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Patricia Davidson, December 1, 2018
Rachel Burns and Matt Jones
Canadians Dr. Patricia Davidson and her sister Roberta were known as an organizational force behind the student demonstrations of 1969. Members of the Black Student Association and Campus Service Corps, the Davidson sisters were among a group of black student activists inside Pierce Hall during the takeover of 1969. Patricia went on to get her master’s degree in chemistry and an MD after attending Eastern Michigan. Dr. Davidson taught at Howard University and the University of Maryland and continues to have a substantial private practice in cardiology.
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Patrick Barry, September 9, 2019
Matt Jones
Patrick Barry is one of the most ardent supporters and boosters of Eastern Michigan University. Longtime instructor and former president of the EMU Alumni Association, Barry has been present for some of the most pivotal events in University history. Forming close bonds with faculty, students, and administrators, Barry has continued to showcase and support a wide array of University departments and organizations.
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Peggy Liggit Oral History Interview, 2017
Matt Jones
Serving Eastern Michigan University for more than 20 years, Peggy Liggit began her tenure with EMU as a professor of biology and science education. After spending three years as Director of Academic Assessment, Liggit became Director of the Bruce K. Nelson Faculty Development Center. Her research focus now includes learner-centered teaching in higher education, organizational learning, humanized assessment practices, and faculty peer-coaching. In this interview, conducted during the opening of the Bruce K. Nelson Faculty Development Center, Liggit shares personal recollections of Bruce Nelson, and discusses the representation of Nelson’s principles of education on the EMU campus, and more specifically, in the Faculty Development Center that bears his name.
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P. George Bird and Reinhard Wittke Oral History Interview, 2016 April 23
Alexis Braun Marks
P. George Bird taught in the Theatre department at Eastern Michigan University from 1956-2006. The interview is an account of his time teaching on campus, his most memorable productions and the planning and construction of Quirk Theatre. Reinhard Wittke was a professor in the History Department at Eastern Michigan University from 1956-1990. During his time at Eastern, Wittke established and was best known for establishing the European Adventure Tours in 1960, which became International Studies Program. This is the third part in a three part series.
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P. George Bird Oral History Interview, 2016 April 19
Alexis Braun Marks
P. George Bird taught in the Theatre department at Eastern Michigan University from 1956-2006. The interview is an account of his time teaching on campus, his most memorable productions and the planning and construction of Quirk Theatre. This is the first part in a three part series.
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P. George Bird Oral History Interview, 2016 April 22
Alexis Braun Marks
P. George Bird taught in the Theatre department at Eastern Michigan University from 1956-2006. The interview is an account of his time teaching on campus, his most memorable productions and the planning and construction of Quirk Theatre. This is the second interview in a three part series.
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Philip Incarnati Oral History Interview, 1998 May 25
Laurence Smith
Philip Incarnati served as Chair of the Board of Regents from 1995 to 2005. In this interview, Incarnati details his high school collegiate experience, and his subsequent time at a student at Eastern Michigan University. Incarnati discusses campus culture at length, from campus streaking to Playboy Magazine’s designation of EMU as one of the top ten party schools. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
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Quirico Samonte, Oral History Interview, 2019
Matt Jones
Dr. Quirico Samonte served as professor of education at Eastern Michigan University from 1963 until his retirement in 2001. Aside from teaching, Samonte served as University Coordinator for the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education, Chief of Party to the Basic Education Development Project in Yemen, and Advisor to the Ministry of Education for the Primary Curriculum Development Project in Swaziland. Born and raised in the Philippines, Samonte was a boyhood acquaintance of future-President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos.
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Rachel Anthony, Interview, 2023
Christopher Durden
In November of 2023, Eastern Michigan University’s LGBT Resource Center hosted an event in collaboration with the University Archives’ Oral History Program during Transgender Awareness Week where students could share their experiences with being part of the LGBT community on and off campus. EMU student Rachel Anthony talks about growing up queer, finding comfort in the English Department, and self-care in stressful times.
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Richard "Dick" Schwarze, June 20, 2018
Matt Jones and Grace Pare
Dick Schwarze was campus photographer at Eastern Michigan University from 1970 until 2006. Before joining EMU staff, Schwarze served in the United States Army in Vietnam, and briefly attended Wayne State University in Detroit. During his 36 career year here, he won numerous campus and professional awards, including “Institutional Values Award for Continuous Improvement, Innovation, and Customer Service” in 2005. His photography captures many aspects at EMU and has been used for promotional work and numerous public relations campaigns.
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Richard Robb Oral History Interview, 1998 June 3
Laurence Smith
Richard Robb served on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents from 1967 to 1993, and as Chair of the Board from 1975-1985. In this interview, Robb details his relationships with several EMU administrators of the period, and defends the appointment of James Brickley to President of EMU. Robb also discusses the importance of athletics in the collegiate experience and the decision to change the EMU logo. This interview has been distributed over two cassette tapes. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
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Richard Robb Oral History Interview, 1998 June 3
Laurence Smith
Richard Robb served on the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents from 1967 to 1993, and as Chair of the Board from 1975-1985. In this interview, Robb details his relationships with several EMU administrators of the period, and defends the appointment of James Brickley to President of EMU. Robb also discusses the importance of athletics in the collegiate experience and the decision to change the EMU logo. This interview has been distributed over two cassette tapes. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
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Richard Robb, Oral History Interview, 2021
Katie Delahoyde and Matt Jones
Longtime Ypsilanti resident and EMU Regent Dr. Richard Robb was named chair of the University Logo Committee and tasked with finding a new EMU logo to replace the Huron. Understanding that the logo was offensive to many students, Robb predicted a quick decision and adjournment. Fending off the ire of alums attached to the logo as well as the frustration and occasional apathy of fellow committee members, Robb found himself entrenched in a much larger debate over the identity of the school itself.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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
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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