Oral Histories

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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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  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.

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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

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Taaja Tucker-Silva, Oral History Interview, 2023

  Kat Hacanyan

  Kat Hacanyan, an EMU Historic Preservation graduate student, interviews Taja Tucker Silva for the Ypsilanti bicentennial celebration. Taja, a biologist and artist, moved to Ypsilanti in 2013 after living in Ann Arbor. She appreciates Ypsilanti's small-town feel, walkability, and natural surroundings. Taja has never left Michigan and values the community's familiarity. She notes improvements in downtown businesses and a decrease in crime since her arrival. Taja hopes for future improvements on Water Street and expresses a desire to contribute to environmental efforts, particularly in removing invasive species.

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  Ted Ligibel, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones

  Ted Ligibel was director of the Eastern Michigan University Historic Preservation program from his arrival in 1991 until his retirement in 2019. Already a recognized figure in Historic Preservation prior to his tenure at EMU, Ligibel speaks on his upbringing in Toledo where, as a child, he worked in his father's butchery grinding hamburger and dining on raw hot dogs. Ligibel describes the state of Historic Preservation under the Reagan administration and his battles with the mayor of Toledo over the nomination of historic sites. Ligibel also describes the "losing side" of historic preservation and the fact that those losses serve as valuable learning experiences. When Ligibel was appointed director of the EMU Historic Preservation program in 1991, he immediately set out to raise the visibility of the program, reflecting the concept that in the broader field of Historic Preservation, visibility is key to the success of any preservation project. Ligibel discusses the evolution of the Historic Preservation program throughout his tenure, describing the implementation of field school, the creation of graduate assistantships and student orientation, and the importance of vigorous networking even in the earliest stages of student involvement in preservation. Ligibel also speaks on several colleagues including Marshall McLennan, Nancy Bryk, Andrew Nazzaro and Chris Mayda, whom he credits with breathing new life into the Department of Geography and Geology before her death in 2016.

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  Terrence McDonald, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  In 2021, Eastern Michigan University Archives lecturer Matt Jones began documenting the story of Ypsilanti’s Human Rights Ordinance #1279 in an effort to explore the ways in which local queer activism has evolved multi-generationally in Ypsilanti. What began as a refusal of service by a local print shop to a small EMU student group quickly turned into a years-long battle over who was deserving of basic human rights. To the LGBTQ activists and community members documented here, they had always been present in the community: working, paying taxes, painting their houses, mowing their lawns, attending council meetings, and even serving on council. This ordinance battle was about more than just LGBT rights—it was about protecting the human rights of all Ypsilantians. On June 9, 2022, Jones met with longtime University of Michigan faculty member, Director of the Bentley Historical Library, and former Ypsilanti mayor pro-tem, Terrence McDonald. McDonald began his career in Ypsilanti politics by volunteering for Pete Murdock, during which his wife worked on the city council. After McDonald's wife convinced him to run for council in the next election he launched a campaign, and was eventually appointed in 1994. He got to know a lot about civic life in Ypsi, and recalls how Depot Town businesses and community members interacted before the ordinance efforts kicked off. Of course during his career in office, McDonald became involved in the efforts and collaborated with, managed, and listened to different communities in the city so that everything might go more smoothly. In this interview he gives in-depth detail at how a new city charter impacted the way council functioned and how that played into the passage of 1279, and how much goes in to working with council-members and their constituents efficiently.

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  Terry Auten, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Miaire An’Jané Price 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. Terry Auten was a student at EMU during the late 1960s and early 1970s who travelled to the National Student Conference on Vietnam, held at Cornell University and brought back to EMU his perspective on the War and increased student activism on campus.

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  Tom Charbonneau, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  Tom Charbonneau was activ emember of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1972 until 1976, and now a member of the Arm of Honor Alumni Chapter. Growing up in Catholic school, Charbonneau grew up in Dearborn, eventually joining the Air National Guard before enrolling at EMU and pledging Arm of Honor. Charbonneau speaks of Vietnam War draft lotteries, and of his introduction to the Arms by their reputation in athletics, and by the fact that many of Charbonneau's friends and former coahces attended EMU and were members of Arm of Honor. Charbonneau speaks of his time as a Residential Advisor at EMU, Arm hazing rituals, his beest friend Steve "Tuna" Thompson, working at the Ypsilanti Beer Cooler, the housemother, fireside conversations, fraternity parties and command structure. He also speaks of Dr. Angelo Angelocci, Scott Rynearson, Marsh Plating, Bimbo's On The Hill, and other Ypsilanti establishments.

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  Tom Dusbiber, Oral History Interview, 2023

  Finn Vincent-Fix and Matt Jones

  Thomas Dusbiber attended the Roosevelt School from Kindergarten in 1954 until he graduated in 1966. In this interview, Tom recounts his time at Roosevelt, talking about the quality of the teachers, the struggles of high school athletics, and where the popular hangout spots were when he was in school. He also explores the legacy of the school, and the reasons why so many former students remember it so fondly.

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  Tom Prieur, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  Tom Prieur was active with the Arm of Honor Fratrernity from 1960 until 1963. Coming to EMU from Alpena, Michigan, Prieur is said to have brought several athletes into the fraternity, allowing the fraternity to achieve its athletic dominance on the EMU intramural fields. Quarterback for the EMU football team, Prieur, known as “Puss” to his Arm brothers, describes his introduction to athletics as a child, the occupations of his parents, and being recruited for the FBI following college graduation. Prieur speaks of living in the frat house, hazing rituals, and off-campus hang outs of the fraternity brothers. Prieur also speaks of the importance of talking to his college professors about his academic struggles, the presence of Black players at EMU, and the role of organized crime in the construction field.

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  Tom Stulberg, Interview, 2024

  Alexis Braun Marks

  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, Tom Stulberg talks about being mayor of Lower Town, discovering and correcting local history, and his favorite things to do.

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  Tony Catros, Oral History Interview, 2024

  Matt Jones

  Tony Catros, nicknamed "Cassius" by his fraternity brothers, served as an active member of the fraternity from 1963 until 1967. Catros relates his grandparents' immigration to the United States and his graduation from Redford Union High School before applying at EMU on a whim with friend Gary Griswold. Catros describes the differences between the Arms and other fraternities, his employment with Ypsilanti State Hospital while an Arm, and the importance of winning the All-Sports Trophy. He describes the reputation of Arm of Honor prior to his membership, and the initiation period that was part of all pledges' lives. He describes Arm of Honor outings to Silver Lake and other places around the Southeast Michigan region. Catros explains the ways that household chores were done in the Arm house, and the relationship between the Arms and their "sweetheart" of a house mother. Catros describes the close-knit relationships bewteen the Arms even to this day, and relates many of the experiences involving Arms beyond his time as an active member.