Part Two describes Spork's time as a professional golfer and co-founder of the LPGA.
Sidney Murray Heed, Oral History Interview, 2023

Kat Hacanyan

In this interview Ypsi native Sidney Murray Heed shares her experiences at Ypsi Pride, detailing that she worked on the planning board remotely while attending a theatre program at Dell'Arte International performing arts school in California. Heed explains how she has felt most comfortable in the circus community since she didn't always feel comfortable in queer spaces as a queer woman who was attracted to men. Heed also goes on to explore more spaces she is comfortable in, her involvement in the Church, favorite pride memories, and plans for future involvement in Ypsi Pride.
Steven Beard, Oral History Interview, 2023

Brooke Boyst

Brooke Boyst, an EMU Historic Preservation graduate student, interviews Steven Beard for the Ypsilanti bicentennial celebration on August 19, 2023. Beard, an "old hippie" since 1975, values Ypsilanti's smaller, friendlier community compared to Detroit and Ann Arbor. He enjoys walking his dogs in Riverside Park and appreciates the city's progress in infrastructure. Beard hopes to be remembered positively and shares his philosophy of dealing with difficult people. He recounts a story about a guest from Antarctica who found 15-20 degrees Celsius a heat wave and a flooding incident in Riverside Park that stranded carp.
Steve Spencer, December 10, 2018

Rachel Burns and Matt Jones

Steve Spencer graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1975 with a degree in speech and education and was an active member of the Black Student Association during his time on campus. After attending Valparaiso Law School, Spencer worked for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 38 years.
Susan and Sam Westhoff, Interview, 2024

Micah Bookout

Throughout 2024, the city of Ann Arbor celebrated its 200th anniversary with community events, festivals, and art displays that highlighted its rich culture and history. To cap off the celebrations, in December 2024 the EMU Center for Oral History Research invited community members to Skyline High School to share what makes Ann Arbor special. In this interview, Susan and Sam Westhoff talk about family and growing up in Ann Arbor, the city's rich natural landscape, and trips to the Kerrytown Farmer's Market.
Suzanne "Suzy" Wood, Oral History Interview, 2023

Finn Vincent-Fix and Matt Jones

Suzanne “Suzy” Wood attended the Roosevelt School K-12, she graduated a year before the school’s closure in 1969. In this interview, Suzy recounts growing up in the Normal Park neighborhood and activities kids did while living there in the 1950s-60s, and her experiences attending Roosevelt as a studious honors student who stayed out of trouble. Suzy also discusses meeting her husband, Nelson, while at Roosevelt, what dates looked like in the 1960s, and her life beyond Roosevelt.