Showing 117 results

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6855#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Robert Wick was born on January 23, 1913, in Henry County, Iowa, near Mt. Union. His family, who came from German ancestry, farmed in the area, and his father also worked as a stonecutter. Wick attended country school in Iowa, and graduated from a consolidated high school in Mt. Union, Iowa, in 1930. Wanting to become a school teacher. he decided to attend Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he majored in Speech. After graduation, he taught in Andrew, Iowa, for two years, then in Newton, Iowa, until 1942, when he was drafted into the Army. He married his wife Alice in April of that year, and, in 1943, was sent to Italy. When he returned, he attended graduate school on the GI Bill. Wick saw an opportunity at St. Cloud State to teach while pursuing his doctorate. At St. Cloud State, he taught speech courses. From 1962 to 1965, he served as the Dean of School of Science, Literature, and Arts. In 1965, Wick was appointed as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Shortly after, St. Cloud State president George Budd resigned and Wick was named acting president, and, in 1966, the permanent president. Wick held the position until 1971.

Transcript Summary: Wick described his family history, as well as his educational background. He said he was the only member of his family to attend college, receiving great encouragement from his grandfather to pursue his education at a time during the Great Depression. Wick described his time teaching after college in Iowa, and then his experiences in the Army. Of the unit of 100 men he was one of six who returned home. He decided to attend graduate school, which he started at the University of Iowa, and through a friend from Iowa, found an opportunity to teach in St. Cloud while pursuing his doctorate.

Wick discussed his time at St. Cloud State. He arrived in 1948 and taught speech courses, while also coaching the Debate team. He described his transition into administration, something he never really considered, but his time as a lieutenant in the Army had given him good experience to do so. Wick talked about being Dean of Science, Literature, and Arts, and some of the changes he took part it. Wick described the road that led him to become St. Cloud State president. He described the goals he had as president, mainly to create more physical space to meet the demands of a campus that was growing rapidly. He also wanted to improve working and learning conditions for faculty and students, as well as refine some of the programs now that the university had gone from a teacher's college to a university with a broad curriculum.

Wick described some of the changes that took place while he was president, such as the growth of the Inter-Faculty Organization, which he thought worked together very well. He said students’ attitudes changed during the Vietnam War, claiming that some students came to the university simply to be involved in protests and demonstrations and did not care about pursuing an academic career. Wick touched upon the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, stating that he did not believe it was very good when he first came in 1948. But that he and other presidents took steps to improve it, such as inviting as many people as possible to campus events.

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7456#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: William Whitaker was born on September 26, 1910, in Rockville, Minnesota. His father worked for the granite industry in Wisconsin, St. Paul, and then Rockville. Whitaker graduated from Tech High School in St. Cloud in 1927. He knew he wanted to be a teacher, with a long-term goal of becoming a college professor, so he immediately began taking classes at St. Cloud State. Before he graduated, he took a year off to teach in Wabun, Minnesota, before returning to the university to finish. He graduated in 1932 with majors in English, History, and Education, then had trouble finding work due to the Great Depression. He worked as a substitute teacher, then for a bakery in Brooklyn, New York, then on a ship as a seaman. Whitaker returned to Minnesota to teach in Crosby-Ironton and Camp Hillaway for two summers, then in Brainard. He attended Northwestern University, where he received his master's degree in speech and drama. While he was on his way to his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, he served with the Navy during World War II. When Whitaker was discharged in 1946, he finished his doctorate, and became chairman of the department of Speech at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He was called back into the Navy during the Korean War. Whitaker later continued his work as a professor.

Transcript Summary: Whitaker described his family history, as well as his education. He explained that his career goal was to become a college professor, and he found St. Cloud State a good place to start, as it was reasonably priced and very close to home. Whitaker talked about his time off from his undergraduate work to tour with a Chautauqua group, and later to teach in Wabun, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. Whitaker also remembers some of the professors he worked with, including St. Cloud State president George Selke and Evelyn Pribble.

Whitaker described his time at St. Cloud State. He claimed that the majority of students at the time he attended were from small towns and farming families. He mentioned George Selke's great oratorical ability and the success it had at bringing many young people from the Iron Range to the university. Whitaker said he had to work to put himself through school, even holding three jobs at one time. He also discussed his impression of the relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the college.

Whitaker talked more about his work and education experiences after leaving St. Cloud State. He discussed that the Depression made it very difficult to find work, and was the reason why he went to Brooklyn for a few years before finding a teaching job back in Minnesota. Whitaker also discussed his time in the Navy, which led him to serve in both World War II and the Korean War. Whitaker described some of his travels, including time spent in Singapore, as well some of the duties he had as an officer in the Navy.

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7405#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: John Weismann was born on January 13, 1901, on a farm on Golden Lake, Minnesota, near Rockville. His ancestors emigrate from Bavaria and Luxembourg. The fifth of nine children, Weismann attended grade school in a one-room public school, then went to Tech High School in St. Cloud, from which he graduated in 1920. He decided to attend the St. Cloud State to become an industrial arts teacher and to play sports, particularly football. After graduating from the two-year program in 1922, Weismann taught industrial arts and coached in Appleton, Minnesota, for one year. He decided he wanted to get his degree, so he majored in Education at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating in 1925, he taught in Iowa City, Iowa until 1927, when John Talbot offered him a position teaching and assisting George Lynch coaching at St. Cloud State. While at St. Cloud, he was involved in several programs, from athletics to housing to civilian training for the Air Force. He was also Dean of Men for several years. In 1933, he went to Los Angeles to get his master's degree, then returned to St. Cloud State. Weismann retired 1969 from the university.

Transcript Summary: Weismann briefly discussed his family background, then explained what motivated him to attend high school and later college. He fell in love with football his senior year of high school, then was inspired to attend St. Cloud State after hearing the St. Cloud State president Joseph Brown talk about the possibilities in industrial arts and coaching. Weismann remembered many teachers, including Helen Hill and Dora Perry. He described the buildings that existed on campus in the 1920s, as well as football and basketball.

Weismann chronicled his life after leaving St. Cloud State. He discussed his teaching jobs, and then the offer he received from St. Cloud State president George Selke to return to the university and assist in coaching as well as teaching industrial arts. Weismann described the various programs he was involved in, from student personnel and being Dean of Men, to the Civilian Training Program, where they prepared young men prior to World War II. Weisman described how St. Cloud State became a very different school after World War II.

Weismann talked about how much St. Cloud State and the students have changed. He claimed that students today (in 1980) had much more money to spend on things like eating out, shopping, drinking, and other things. He believed the construction of so many new buildings caused a lot of controversy at the time. Weismann discussed the St. Cloud State presidents and held Joseph Brown and John Headley in the highest regard.

2 cassette tapes

4 reel-to-reel tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7390#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Harvey Waugh was born in 1902 in Clarksville, Iowa. He graduated high school in Iowa, and eventually went to college to specialize in Music. While he was working at the Iowa State Teacher's College, his supervisor mentioned his name to George Selke, who was then president of St. Cloud Teacher's College. Selke offered him a position at St. Cloud State, and Waugh came to help set up the Music Department, eventually becoming head of the department. He also worked with the Drama Department in organizing school plays. He continued to work in the Music Department throughout his time in St. Cloud, and even served as Chairman of the Division of Arts and Music before retiring. At the time of these four interviews (1974-1976), Waugh was retired, but still active in music.

Transcript Summary: Waugh discussed his family background and experiences at St. Cloud State, especially becoming head of the Music Department. Of particular note is the discussion of the enrollment boom following World War II, including population estimates, and lack of sufficient housing and classrooms due to the surge. He talked about George Selke, who was a close friend of Waugh's and instrumental in bringing him to St. Cloud State. Waugh described how different things were when he first came to St. Cloud State, and how there was a great lack of organization, of departments, and of staff, along with very poor buildings. Other faculty members are also discussed including presidents George Selke, Dudley Brainard, and George Budd, music faculty Helen Grime, Roger Barrett, and Helen Hulls; also Amy Dale of English, who wrote the lyrics of the school hymn which Waugh set to music.

Waugh talked about the various buildings that were part of campus in his early years here. He discussed Eastman Hall, as well as the wonderful Christmas parties that were held in Shoemaker Hall, by invitation. Other aspects of campus living are touched upon, including Mrs. Whitney's presence, being head of a men’s dorm, and Quonset huts. He mentioned Selke's great oratorical ability, especially in convincing young people from the Iron Range to come to St. Cloud State. Waugh discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his reputation at the university.

Waugh described the various programs and plays he helped produce during his time at St. Cloud State, from "South Pacific" to "West Side Story." He mentioned taking one of his productions, "The Pajama Game," on a European tour in the 1960s. Waugh proudly said that the plays always had a full orchestra and that his choir was called upon to give performances at various conferences and prestigious events.

The status of buildings around as well as the construction of new ones, are a frequent topic in the interviews. The plans and building of the current Performing Arts Center as well as his tri-collegiate choral group are mentioned in detail. Information relating to Stewart Hall's construction, the Kiehle library, the Old Main Building and having to share space with other departments is also referenced.

Interviews conducted by Lawrence Busse and Norman Clarke

2 cassette tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7480#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Tom Wadhams was born in 1922 and his family moved to St. Cloud the next year. Jeanne (Verby) Wadhams was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. After she graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul, she worked for a couple years before joining the military. She left the service in 1946 attended St. Cloud State to become a physical education teacher. Tom attended Riverview Elementary and then graduated from Tech High School in St. Cloud. He attended St. Cloud State from 1940-1941 before serving in World War II. In 1946, Tom returned to his classes at St. Cloud State and majored in Physical Education and Business Education. The two married when they were both sophomores and they graduated in 1949. They accepted teaching jobs in Little Fork, Minnesota after graduation. but Jeanne left after only four months to prepare for the birth of their first child. They then moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota, where Tom got a job with Honeywell which he held for 32 years before retiring. Jeanne worked as a substitute teacher when her children were older.

Transcript Summary: Tom and Jeanne each gave a brief family history. Tom discussed going to the Campus Lab School at Riverview, and named several of his teachers. Jeanne discussed putting off college until after she served in the military, thus making her an older than average student when she began at St. Cloud. They described their time at St. Cloud State. Tom was very involved with athletics, detailing St. Cloud State athletics in the late 1940s, particularly football and basketball. They also discuss some of their favorite teachers, including Marie Case, Helen Hill, and Clair Daggett.

Tom and Jeanne talked about their experience being married and living on campus in a house Jeanne's parents owned and also rented out to students. Jeanne described the "espirit de corps" among students and faculty when they first attended, but as the college grew, that familiarity faded. Jeanne was a member of the Athenaeum Literary Society, but quit because of the attitude of many of the members. They also belonged to the Married Couples Club. Tom and Jeanne talked about the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, which they perceived as two separate entities that did not interact frequently.

Tom and Jeanne discussed their life after leaving St. Cloud State. They described their year teaching in Little Fork, as well as how well they believed St. Cloud prepared them for their careers. Jeanne believed that the student teaching experience did not meet her expectations, while Tom felt his training in Business and his time coaching prepared him very well for his career at Honeywell. They also discussed being veterans at St. Cloud State, and what it was like for veterans attending college.

Biographical Information: Margaret Skudlarek Vos is a 1972 (BS) and 1982 (MS) graduate of St. Cloud State University. One of eight children, Margaret grew up in Holdingford in Stearns County, Minnesota. After high school graduation, Margaret attended Bemidji State University but transferred to St. Cloud State in 1970. Upon completing her degree in 1972, she was hired as a teacher in Foley, Minnesota. Margaret returned to St. Cloud State in 1980 as a graduate student when took a leave of absence from teaching. While at St. Cloud State as a graduate student, she held an assistantship in Atwood Memorial Center at the University Program Board (UPB). She stayed another year to serve as interim UPB director for the 1981/82 academic year. Margaret returned to Foley to teach but was then hired as at the permanent UPB director in 1986. Margaret then served in that role until 1995 when she was made Atwood interim director, then hired as the permanent director in 1997. She served there until retirement in 2013. Margaret had other roles at St. Cloud State between 1997 and 2013. In January 2006, she was appointed as interim Vice President for Student Life and Development and served through June 2006. Then between 2006 and 2008, Margaret served as interim Associate Vice President for International Studies (2006-2008). Shortly after retirement from Atwood in 2013, Margaret was coaxed back by St. Cloud State and was again appointed as interim Associate Vice President for International Studies. She retired for good in 2014. Margaret and her husband, Leo, have one son, Jacob.

Transcript Summary: Margaret began by discussing her roles at SCSU before moving on to her childhood, growing up in Stearns County and her family’s background. She initially enrolled at Bemidji State before transferring to St. Cloud State. In 1972, she graduated with a BS degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis on Mass Comm and Theater. Margaret described her experiences at St. Cloud State, particularly how the environment was during the Vietnam War as well as her time spent in the Performing Arts Center.

After graduation, Margaret was hired to teach in Foley, Minnesota in 1973. She taught at Foley until 1986 with a two year break. During that two year break between 1980 and 1982, Margaret returned to St. Cloud State where she earned a masters’s degree, had a graduate assistantship at the University Program Board (UPB) and stayed another year to serve as interim director at UPB. She worked and the UPB team worked hard to plan and execute events for students to be informed and exposed to other viewpoints.

Margaret returned to St. Cloud State in 1986 as the permanent director of UPB. In that position they held series debates about hot topics, such as abortion. Experts were invited to campus to debate these topics. Margaret described a 1992 visit from Hollywood director Spike Lee. The appearance sold out Halenbeck Hall and the talk was simulcast at Ritsche Auditorium.

Margaret detailed her roles as the interim and permanent director of Atwood Memorial Center, interim Vice President for Student Life and Development as well as two stints as interim Associate Vice President for International Studies, including a stint after she retired from Atwood in 2013. During her final stint in International Studies, Margaret discovered that she had a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. She described how she survived cancer as the treatments were successful.

1982: https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7420#/kaltura_audio

1990: https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7447#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Ludmila Voelker was born in Dodge, Nebraska in the 1920s. Her father emigrated from Czechoslovakia, settling in Nebraska and later South Dakota, where he lost his farm during the Depression. The family eventually moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Voelker attended the College of Saint Benedict, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in speech and philosophy. She then taught English for three years in Holdingford, Minnesota, until 1954 when her future husband Fran, returned from Korea. They married that December, and for the next 10 years Ludmila stayed home to raise their five children. In 1965, she began working part-time at St. Cloud State while also beginning work on her Master's degree. She eventually began teaching full-time at the St. Cloud State. Voelker was very involved in the Faculty Association, and even served as president of the IFO immediately after the the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) / Minnesota Education Association (MEA) won the election in 1975. Voelker also served as the university’s affirmative action officer, a position she maintained up to the time of her retirement in 1990.

Transcript Summary for 1st Interview (1982): Voelker focused on her involvement in collective bargaining at St. Cloud State, and her support for the IFO and MEA. Voelker explained why she became involved with collective bargaining at St. Cloud State. She believed that partnering with the MEA was a good move, as it was the strongest political unit available to them at the time. Voelker discussed her time as president and some of the activities she was involved in.

Voelker chronicled her time as IFO president, and the importance of a woman being in a position of power at a time when such a thing was not very common. She claimed that the campus needed an articulate woman to show that women were capable of holding authority. Voelker discuseed what she did after holding that presidency, including being the president of the Minnesota Council of Teachers, which she held before taking a year of sabbatical and beginning work on a degree in Theology. Finally, she expressed her feelings on whether or not collective bargaining on campus was a success. She felt that the tension it has created between administration and faculty is unnecessary, and that work needed to be done to build trust between the two.

Transcript Summary for 2nd interview (1990): Voelker briefly discussed her family history before going into her education experiences. She talked about attending the College of Saint Benedict and then embarking on a teaching career before quitting to stay home and raise her five children. She then talked about how the desire to get back to teaching was so strong that it drew her to St. Cloud State.

Voelker worked as teaching assistant while pursuing her master's degree, but because of the surge in enrollment, had to take on more freshman composition classes than originally planned. Voelker discussed how important it was for faculty to be involved in other activities besides teaching. This led to her involvement with the IFO, as well as the publication of a book on Mass Media with her husband Fran.

Voelker talked about the changes undergone by the university as well as the impact of some important national events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Voelker chronicled the highs and lows of her career at St. Cloud, claiming that being selected as the university’s affirmative action officer was a great high, while getting burnt out on teaching was her low. She then discussed the rise in percentage of women professors on campus as a result of affirmative action, and her feelings on that subject in general. Finally, she offered some thoughts on the progress St. Cloud State University has made, calling it a wonderful institution, but also suggested some areas for improvement.

One photograph of Mrs. Voelker also in folder

First interview by Calvin Gower, second interview by Robert Nelson

2 cassette tapes

2 cassette tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7465#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Fran Voelker was born in Thorp, Wisconsin in the late 1920s. He went to St. John's University, then entered the military for a few years. When he got out of the service in 1955, he accepted a job teaching high school English in Foley, Minnesota, where he stayed for four years. During that time, he pursued his master's degree, which he received in 1959. He accepted a position at St. Cloud State in the Mass Communications department, where he remained until the time of this interview in 1982. While at St. Cloud State, Voelker was active in the Faculty Association, and even served as president of the IFO after the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) / Minnesota Education Association (MEA) won the election in 1975.

Transcript Summary: Voelker gave a brief history of his education before explaining into his experience with the Faculty Association and collective bargaining in general. Voelker discussed his early experiences with the MEA in Foley, as well as the motivations of faculty members at St. Cloud State to actively pursue collective bargaining. Voelker believed that many faculty members felt that salaries were bad and their voices were not heard, so frustration began to build until they decided to do something about it. Voelker said the reasons to join the MEA was good, claiming that they had a good training program and a professionalism that really helped the IFO.

Voelker focused on the election in 1975 and said that even if the American Association of University Professors (AAUP ) won the election, he would have joined, as most faculty simply wanted some form of representation. Voelker discussed the work he did with the IFO after the election, including lobbying during state legislature to get funding and meet negotiation deadlines.

Voelker believed that collective bargaining was very successful in defining roles. He said the adversary relationship that resulted between administration and faculty was unfortunate, but did not have to be a result of collective bargaining. It was something he hoped would be amended in the future.

2 cassette tapes

Biographical Information: Myron Umerski was born in 1940, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. His father worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Minnesota, and encouraged Umerski’s education. He chose to pursue education, as he felt that teachers were highly respected in society. He chose to attend St. Cloud because of its highly regarded teaching program, and began classes there in 1958. After he graduated, he taught for three years in the Twin Cities. He then decided to pursue his master's degree in education at St. Cloud State, which he was able to do with the help of a teaching assistantship. In 1968, Umerski accepted the position of registrar at St. Cloud State, and later became director of advising and orientation at the school, a position he was still active in at the time of this interview.

Transcript Summary: Umerski focused on family background and education before diving into the issues of change, and how much the university changed over the years. Umerski discussed how the growth of technology affected the school, especially as registrar. Umerski said that the rise of unionization at the university, from an administrative perspective, created more of a split between administration and faculty. But, in his opinion, was largely successful. Umerski touched upon the Vietnam War, stating that it did not create the violence at St. Cloud State that it did at other universities.

Umerski discussed other important issues that have helped shape St. Cloud State. He felt the growth of feminism, and how it has led to changes on campus, such as the Women's Center, child care centers, helped insure equal opportunities for women. He discussed the issues of race, retelling his part in rewriting the St. Cloud Civil Rights Ordinance. It initially brought some controversy, but eventually showed him that St. Cloud is not as conservative as many people think it is. Umerski explained the challenges of teaching students who have not been prepared well enough by their high schools for college.

Umerski expressed his opinions about the relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the university. He claimed that the city saw the university as a good source of money, but also where the two brought culture to each other. Umerski recalled the 1988 homecoming riots and felt the city of St. Cloud really supported the university throughout that ugly situation.

Interviewed by Robert Nelson

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/lemcon_oh/1/

Biographical Information: Ginny Tennant was a community member who recruited artists to appear at the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair since its inaugural event in 1974.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history interview conducted by Margaret Vos on August 27, 2014, Tennant discussed her involvement with the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair since its first event in 1974. Tennant was part of the St. Cloud Community Arts Council, and with connections to St. Cloud State, worked on the visit of the Minnesota Orchestra in 1974 to help dedicate the new campus mall to have an art component. Tennant discussed that a few artists from that 1974 event still participate in the Lemonade event including Bob Trisko and Charlotte and David Neron. Tennant described in detail how she recruited artists from all over Minnesota, including how artists are selected through a semi-juried process, requiring artists to create original pieces of art. The semi-juried process allowed wide variety of forms and materials to be featured. Tennant also touched on set-up of the fair for the artists, the effect of the weather, and working with St. Cloud State employees. Tennant also described her day at the Lemonade event, including the hours before the event starts in the late morning.

This collection contains 52 oral histories, nearly all done between the mid 1970s and 1990, featuring St. Cloud State alums, long-time faculty, and top administrators, such as Presidents Budd, Wick, Graham, and McDonald. Done mostly by retired History faculty member Cal Gower, topics discussed in the oral histories include individual experiences and changes at St. Cloud State from the early 20th century, until the 1980s, as well as family background and life before and after time at St. Cloud State. Five additional interviews were done by Tom Steman in 2016, 2017, and 2019.

Some oral histories contain release forms from the interviewee and are noted.

Cal Gower conducted the interviews unless where noted.

The collection is in two series.

Series 1: Transcripts and other material

This series contains the final oral history transcripts for each interview, signed release forms, if they existed, as well as other material given by the interviewee (photos, newspaper clippings, ephemera).

Series 2: Tapes

This series contains the audio tapes from each oral history, ranging from one cassette tape to two.

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7411#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Lawrence Smelser was born and raised in the Ozark Region of Missouri in the late 1920s. He was encouraged to attend college by his family, and after he graduated from high school, he took an exam and was licensed to teach in rural schools in Missouri. While he did this, he took classes at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardo, Missouri, before transferring to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, he taught fifth grade in University City, Missouri, for 12 years. While doing teaching, he attended St. Louis University for his master's degree in Educational Administration. Smelser then earned his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. In 1969, Smelser came to St. Cloud State University, where he taught in the Center for Information Media. He retired in 1990 after 21 years of service.

Transcript Summary: Smelser discussed his family and educational background. Smelser described his childhood in Missouri, and being encouraged by his family to attend college and pursue his education. He gave a brief account of the universities he attended, then about his experience teaching in Missouri. Smelser taught in Missouri for 20 years while getting his education before Learning Resources & Technology dean at St. Cloud State, Luther Brown, informed him of a position opening at St. Cloud State University. Smelser arrived at St. Cloud State in 1969.

Smelser chronicled his time at St. Cloud State University, discussing some of his favorite things were about the university. He mentioned how much he enjoyed working with graduate students, as he was able to work with them more closely and get to know them better than undergraduate students. He also mentioned taking a group of students to London for the 1979/80 academic school year, where he directed a program. In addition, Smelser described his experience of being a division leader in the Learning Resources & Technology Services. He expressed how the library changed from books to electronic equipment, and how the college has grown along with that change.

Smelser discussed the changes that occurred at the university, as well as the highs and lows during his time there. He talked about developing new programs in Information Media, such as the 3-track program. Smelser believed that the growth in enrollment was very positive thing for St. Cloud State, and improved many programs available. As far as lows, Smelser claimed that some budget and equipment problems as difficult to deal with. Smelser felt that he had an incredibly positive experience teaching at St. Cloud State and living in the city of St. Cloud.

Interviewed by Jerry Westby

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7441#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Donald Sikkink was born in 1928 in Minnesota. He grew up on a farm in Southeast Minnesota, just south of Rochester. He graduated from Harmony Public High School in Harmony, Minnesota in 1945. He chose to attend a Dutch Reformed College, Central College, in Pella, Iowa, until he was drafted in April 1946. After 1947, when all draftees were discharged from the Army, Sikkink attended the University of Minnesota on his G.I. Bill. He received his bachelor's degree in 1949, his master's degree in 1951, and his doctorate in 1954. After teaching for two years at Stanford in Palo Alto, California, he received a job in the Speech Department at South Dakota State University. He taught there until 1963, when he came to St. Cloud State. Sikkink taught in the Speech Communications department and held several administrative positions. He was vice president for Academic Affairs, director of International Studies, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities, and chairperson of the department of Speech Communication. He retired in 1990.

Transcript Summary: Sikkink described his early educational background and career. He discussed his decision to attend a Dutch Reformed college, as his family grown up in the Dutch Reformed church. However, that was interrupted by World War II, which allowed him to finish school on the G.I. Bill. He talked about his decision to simply go straight through to his dissertation as quickly as possible, as well as his first teaching experience in Stanford, which he did not particularly enjoy. Sikkink described his time in South Dakota, and then his path to St. Cloud.

Sikkink explained his first impressions of St. Cloud State, claiming that he was surprised at how reluctant students were to speak up in class and express their thoughts and opinions. On the other hand, he was also surprised by how freely and openly the faculty spoke their beliefs, causing him to believe that there was a greater sense of freedom among the faculty at St. Cloud than at the previous schools he had taught at. Sikkink discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his policies. In addition, he described the ways in which the speech department has changed. Sikkink explained the way that the city of St. Cloud had changed thinking of St. John's as their university to adopting St. Cloud State as the city's college, due to the tremendous growth and change undergone by the school during Sikkink's time there.

Sikkink described what he considers to be his highs and lows while at St. Cloud State. He mentioned certain classes he enjoyed, such as the class he taught on parliamentary procedure. He also talked about the establishment of bachelor of Elective Studies degree, which he says was done as sort of an experiment. He explained his work in administration over the years. Sikkink expressed disappointment at the then-current situation where the faculty and administration were not getting along, claiming that the fighting was hurting the institution. Finally, Sikkink shared some anecdotes that describe some of his most memorable experiences at St. Cloud State University.

Interviewed by Jerry Westby

1 cassette tape

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7444#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Michael Sieben was born in 1946, in Hastings, Minnesota. His father's family had been in Hastings since the 1880s, while his mother's family came from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sieben graduated from Hastings High School in 1964, and decided to attend St. Cloud State. He knew he either wanted to become a teacher or a lawyer, and chose to get his degree in Education with a major in Social Studies. While at St. Cloud State, he became active in student government, even serving as Student Senate president during his senior year. Sieben graduated in 1968, then went to teach 12th grade Social Studies for a year at North High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He decided to go to law school at the University of Minnesota. He graduated from law school and went on to practice law. At the time of the interview, he had been a lawyer in Hastings for 10 years.

Transcript Summary: Sieben described family history, as well as his motivations to attend St. Cloud State. He mentioned that his family lived in Minnesota for quite awhile. Sieben described his decision to attend St. Cloud State. He desired to leave Hastings, but also wanted a school that was financially reasonable. Sieben was able to pay for most of his college education himself by working construction during the summers. Since he was on the debate team in high school, Sieben received a small debate scholarship from St. Cloud State. Sieben discussed being part of the baby boomer generation and always being part of a very large class.

Sieben described the activities he was involved in while attending St. Cloud State. He discussed his participation in student government in the mid to late 1960s, claiming that students simply wanted more control over their destinies. He talked about many issues, such as student fees, dorm rules, regulations for women, and teacher evaluations as some of the causes he and his fellow students fought for. Sieben felt Vietnam created a new feeling at the school, one where students just sensed a need for change. Seiben described life in the dorms, his involvement in Sigma Tau Gamma, and attending football games. He talked about the majority of students would leave the campus on the weekends, Sieben mentioned students from the Iron Range, and his perception that most students came from a middle income family.

Sieben chronicled briefly his activities after graduating from St. Cloud in 1968. He discussed law school, which he believed he was well-prepared for thanks to St. Cloud State. However, he felt that some of the teacher preparation courses were mediocre and did not prepare him well for teaching. Overall though, he said his experience in St. Cloud was very beneficial to his future endeavors and career as a lawyer.

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7435#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Arnold Schneider was born in 1909. He attended high school in Wisconsin, and after graduation went to work for the Great Northern Railroad in Allouez, Wisconsin. He continued to work for the railroad while he put himself through junior college in Duluth, Minnesota, which he finished in two years. He then attended the Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he majored in Business Education. He graduated in 1932. After graduation, he went to Madison, South Dakota, where he taught at Eastern State College. He later worked as Junior Analyst for Merrill Lynch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and also as an accountant for Ford Motor Company. After receiving his master's degree from the University of Iowa in 1937, he was offered a position at St. Cloud State to begin a Business Education program. He accepted and established the program in the spring of 1938. He remained in St. Cloud State until 1942, when he joined the Navy. After World War II, he returned the university for a year before obtaining a position at Western Michigan University, where he started a College of Business program. He retired in 1974.

Transcript Summary: Schneider chronicled how he came to work in Business Education at St. Cloud State. Schneider said that Minnesota had no program to prepare Business teachers until St. Cloud State president George Selke convinced the State University Board to allow St. Cloud to establish one. Schneider was contacted while he was working on his doctorate in Iow, and jumped at the opportunity to come to St. Cloud. While the program officially began spring semester of 1938, it really took off that following fall. Schneider described the early days of the department, as well as the two other faculty members involved, Clair Dagget and Mary Ferro.

Schneider discussed his educational history. He said that working for the Great Northern Railroad allowed him to put himself through junior college. Schneider mentioned his experiences attending the University of Iowa during the Depression. Schneider also described the very mixed career experiences he had, from teaching business in colleges to working with huge companies like Merrill Lynch and Ford Motor Company. That variety of work experience, Schneider claimed, made him very versatile and aware of the many different aspects of the business world.

Schneider reflected on some of his other experiences, including that of working with World War II veterans. He believed that the GI bill, which allowed veterans to attend college, had a huge effect on education in the United States. He greatly admired veterans as students, and believed they made his classroom a much more dynamic place than it had been before. He felt that state universities became the "common man's school." Schneider also talked about some of St. Cloud State faculty he remembers, such as Clifford Bemis, Herbert Clugston, and Roland Torgerson.

1 cassette tape

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6852#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Richard Sartell was born in 1941 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. His father's family had lived in Sartell, Minnesota, since 1853. In fact, the town was named for his great-great-grandfather, who was a miller in the area. His mother's family came from Sweden and Nova Scotia. Sartell's father was a bus driver for Greyhound for 30 years. Sartell attended the Riverview Campus Lab School at St. Cloud State starting  in the fall of 1946. He attended here until the ninth grade, then moved to Tech High School, where he graduated in 1959.

Transcript Summary: Sartell spoke mostly about his experience at the Riverview Campus Lab School, where those who were studying to become teachers at St. Cloud State observed and practiced teaching. Sartell did explain some of his family history, which includes the fact that the town Sartell was named for his family. He discussed the experience of having so many student teachers, believing that it led to a much better education than was available at the public schools at the time. Sartell explained how the elementary students interacted with the college and he felt as much a part of the student body as the college students at St. Cloud State.

Sartell named several of his teachers and those he felt were most effective. He mentioned Ruth Cadwell, Ed Colletti, Harvey Waugh, and several others. He claimed that many of the teachers were very demanding, but felt it led him and the other students to learn more and be more successful. Sartell discussed some of the physical changes that began taking place as he was attending Riverview, such as the demolition of the Old Main Building and the construction of Stewart Hall. Sartell described the transition from Riverview to Tech High School, claiming that it was pretty seamless. Sartell explained the relationship between the school and the community, believing that there was simply not much interaction between the two. Finally, he expressed about his disappointment in the closing of the Lab School at St. Cloud State in 1983.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/scsu_oh/6 [11655]

Biographical Information: Howard Ray Rowland was born in 1929 in New Mexico. Graduating from high school just after World War II in 1946, Rowland received an undergraduate degree from the University Missouri and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. Rowland earned a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1969. Before arriving at St. Cloud State in 1959, Rowland served in Germany for two years during the Korean War, worked in small newspapers in Missouri, and worked in public relations at Southern Illinois. Once at St. Cloud State, Rowland was director of Information Services, a position he held until 1986. Rowland then taught in the department of Mass Communications and served as assistant to the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Rowland retired in 1991. He is married to June Lee and has two daughters.

Transcript Summary: In this oral history interview conducted by University Archivist Tom Steman on January 6, 2017, retired professor Ray Rowland shared his experiences as an administrator in the Public Relations Department at St. Cloud State University during the Vietnam-era and into the 1980s. Rowland addressed specific incidents such as anti-Vietnam protests and the homecoming riot of 1988. Rowland also discussed personal accounts of working with various St. Cloud State presidents such as George Budd, Charles Graham, Robert, Wick, and Brendan McDonald. Rowland concludes the interview by sharing his current writing projects and elaborating on his previous books, including the 125th Anniversary of St. Cloud State University which was published in 1994.

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7450#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Alan Phillips grew up all over the Midwest before settling in St. Cloud, Minnesota as an employee of St. Cloud State University. Phillips received his undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois. Phillips attended the University of Chicago Divinity School for a year before dropping out and joining the army for two years. He then went to Michigan State where he got his master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy. He taught for one year at West Virginia University, and came to St. Cloud State in September 1966. While at St. Cloud, he became involved in the Faculty Association and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). He was president at the time of the election in 1975, which Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) / Minnesota Education Association (MEA) eventually won. He later joined the IFO and became involved in its Academic Affairs Committee on campus.

Transcript Summary: The oral history focused almost entirely on Phillips' involvement in collective bargaining at St. Cloud State University. Philips provided a brief account of his educational career, which brought him to St. Cloud in 1966. He chronicled how he became involved with the Faculty Association and collective bargaining. He devoted a great deal of time to discussing the election of 1975, a process he calls very difficult. Phillips discussed his opinions on the IFO joining forces with the MEA, as well as what he considers to be the biggest differences between the IFO and the AAUP. He talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the AAUP and what may have cost it the election.

Phillips talked about the effects of the IFO/MEA's victory and how successful collective bargaining in general was for St. Cloud State faculty. He was reluctant to join the IFO after the AAUP was defeated. Phillips believed that more people should be able to join voluntarily, believing that forced membership was not as effective. He believed that collective bargaining was good economically for the faculty, but not been great for local decision-making. Phillips discussed his involvement on the IFO’s Academic Affairs Committee of the IFO. To end, he offered some suggestions for improving the IFO and current collective bargaining situation at SCSU.

2 cassette tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7474#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Eugene Perkins was born in 1921 in Beaver Creek, Minnesota. His father worked as a superintendent in several areas in Minnesota, eventually bringing the family to St. Cloud in 1930. Lorraine Perkins was born in Paynesville, Minnesota. Her family has a long connection with St. Cloud State University, as her grandfather graduated from St. Cloud State in 1882. Eugene began attending St. Cloud State in 1939, then left in 1940 for active duty in the National Guard, which led to serving in World War II. He returned immediately after the war ended, and graduated in 1947. Lorraine wanted to be an English teacher, and began attending St. Cloud State in 1938. The two met in 1939, and married shortly after Lorraine graduated. Lorraine taught for one year in Echo, Minnesota, but once Eugene returned from the war, she stopped teaching for 20 years to raise their three children. Eugene taught in Paynesville, Minnesota, for three years while taking graduate classes at the University of Minnesota, with a focus on guidance and counseling. After receiving his master's degree, he went to Cincinnati, where he worked as a counselor and a school psychologist. He returned to St. Cloud State in 1958, where he worked as a professor and counselor. He would late receive his doctorate from University of Northern Colorado. Lorraine found part-time work in the English Department at St. Cloud and also began taking graduate classes part-time. She received her Master's Degree in 1967, and established the Writing Skills Center in 1968. She retired in 1985.

Transcript Summary: Eugene and Lorraine Perkins discussed their family history, as well as their reasons to attend St. Cloud State. Lorraine chronicled the long history her family has with the St. Cloud State, as her grandfather attended the Normal School and roomed with Waite Shoemaker. Many of her aunts and several other relatives also attended the university. Eugene mentioned they lived close to the university and his dad worked with there. Lorraine said she wanted to go to Carleton College to become a writer. But the Depression prevented her from doing so, as Carleton College was expensive. So, she decided to become an English teacher. Eugene also discussed his time in World War II, which interrupted his college studies.

Lorraine talking about her her varying living situations, including a year in Shoemaker Hall. Eugene also discussed the GI Bill, which of course brought many veterans to the school. Eugene described his time at the Eastman house, which was housing for returning GIs. Both Eugene and Lorraine oversaw and lived in for a time in Eastman House. He said the attitude held by many veterans, which was that they were very eager to learn but also were not fond of some of the restrictions and rigidity that came with college life. Lorraine and Eugene also described some of the extracurricular activities on campus, such as literary societies, sports, and different clubs such as the photo club, which Eugene belonged to.

Lorraine and Eugene chronicled their experiences after leaving St. Cloud. Lorraine talked about being hired in Hayward, Minnesota, before being married, then being told to return her contract, as they did not hire married teachers. She gave up teaching to raise her family. Eugene talked about the path that led him to pursue counseling, which eventually led he and his family back to St. Cloud. Lorraine wanted to return to school. She chronicled her work in the Writing Skills Center, which she believed was the only place for some students, especially foreign students, to get help. They described their support of international students, even to the extent that they housed some of them. Finally, they expressed their approval of the vast physical changes undergone by St. Cloud State in the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in a beautiful campus. Eugene hoped for even more changes and growth to occur, but expressed disappointment in the politics that have prevented such growth from happening.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/lemcon_oh/2/

Biographical information: Jessica Ostman holds an undergraduate degree (1987) and master of Business Administration (1992) from St. Cloud State University. In 1988, Ostman was hired by St. Cloud State’s Residential Life unit and worked there in a variety of roles, including program coordinator, Shoemaker Hall resident director, and associate director. In 1996, Ostman was hired to be University Programming interim director and appointed permanently to that position in July 1998. Due to reorganization of units in Student Life and Development in 2011, Ostman was hired as director of the department of Campus Involvement, a position she still holds in 2017. Ostman also served as interim director of the Atwood Memorial Center student union from July 2013 to April 2014.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted by Margaret Vos on August 12, 2014, Ostman discussed her role in planning the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair since 1996. Ostman explained that the plans for Lemonade are detailed and by the minute. She described the role of community member Ginny Tennant, who has been part of the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair since its beginning in 1974, and how Tennant handled recruiting the variety of artists who appeared at this one day event. Ostman also described participation of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra at Lemonade. Ostman touched upon attendance, foods that were available, the Little Lemons children area, the town and gown connection between St. Cloud State and the city of St. Cloud, and the effect of Minnesota weather on the event.

1 cassette tape

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7396#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Lydia Olander was born on December 6, 1886 in Orion, Illinois. Her parents emigrated from Sweden so that her father could become a minster. After he was ordained, he and her mother were married, on July 1876. Olander’s father was called to a parish in Minneapolis in 1900, where the family then moved. Olander graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1904. She chose to attend St. Cloud State because she always wanted to teach. Plus, her sister and friends had also attended the school. She graduated in June 1905 , then accepted teaching position for third and fourth grade in Brownton, Minnesota, where she taught for 2 years. Olander then took a position in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Here she taught at Van Cleve School and Hale School from 1929 to 1954. She also worked as a secretary for the American Vocational Institute, and taught courses at the American Business College. Later in her life she became very involved in St. Cloud State alumni activities.

Transcript Summary: Olander described her family history. She discussed her parents, who both emigrated from Sweden. Her father came over to become a minister for the Lutheran Church of America, then sent for her mother, whom he married in 1876. Olander recalled her decision to attend St. Cloud State, which was influenced both by her desire to teach as well as she had friends at the school.

Olander chronicled her time at St. Cloud State, completing her program in one year. She described living in Lawrence Hall, which burned down during her stay, forcing her to move in with some St. Cloud residents. Olander talked about her extracurricular activities, including the Glee Club.

Olander spent most of her teaching career in the Minneapolis Public School system teaching from third to sixth grade. She also attended the University of Minnesota to get licensed to teach junior high. Olander described her experiences working both at the American Vocational Institute and the American Business College.

Miscellaneous Material:
Photographs: Photos of Olander's family, St. Cloud Glee Club, family homes, schools she taught at, and others
Newspaper Clipping: One article by Barbara Flanagan on Olander's teaching career
Other: Teaching Certificate issued in 1907, offer to teach in Minneapolis Public Schools, other administrative materials related to teaching in Minneapolis Public Schools.

2 cassette tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:7477#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: William Nunn was born in 1922 in Paris, Texas. His father was a lawyer who worked in Paris and Bonham, Texas. Nunn graduated from Bonham High School in 1940, then attended Northern Texas State University in Denton, Texas. In 1943, he joined the Army and was active during World War II. After the war, Nunn returned to college to finish his degree. Nunn began taking teaching courses, having gained an interest in teaching during the War. In 1948, he received his master's degree in Political Science. He taught high school in Galveston, Texas, then gained some experience teaching in Lab Schools in Colorado and Texas. In 1954, St. Cloud State president George Budd offered Nunn a job supervising student teaching. He did this until 1960, then moved to the History Department. Nunn also served as the head of the Legislative Committee, as well as president of the Faculty Association from 1965 to 1967. In addition, Nunn worked with St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict in central Minnesota to set up a tri-college East Asian Studies Program, which he was still involved in at the time of this interview. The program took him to Japan 13 times, and allowed him to set up a seminar class on Japan which he taught frequently.

Transcript Summary: Nunn described his educational background, with some focus on his family background, too. He said his father was a very successful attorney in Texas, which initially inspired him to pursue law in college. However, he chronicled how his experiences in the Army during World War II led him to change his path to instead pursue teaching. Nunn talked about how he decided to pursue his master's degree in Political Science, which led him to gain experience teaching in different lab schools around the country.

Nunn started at St. Cloud State in 1954. His job was to supervise student teachers. He described the state that the program was in when he arrived and how several other professors who were involved with it, including Bill Cotton and John Talbot. Nunn claimed he had success in opening districts in Milaca, Paynesville, and other areas to student teachers from St. Cloud. Nunn described his experience in the History department, as well as his time as head of the legislative committee and as Faculty Association president. Nunn believed that the increased departmentalization at the college, which accompanied its rapid growth, has hurt the institution in many ways.

Nunn expressed his view of how St. Cloud State changed since 1954 when Nunn arrived. He discussed some major events that impacted the school, such as the unrest that occurred during the Vietnam War. He claimed that SCSU has always had an image problem that the university was not a good school and its label as a party school was misleading. Nunn claimed that St. Cloud State never really been able to get a good feel of the community, that the two never really got to know each other. Finally, Nunn described his efforts at establishing the tri-college East Asian Studies Program and his several trips to Japan.

Interview by Robert Nelson

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/lemcon_oh/3/

Biographical Information: Charlotte Neron was a local artist who lived in the St. Cloud area.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history interview conducted by Margaret Vos on January 28, 2015, Neron discussed the involvement of her and her husband David at the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair. They were among the first artists to participate in the Lemonade event, which was first held in 1974. Neron discussed many aspects of the event, including the relationship with the city’s festival, the role of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, and the effects of the weather. Neon detailed the early days of the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair, the other artists and customers she met, and especially the work of community member Ginny Tennant. Tennant, Neron explained, recruited artists and put them through a juried process, which required original artwork to be made work. Neron also described a typical day for set-up at the event.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/lemcon_oh/4/

Biographical Information: Sandy Nadeau served as executive director of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2014.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history interview conducted by Margaret Vos on June 10, 2015, Nadeau discussed the involvement of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra at the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair. Nadeau touched upon how the weather has affected the orchestra, performing outdoors and indoors and St. Cloud State, music played at the event, including music commissioned to honor Ginny Tennant, a longtime volunteer at the Lemonade Concert and Art Fair, and town and gown relations between St. Cloud State and the campus.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/scsu_oh/5 [11654]

Biographical Information: William (Bill) Morgan was born in 1933 in Pipestone, Minnesota. With degrees from Macalester College (BA, 1955) and the University of Minnesota (MA, 1962; Ph.D, 1972), Morgan arrived on campus in 1978. He taught mostly in American Studies, retiring in 2000. Before arriving at St. Cloud State, Morgan worked at Central Michigan University, University of Kentucky, St. Mary’s Junior College, and University of South Florida. After retirement from St. Cloud State in 2000, Morgan continued to teach as well as pen a local history article in the St. Cloud Times. Based much on his interest in architectural history, Morgan has written the following books: Earth, Wood, Stone: Central Minnesota Lives & Landmarks (Volume I and II), Salt Lantern: Traces of an American Family, and Light from the Hearth: Central Minnesota Pioneers & Early Architecture.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Tom Steman on December 5, 2016, William (Bill) Morgan spoke mostly about his experiences as a professor at St. Cloud State University and his interest in architectural history. Morgan discussed the many positions in which he was able to incorporate architectural history and historic preservation in attempts to save old buildings from being destroyed. In particular, Morgan spoke of the Carnegie Library that once stood in downtown St. Cloud and the community efforts in attempt to save it. Morgan, who has written several books about St. Cloud’s history, also discussed how the growth of St. Cloud State physically changed the relationship between the campus and community. Morgan also spoke on his academic career, both as a student and an educator, particularly on teaching within the history department at St. Cloud State with architectural history and Minnesota history. Finally, Morgan expressed his appreciation for the unique architectural experience that St. Cloud State offers, and that the only change he has seen in students over his many years as an educator is how they dress.

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6849#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Larry Meyer was born in 1948. His grandparents were immigrants, coming from Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. He lived in St. Paul until he was about 12, then moved to a farm about 12 miles from Princeton, Minnesota. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1967 and then decided to attend St. Cloud State , with the hopes of becoming an attorney. While at the university, Meyer became heavily involved in student government and activism. He was a member of the Student Senate his entire college career, except for a few months when he dropped out due to suffering grades. He was Student Senate president from 1969-1970. After he graduated from St. Cloud State in 1971, he entered the Army Reserves. After BASIC training, he was hired by the Hubert Humphrey organization, which he was with until the Democratic National Convention in which Humphrey lost to George McGovern. He then went to work with Minnesota governor Wendell Anderson, then with the Minnesota DFL party as finance director for three years. In 1976, he returned to St. Cloud where he established his own business, and, in 1980, was elected to St. Cloud City Council. He served as mayor of the city of St. Cloud from 1997 to 2001.

Transcript Summary: Meyer described family background as well as his motivations for choosing to attend SCSU. He said his grandparents were immigrants from different parts of Europe who met in the Twin Cities metro area. His family moved to a farm near Princeton, Minnesota, when he was 12. His parents encouraged him to go to college, despite the fact that they were somewhat poor. He chose St. Cloud State, as it was very close and financially more appealing. Meyer mentioned that there were plenty of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid available at that time for anyone who wished to go to college.

Meyer chronicled his activism while at St. Cloud State. He briefly recalled the Political Science Department, then described the movements that drew him into politics. He claimed that he became caught up in the anti-Vietnam movement, as well as the student power movement. He said many issues were prevalent, including women's hours and other social restrictions. Unfortunately, he and many other activist students had their grades suffer because they focused so much energy on protests. Meyer described his involvement in the Student Senate, including his decision to run for President as a moderate, which alienated some of the more radical activists. Meyer said that his involvement in campus politics took him all over the country, from New York to Los Angeles.

Meyer discussed his experiences after college. Interestingly, he claimed he joined the Volunteer Reserves simply because once finished with college, young men had to either sign up for the active army or the volunteer reserves. He then embarked on a political career, which allowed him to work with Hubert Humphrey, Wendell Anderson, and the Minnesota DFL party. Meyer recounted his time working as an intern with Walter Mondale in Washington, D.C., in 1969, at a time when the city was a very tumultuous place. Meyer explained the ways in which St. Cloud State, both in his educational and political lives there, helped prepare him for the career he made for himself.

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2 cassette tapes

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6846#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Brendan McDonald was born on May 15, 1930 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His parents were Irish immigrants who came to Canada in 1927 following frustration from the Irish civil war. Brendan graduated from Balfour High School in Regina in 1949, then decided to attend St. Cloud State in Minnesota to become a teacher. LaVerne McDonald (Bangston) was born in 1932 Willmar, Minnesota. She graduated from Willmar High School in 1950, then began attending St. Cloud State that fall. LaVerne graduated in 1953 and taught elementary school, first in Winthrop, Minnesota, then in Paynesville, Minnesota, for a year. She also taught in Litchfield, Minnesota and Canada for a year each, and then finally in Michigan. Brendan received his Bachelor's degree with a major in physical science and physical education in 1954, then went immediately to the University of Minnesota to get a master's degree in Education. Shortly after graduation from the University of Minnesota, his student visa expired, forcing he and his wife LaVerne to return to Canada for a year. He then received an offer from then St. Cloud State president George Budd to work as Assistant Registrar, which he accepted in 1956. He became Registrar in 1961, and maintained that position until 1965. He then held positions in Mankato and later Nebraska, before becoming St. Cloud State president in August 1982.

Transcript Summary: The McDonalds described their family history and early education. Brendan chronicled an interesting history of his family, who came to Canada from Ireland very shortly before he was born, after feeling frustrated with the Irish Civil War. He also discussed his reasons for wanting to attend college in America rather than Canada, claiming that most colleges in Canada were strictly liberal arts, and did not offer the specialization that American colleges did. LaVerne also claimed that she wanted to teach because teachers were so in demand at the time.

Brendan and LaVerne described their experiences at St. Cloud State, from dorm life to the teachers that stood out to them. They claimed that George Budd was very personal with the students and very involved with student life. LaVerne mentioned English professor Helen Hill as being particularly effective. She also talked about what life was like living in Lawrence Hall, and later Shoemaker Hall, where the only upperclassmen would get to live. In addition, they described where most students came from, as well as whether or not students worked while attending school. They remembered the feeling of camaraderie among the students as well as their perceived relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the university. The

McDonalds chronicled life after graduating from St. Cloud. However, it also focused on the international events that affected campus life, according to Brendan and LaVerne, in the 1950s when they attended St. Cloud State. They mentioned the Korean War, which they claimed worried many students, as well as Joe McCarthy's hunt for Communists as somewhat shocking, especially to Brendan, who was used to a more private Canadian government. LaVerne described the idea that the Third World was just starting to open at this time, being the beginning of international students coming to America. That, they believed, helped to change the perspective many Americans possessed for people living in Africa and other parts of the world.

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:6858#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Charles Martin was born on June 28, 1909 in Randall, Minnesota. His father was of Irish descent, while his mother was of French descent. His mother died in 1922, and he was an only child, so he and his father lived together until he graduated high school in Little Falls in 1927. Martin wanted to attend college to become a teacher in order to earn money, but he instead took a job at a local hotel. When his father agreed to pay for a year of school, Martin went to St. Cloud State to become a teacher. He was so involved in plays and other extracurricular activities that he became sick and had to take a year off from school. When Martin wanted to return, the Depression had begun, making it difficult to afford school. He did return in the fall of 1931, and, with the help of St. Cloud State president George Selke, was able to work directing school plays. In 1932, Martin earned his bachelor's degree in Education, with a major in English. After graduation he was forced to take jobs just to make ends meet until 1933 when he was hired as an English teacher in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. He taught in Sauk Rapids until 1937, when he accepted a position in Little Falls, Minnesota, to teach English and direct plays. Martin retired in 1974. He wrote several poems throughout his lifetime, and received several honors for his work.

Transcript Summary: Martin described his early life and his decision to attend college to become a teacher. Martin shared several anecdotes, including a story about his distant French relatives in France. He also discussed his decision to work before going to college at the Elk's Hotel, and recounted the story of Charles Lindbergh's visit after his historic flight to Paris in 1927. Martin explained his decision to attend St. Cloud State.

Martin discussed his experiences at St. Cloud State. He shared several anecdotes about his time there, including how he met and became friends with St. Cloud State president George Selke, as well as becoming friends with Miss Evelyn Pribble. He also recalled how his devotion to school plays and his job at the Royal Cafe distracted him from his studies and eventually made him sick, forcing him to miss a year of school. Martin mentioned the struggles he had returning to school during a time of such financial hardship. He recounted the story of how he was able to obtain a position directing school plays at the school, which allowed him to stay and receive his bachelor's degree in 1932.

Martin chronicled his post-St. Cloud State life, as well as how terrified he was to student teach. He recalled the difficulty in obtaining work after graduation, but that he eventually found a good position in Sauk Rapids and, later, in Little Falls.

2 cassette tapes