Edward Estlin "E. E." Cummings (October 14, 1894 – September 3, 1962), often styled as e e cummings, as he sometimes signed his name, was an American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. He wrote approximately 2900 poems, two autobiographical novels, four plays, and several essays. This undated recording captures cummings during his visit to Eastern Michigan University. There is no commentary between poems.
Edward Estlin "E. E." Cummings (October 14, 1894 – September 3, 1962), often styled as E. E. Cummings, as he sometimes signed his name, was an American poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright. He wrote approximately 2900 poems, two autobiographical novels, four plays, and several essays. This undated recording captures Cummings during his visit to Eastern Michigan University. There is no commentary between poems.
Anne Sexton (November 9, 1928 – October 4, 1974) was an American poet, known for her highly personal, confessional verse. She won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry in 1967 for her book Live or Die. Her poetry details her long battle with depression, suicidal tendencies, and various intimate details from her private life, including her relationships with her husband and children. This recording is comprised of a poetry reading given by Sexton on the campus of Eastern Michigan University. The original magnetic reel for this recording is severely damaged and fragile, resulting in periodic stoppage.
Robert Bly (born December 23, 1926) is an American poet, essayist, activist, and leader of the mythopoetic men's movement. His most commercially successful book to date was Iron John: A Book About Men (1990), a key text of the mythopoetic men's movement, which spent 62 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. He won the 1968 National Book Award for Poetry for his book The Light Around the Body. Bly visited the campus of Eastern Michigan University in November of 1963 and delivered this poetry reading, in which he explains the construction of his poems, and compares himself to other notable poets of his day. Bly also quotes what he considers to be some of the worst opening lines in literature, and details what he considers to be the restrictions of iambic pentameter.
William Edgar Stafford (January 17, 1914 – August 28, 1993) was an American poet and pacifist, and the father of poet and essayist Kim Stafford. He was appointed the twentieth Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1970. In this audio recording from Eastern Michigan University’s visiting authors series, Stafford speaks about his creative process, the mechanics of his poetry, and reads several selections from his vast body of work.
John Anthony Ciardi (June 24, 1916 – March 30, 1986) was an Italian-American poet, translator, and etymologist. While primarily known as a poet, he also translated Dante's Divine Comedy, wrote several volumes of children's poetry, pursued etymology, contributed to the Saturday Review as a columnist and long-time poetry editor, and directed the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference in Vermont. In 1959, Ciardi published a book on how to read, write, and teach poetry, How Does a Poem Mean?, which has proven to be among the most-used books of its kind. At the peak of his popularity in the early 1960s, Ciardi also had a network television program on CBS, Accent. In 1964, Eastern Michigan University invited Ciardi to Pease Auditorium for a reading of his poetry. Remarking that poetry is “always a statement about poetry,” Ciardi reads poems about his father, Theodore Roetke, and the poetic capabilities of university students.
Michigan State Normal College Alum John S. Elwell leads the MSNC Choir and present spectators in the singing of “Faiths of Our Fathers,” at the Centennial Celebration of Michigan State Normal College.
During the dedication ceremony for the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ, Music Director Haydn Morgan played a recording of the Michigan State Normal College Choir, circa. 1940. The playing of the vinyl record was part of a tribute to the abilities and musical and teaching talent of Alexander, who led the MSNC Music Department 1909-1941. The choral selection is approximately fifteen minutes in length, though no title was given.
During a musical interlude in the dedication of Pierce Hall at the Michigan State Normal College, the MSNC plays Richard Wagner’s “King’s Prayer,” from the opera Lohengrin.
The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. In this clip from the show, Michigan State Normal College senior Bill Woodworth performs the 2nd Movement from “Trombone Concerto” by Rimsky Korsakov.
The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. In this clip from the show, Michigan State Normal College senior and baritone vocalist Harous Wilson performs “Hills of Home,” by Oscar Fox.
The University of Michigan Studio Sampler was a television show spotlighting various local talents, and aired from the University of Michigan campus. The show was written by Don Hall and Bill Rabe, presented by the UoM Department of Speech and PAD T.V. This clip from Studio Sampler features Michigan State Normal College senior and soprano vocalist Sally Donegal, as she performs One Fine Day from Madame Butterfly.
In his will, longtime Michigan State Normal College music professor left $85,000 to Eastern Michigan University for the purpose of installing a pipe organ in Pease Auditorium. This recording captures the inaugural recital of that organ after its completion. Also in his will, Alexander requested specific musicians and pieces of music to be performed at this recital. All of his wishes were honored, and here several pieces of music are performed by former Alexander student Russell Gee of Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Pieces of music performed include: Basse et Dessus de Trompette by Louis-Nicolas Clerambault; Prelude, Fugue and Chaconne by Detrich Buxtehude; Chorale Preludes by Johannes Brahams; and Ronde Francaise by Leon Boellman.
Erich Goldschmidt was a professor of music at Eastern Michigan University, and consultant ex-officio for the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium. Goldschmidt also served as organ builder in residence at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. In this memorial service for slain president John F Kennedy, Goldschmidt plays a selection of sacred music on the Alexander Memorial Organ.
Erich Goldschmidt was a professor of music at Eastern Michigan University, and consultant ex-officio for the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium. Goldschmidt also served as organ builder in residence at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Here, Goldschmidt performs "Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now" by J.S. Bach on the Frederick Alexander Memorial Organ in Pease Auditorium.
Clarinetist Armand Abramson, Cellist Edward Szabo, and Pianist Joseph Gurt -all EMU Music Department faculty- perform in this faculty recital at Pease Auditorium. Part 2 of 2, this recording consists of 2 pieces: Faure’s Elegie for Cello and Piano, and Beethoven’s Trio for Clarinet, Cello and PIano, Op. 11.
Having received her Masters at Eastern Michigan University in Voice Performance in 1971, Glenda Kirkland then joined the faculty of EMU in 1973 as professor of Applied Music. Joseph Gurt, having received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Julliard School of Music, served as Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. Included in this recording are two pieces, Giacomo Puccini’s “Senza Mamma,” and Mozart’s “Non Mi Dir,” from his opera, Don Giovanni. These pieces were included in a larger event, the 1974 Fall Faculty Luncheon, the primary focus of which being an address by Ralph Gilden, who was then acting as interim president of the university.
Having received her Masters at Eastern Michigan University in Voice Performance in 1971, Glenda Kirkland then joined the faculty of EMU in 1973 as professor of Applied Music. Joseph Gurt, having received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Julliard School of Music, served as Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. Included in this recording are two pieces, Giacomo Puccini’s “Senza Mamma,” and Mozart’s “Non Mi Dir,” from his opera, Don Giovanni. These pieces were included in a larger event, the 1974 Fall Faculty Luncheon, the primary focus of which being an address by Ralph Gilden, who was then acting as interim president of the university.
Clarinetist Armand Abramson, Cellist Edward Szabo, and Pianist Joseph Gurt -all Eastern Michigan Music Department faculty- perform in this recital at Pease Auditorium. Part 1 of 2, this recording consists of three pieces: Schumann’s Phantasy-Pieces for Clarinet and Piano, Op.73; Sammartini’s Sonata in G for Cello and Piano; Honegger’s Sonatine pour Clarinette en La et Piano.
Glenda Kirkland was a vocal instructor with the EMU Department of Music and Dance from 1972 until 2009. Kirkland taught many courses in music at EMU and served as the director of the EMU Opera Workshop. She has also given many lectures and recitals with various opera companies and guest performed with luminaries such as William Warfield, Gwyneth Jones, and Luciano Pavarotti. She’s been universally praised for her interpretive skills, her charisma, her prefect breath control and deep respect for the text’s open-hearted naiveté.
Dr. Jeffery Duncan was professor of English Language and Literature at EMU from 1971 until his retirement in 2012. Awarded the Ronald Collins Distinguished Faculty Award in 2002, Duncan was regarded as one of the most beloved faculty members at the University for his rough and tumble Tulsa upbringing and inventive, innovative teaching methods.
Dick Schwarze was campus photographer at Eastern Michigan University from 1970 until 2006. Before joining EMU staff, Schwarze served in the United States Army in Vietnam, and briefly attended Wayne State University in Detroit. During his 36 career year here, he won numerous campus and professional awards, including “Institutional Values Award for Continuous Improvement, Innovation, and Customer Service” in 2005. His photography captures many aspects at EMU and has been used for promotional work and numerous public relations campaigns.
Dr. James Porter began his tenure with the Eastern Michigan University Department of Astronomy and Physics in 1968, a particularly tumultuous time for the University. Witness to many student protests and the local law enforcement response to them, Porter shares his perspective on a changing university and the community surrounding it. Porter received Emeritus status when he retired in 2008.
Courtney McAnuff was Vice President for Enrollment Services at Eastern Michigan University from 1996 until his departure in 2006. Prior to serving as Vice President, McAnuff served EMU in a variety of positions starting in 1980 as Director of Financial Aid. Larry Smith, former Vice President for Student Affairs at EMU said “if Courtney had a fan club, I would be the president.” McAnuff committed himself to many vital undertakings at EMU, both on and off campus, earning McAnuff Emeritus status in 2006.
Kenneth Stevens served with the Communication and Theater Arts Department -currently Communication, Media, and Theater Arts Department- from 1973 until his retirement in 2014. During that time, Stevens created the graduate and undergraduate programs in Arts Management, directed hundreds of plays and musicals, was a ten-time winner of the faculty recognition awards, received the EMU Gold Medallion Award, and the Teaching Innovation Award. Outside of teaching at EMU, Stevens has also served as Associate Director of the Cherry County Playhouse in Traverse City, producer at the Red Barn Theater in Saugatuck, MI, as well as Director of the Actors Repertory Theater in Las Vegas, and President of the Michigan Theater Association.
regory Peoples is a long-time administrator of EMU. He was hired in 1977 to work in the Campus Interact Office until 1980. During the course of his career with EMU, Peoples served as Assistant Director of Admissions, Associate Director of Admissions, Associate Dean of Students and then Dean of Students. In 2004, Peoples became Director of the Office of the Ombuds, an office he created with University Provost Jim Vick. Outside of EMU, Peoples served with the GMI Engineering and Management Institute, and as Director of Enrollment Services at Washtenaw Community College. Peoples retired in 2003. Glenna Frank Miller is Emerita Vice President for Student Life at EMU. Beginning her career at EMU in 1974 as a Resident Unit Administrator, she became Resident Life Area Manager and then Director of Campus Life in 1983. Miller is known for her high level of involvement on campus, developing relationships with students and creating educational programs for the empowerment of women. Frank Miller also worked in Campus Life, McKenny Union, and in many McKenny Union Campus Life and Diversity programs. Frank Miller may be best-known for her leading role in the design and construction of the EMU Student Center, opened in 2006. Frank Miller retired in June, 2013.
Dr. Joseph Gurt was a professor of music at Eastern Michigan University from 1967 until his retirement in 2000. During his time at EMU, Gurt was renowned as a teacher with students coming from all over the world to study under him and also as a concert pianist performing in the U.S, Israel, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and on stages from Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center.
Longtime broadcaster, music critic, and jazz aficionado Michael G. Nastos is best known for his work at WEMU-FM, the NPR affiliate station making its home in King Hall on the WEMU campus. Emeritus Senior Producer, Music Librarian, Assistant Music Director and full-time evening broadcaster at EMU for nearly thirty years, Nastos has written for Downbeat Magazine, Cadence magazine, Coda Jazz Forum, Swing Journal, and a host of other local and national music publications.
Patrick Barry is one of the most ardent supporters and boosters of Eastern Michigan University. Longtime instructor and former president of the EMU Alumni Association, Barry has been present for some of the most pivotal events in University history. Forming close bonds with faculty, students, and administrators, Barry has continued to showcase and support a wide array of University departments and organizations.
Dr. Quirico Samonte served as professor of education at Eastern Michigan University from 1963 until his retirement in 2001. Aside from teaching, Samonte served as University Coordinator for the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education, Chief of Party to the Basic Education Development Project in Yemen, and Advisor to the Ministry of Education for the Primary Curriculum Development Project in Swaziland. Born and raised in the Philippines, Samonte was a boyhood acquaintance of future-President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos.
Linda Yohn is said to have done more for jazz in Southeast Michigan than any other single person in her 30 years with WEMU. Six-time winner of the jazz programmer of the year award, frequent panelist at national conventions, and universally recognized for her commitment to all things jazz here and everywhere else. Yohn was given Emeritus status by Eastern Michigan University when she retired in 2017.
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.
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.”
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.
