Oral Histories

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  Alida Westman, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones

  Alida Westman served as professor in the Department of Psychology from 1972 until her retirement in 2012. Born in The Hague, Holland, during World War II, and growing up in post-war Europe, Westman learned at an early age that certain cultural landscapes elicit specific reactions in human beings based on past trauma. As a result, the rest of her life was set by the age of four toward perception and research. After immigrating to the United States, Westman attended school in the Pacific Northwest and Cornell University, and landed at Eastern Michigan University as a professor in perception and comprehension studies. A supporter of the American Association of University Professors and member of countless academic committees during her career with EMU, Westman attained Emeritus status when she retired in 2012.

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  Allen Myers, 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 Allen Myers, then Dean of the College of Education at EMU. Allen Myers came to EMU in 1958, serving as head of the Department of Special Education and Occupational Therapy, and as Dean of the School of Education from 1969-1975, when he returned to the classroom as a faculty member with the Department of Special Education. In this interview, Myers gives historical perspective to the rapidly changing role of EMU in the field of teacher education, calling EMU a “microcosm” of education colleges across the nation. Teacher colleges were moving away from the use of lab schools due to the advanced and sophisticated opportunities available to teachers post-college.

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  Andrew Nazzaro, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones

  Dr. Andrew Nazzaro is co-founder and longtime instructor with the Eastern Michigan University Historic Preservation Program. Hired in 1970, Nazzaro and colleague Marshall McLennan worked to develop and design the Historic Preservation Program, receiving funding to initiate courses in 1979. An avid scholar and traveler, Nazzaro also maintained a presence in several African countries, and from 1979 until 1981 served as Chief of Party to Basic Education Development Program in Yemen. Nazzaro received Emeritus status when he retired in 2015.

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  Angelo Pizzo, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  Angelo Pizzo was an active member of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1968 until 1971. Universally loved by Arms of all generations, Pizzo details his upbringing in Wyandotte, his parents' immigration from Sicily and the importance of family ties while growing up. Pizzo details playing football in high school and then for EMU, his first experiences on a college campus, and the first few friends he made upon arriving in Ypsilanti. Pizzo details the initiation process and Hell Night, describes the living conditions in the house, and describes how he always loved dancing with his Arm brothers' girlfriends at parties. He speaks about parental visits to the Arm house, seeing the movie Animal House with the fraternity, winning the Greek Sing in Pease Auditorium, and the numerous lifelong bonds created in the Arm of Honor. Pizzo also talks of the enduring bond between his fraternity brothers and himself that has lasted well after he left the fraternity.

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  Anonymous, Interview, 2023

  Elizabeth Allen

  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. Here, an EMU student talks about the conflict between the church and LGBTQ issues, finding community as a Black lesbian, and queer prom in Detroit.

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  Anonymous, Ypsi Pride Interview, 2023

  Katie Delahoyde

  In June of 2023, The Eastern Michigan University Archives Oral History Program brought the EMUA Aerie to Depot Town in Ypsilanti during the Ypsi Pride festival to record the pride stories of the local community. Here, a community member talks about finding belonging at Ypsi Pride, and celebrating LGBTQ love and joy despite hardships the community may endure.

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  Anthony Derezinsky, Oral History Interview, 2021

  Michael Seitter and Matt Jones

  Former Michigan State Senator Anthony Derezinsky (b. 1942) joined the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents in 1981 and served in that position until his retirement in 1996. In this interview, Derezinsky recounts his formative years with the University of Michigan Law School and Harvard Law before describing his time with the United States Navy serving with the Judge Advocate General Corps in Vietnam, 1968-1971. As a University Regent, Derezinsky played a vital role in the EMU logo/mascot change, placing the value of fairness above all other considerations. Stating that it "rankled my civil liberties heart" to see students offended by the Huron logo and mascot, and known by fellow regents as "Mr. Gavel," Derezinsky describes the process of learning from other institutions how to go about the changing of a logo/mascot that had become synonymous with school spirit and identity for many alumni and community members. Helping to steer the university through difficult ethical waters, Derezinsky traveled the country with EMU President William Shelton to provide insight to schools considering a change of logo/mascot.

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  Anthony Head, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Kari Havenaar 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. Anthony Head was a student at EMU during this time, and became involved with student activism and campus demonstrations after learning about counterculture and left-leaning politics.

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  Anya Abramzon & Shrina Eadeh, Oral History Interview, 2024

  Finn Vincent-Fix

  Anya Abramzon and Shrina Eadeh both work in important leadership positions at Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. Abramzon serves as the CEO, and Eadeh serves as the Director of Resettlement Services. In this interview, Eadeh and Abramzon explain the difference between refugee and humanitarian parole status, resettling 85 Afghan families in six months, and the Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraising initiative. Eadeh and Abramzon describe the difficulties in finding housing to resettle refugees/humanitarian parolees, how COVID-19 has impacted JFS, and how the Washtenaw County community has supported JFS. Eadeh and Abramzon also discuss the behavioral health services JFS provides, and the therapeutic impacts of JFS collaboration with EMU.

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  Ayron Smith-Douglas, Letter to Citizens for Community, 2023

  Matt Jones and Kat Hacanyan

  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. On July 28th, 1998, after the long battle for the non-discrimination ordinance had found its end, Ayron Smith-Douglas sent out a letter she had written to her activist colleagues. She expresses that despite the "win," she still feels sadness. Smith-Douglas shares her fears that COST could still win, that homophobia and hate could still undo all the work they had done. She talks about the burn-out and fatigue that comes along with a movement like this one, while emphasizing the need to continue to be visible. At the end of her letter, Smith-Douglas shares the conclusions she came to after her reflection on the ordinance campaign, and hopes her words bring comfort to her friends

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  Ayron Smith-Douglas, 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 January 26th, 2022, Jones talked to long time Ypsilantian and community activist, Ayron Smith-Douglas, about her involvement with the passage of the ordinance. Smith-Douglas spent much of the 1960s and 1970s living in Chicago and Detroit, two cities that became central hubs for social justice activism and change. During this time she was able to gain experience as an activist, which she carried with her when she settled in Ypsilanti in 1987. Those experiences continued to be useful as she joined the ordinance movement in 1997, just two years after the loss of her partner, Billie. Smith-Douglas played an important role, working closely with the American Friends Service Committee to bring some de-escalation techniques into the campaign, and providing emotional support to her fellow activists and friends. In 1998 after the successful defense and passage of the ordinance, she wrote a letter to the community in which she reflected on the long battle, sharing her fears and hopes for the future. Smith-Douglas also speaks on the potential for burnout and fatigue and the importance of moving forward and healing.

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  Barbara Borusch, EMU Roles and Perspectives Interview, 1972

  Robert Hoexter

  EMU Roles and Perspectives was a 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 EMU Professor of Education, Barbara Borusch. Hired in 1950, Borusch served in many capacities during her tenure at EMU, teaching Elementary Health Education, Anatomy, Physiology, General Psychology, and more. In this interview, Borusch expresses her support for the “open classroom,” a learning setting in which children map out their own learning trajectory, and the teacher is seen more as a friend and helpmate than a traditional teacher behind a desk. Though some people, familiar with the traditional style of learning may call open classrooms “chaotic,” Bousch explains that they are anything but. The students in open classrooms are self-directed, can work in groups if they choose, and are able to study subjects that they themselves have a genuine interest in.

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  Barbara Scheffer, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones

  Barbara Scheffer served with Eastern Michigan University from 1976 until her retirement in 2013. A professor with the EMU School of Nursing, Scheffer went on to serve as the Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. Always a proponent of bridging the gap between university and community, Scheffer led students into Ypsilanti neighborhoods to help community members and gain valuable hands-on experience in the nursing field. Scheffer received Emeritus status when she retired in 2013.

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  Barry Simon, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Austin Martin 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. Barry Simon was an EMU student in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a student activist involved in underground newspaper the Second Coming, and eventually arrested during the People's Lounge incident in McKenny Hall on EMU's campus. Simon would later become the student body president.

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  Beth Bashert, 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 January 29th, 2022, Jones talked to community organizer, activist, and former Ypsilanti mayor Beth Bashert about her involvement with the passage of the ordinance. Member of Citizens for Community and co-chair of the Ypsi Campaign for Equality, Bashert was a fierce leader, working with other community members to keep the movement going strong. From mediating meetings, to contacting human rights groups across the country, to trying to stay afloat amidst it all, she worked tirelessly for the campaigns. She also recognized the importance of distinguishing between political campaigns and "hearts and minds" campaigns: To not to try to change opposing minds, but to get allies to vote in favor of the ordinance. Bashert and her co-chair Paul Heaton worked in tandem to keep the campaign's message clear, and to make sure everyone understood where it came from and where it was going. In this interview, she talks about what made the campaign work, the internal and external support they received, and how she's seen Ypsi change since 1279 was passed.

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  Bette Warren, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones

  Dr. Bette Warren served as professor with the Eastern Michigan University Department of Mathematics from 1984 until her retirement in 2012. Aside from her teaching duties Warren served as President of the Faculty Council, Chair of the Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee, Chair of the Faculty Council’s Budget and Resource Committee, wrote the math section of the Presidential Scholarship Examination, and served on the undergraduate symposium planning committee at the initiation of that event. Warren was also a bargaining council representative from the EMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors. The reason behind Warren's commitment to education is summed up in her own words: "To have a sound academic program we need a well-educated and informed front line. That front line is faculty.”

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  Betty Brown-Chappell and Anarosa Mendoza King, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  In the Fall of 2022, the Eastern Michigan University Archives invited emerita Betty Brown-Chappell and alum Anarosa Mendoza King to sit down for an interview together. With lecturer Matt Jones mediating the conversation, the women talked about their careers in social work and what it means to them, their humble beginnings and journeys to EMU, and the importance of good mentors. Brown-Chappell and King reminisce on memories of conferences, Halloween parties, and family gatherings

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  Betty Brown-Chappell, February 5, 2019

  Matt Jones and Alexis Braun Marks

  Before joining the EMU School of Social Work in 1996, Betty Brown-Chappell was already an activist for the poor and oppressed. The author of numerous books and articles, her work has been featured in the New York Times, Ebony Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, the Ann Arbor News, and many other media publications. Having served as Associate Director of the McNair Scholars Program at EMU and as Director of the Honors College, Brown-Chappell was the recipient of the College of Health and Human Service Everett L. Marshall Award for Distinguished Service in 2003 and the 2012 recipient of the MLK Humanitarian Award along with Senator Debbie Stabenow. She has met with General Kofi Annan at the United Nations, served as People to People Ambassador in Eastern Europe, and has testified before the Michigan legislature on social work licensing. Brown-Chappell retired from EMU in 2014.

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  Bob Beaugrand, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  Bob Beaugrand, brother of fellow Arm of Honor, Michael Beaugrand, wa an active member of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1986 until 1990. Beaugrand details his upbringing in the Ypsilanti area and the origins of the moniker "YpsiTucky." Grandson of the first female foreman at the Ford Motor Company, Ramona Bullet, Bob Beaugrand found the Arm of Honor following serving in the US Armed Forces and deciding that the military was not the future he wanted. Beaugrand describes his closer friends in the fraternity, the philanthropic nature of Arm parties, rivalries with Theta Chi and other fraternities, and the importance of a strong and responsible alumni chapter. Beaugrand also details the purchase of the Arm house following the fraternity's expulsion from campus 2015, and the renovations done by he and his brother Michael to get the house back up to code.

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  Bob Jones, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones and Alexis Braun Marks

  Having spent most of his time, pre-Eastern, in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere, Jones arrived at EMU in the fall of 2003 where he served with the Urban Planning Program in the Department of Geography and Geology until his retirement in 2019.

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  Bob Scheloske, Oral History Interview, 2022

  Matt Jones

  Bob Scheloske was an active member of the Arm of Honor Fraternity from 1965 until 1969. In this interview, Scheloske details his upbringing in Cleveland, OH., his introduction to fraternity life at EMU, the ties between Arm of Honor and Alpha Z, the reign of terror by John Norman Collins, baseball coach Ron Oestrike, Arm of Honor brother Jim Zolkowski, and the relationship with rival fraternities. Scheloski also details the economic origins of the Arms, and the larger than life names that abound in the frat history like Elton Rynearson, Lloyd Olds, and Benjamin D'Ooge. He also speaks of the fundraising that Arm of Honor did for various causes and the process of being blackballed from the fraternity, the lottery draft, and some of the construction projects that Arms did on the Arm house.

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  Bonnie Dawn Clark, 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 January 17, 2022, Jones sat down with Citizens for Community member and activist, Bonnie Dawn Clark. Before she moved to Ypsilanti in the mid-1990s, Bonnie was living in the South, always close to where she had been born and raised in North Carolina. With a passion for social justice and activism, she took part in movements advocating for equality for women and LGBTQ people, and even participated in environmental protests. It was only natural for her to become involved with Citizens for Community once the group heard about the incident with EMU group, Tri-Pride. As the city council took on the complaint and pushed it to the Human Relations Commissions hearings, she realized she could use her religious upbringing and knowledge of the Bible to dispel some of the opposing arguments. After the campaign ended, she returned to North Carolina where she has since started a non-profit organization for homeless LGBTQ youth. During this interview, she shares her experiences with being LGBTQ and a woman in the military, and reflects on the importance of an ordinance like 1279.

  This interview includes discussion of sensitive subjects that may be triggering for listeners, such as sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.

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  Brandt Waldenmyer, 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 January 27, 2022, Jones talked to third-generation Ypsilantian and member of both Campaign for Equality and Citizens for Community, Brandt Waldenmyer. In this interview, Waldenmyer talks about growing up in Ypsilanti and the deep familiarity he had with the city's cultural atmosphere. LGBTQ visibility in Ypsi was limited until the ordinance effort kicked up and brought more light to the community. Waldenmyer was involved with both of the campaigns from day one: He attended every meeting he could, canvassed and stuffed envelopes, and handled many of the administrative tasks. He recalls being able to use his established Ypsi connections to help the campaign's message carry some more weight, and the massive effort it took many people to come out publicly. Waldenmyer's participation in not only the 1997 and 1998 campaigns, but also the second defense in 2002 means that he has been able to provide a comprehensive timeline of 1279's impact on the community.

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  Brian Baum, 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 February 10, 2022, Jones sat down with member of Citizens for Community and Campaign for Equality, Brian Baum. Hailing from Livonia MI, Baum spent time in Ann Arbor for school before he came over to Ypsilanti to live with his partner, Holly Ferrise. Only a short while after his move, the print shop incident occurred in 1997, prompting the ordinance campaigns. After finding out more about the campaign during the Human Relations Commission hearings, Baum and Ferrise decided they needed to show up to see where they could help. New to activism and social justice movements, Baum worked with C4C and YCFE to handle administrative tasks and help keep the group on task. In addition to giving time to Ypsi's campaigns, he also worked with the GLSEN Conference in Ann Arbor, all while planning a wedding! During this interview, Baum narrates some of the daily goings-on of the campaigns, explores what his role in all this meant, and shares the messages he took with him afterwards.

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  Brian Steimel, Oral History Interview, 2019

  Matt Jones and Alexis Braun Marks

  Brian Steimel was the longtime head of circulation in the Bruce T. Halle Library, retiring in 2019. Receiving his bachelor and master’s degrees at Eastern Michigan, Steimel began his professional career with the EMU library as a reshelver, eventually climbing his way to the circulation desk and monitoring the Halle Library automatic retrieval system. Away from the stacks, however, Brian is an accomplished painter and professional puppeteer having toured extensively with his partner of many years, Raymond Masters.