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  • Gould, Bob
    Robert Gould was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 13, 1942. His father was of Polish descent and worked as a share-cropper in upstate New York. Bob's mother was of Ukrainian descent. The farm owner was named Gould, so Bob and his brother became known as the Gould boys. His father changed the family name to Gould. Two weeks after finishing high school, Bob joined the Army, as did one of his friends. At the time, enlistees could join for two years, but draftees had to serve for three. After basic training, Bob was assigned to the First Infantry Division. When given the opportunity, he volunteered for the 101st Airborne Division. His 1st Infantry group was sent to Germany, and Bob was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for jump training. He qualified for jump status and was assigned as one of the Medics, which served in the clinics and hospitals. All 101st Division personnel were required to maintain their "Jump Status," which meant that they had to jump periodically. When Bob was discharged, he returned to Detroit, and went to school for six years on the GI Bill.
  • Governor G. Mennen Williams, Introduction to Vice President Barkley, 1949
    In this address at the Michigan State Normal College Centennial Celebration, Michigan Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams introduces the principle speaker of the day: United States Vice President Alben Barkley.
  • Green, James Leonard
    James Green was drafted in October 1943. He applied for pilot training but was turned down and was assigned to a B-29 crew, in the 505 Bomber Group, at Tinian Airfield. Tinian is one of the three principal islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and is about 5 miles (8km) southwest of its sister island, Saipan. During a mission, when James was a replacement gunner, he was shot down over Tokyo. He did not know the names of the other crew members, and this irritated his captors when he was being interrogated. The prisoners were badly mistreated by the Japanese soldiers during their imprisonment. However, James feels that this made him a stronger person, and he has no animosity toward the Japanese people. After the war, James attended Western Michigan University, and earned a B.A. Degree. Later, he was awarded a master's degree from Central Michigan University. In 2005, when he was being interviewed, he indicated that he has 6 children, all boys He also has 13 grandchildren, and his wife was still teaching.
  • Greg Fournier, Oral History Interview, 2022
    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. Greg Fournier is a current author and EMU alum who was witness to the student unrest on campus, which was happening at the same time John Norman Collins was committing his crimes. Now, Greg has written about John in his book, "Terror in Ypsilanti."
  • Hammond, Dave
    Dave Hammond served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
  • Hannah Arendt, Commencement Address 1964
    Johanna "Hannah" Arendt (14 October 1906 – 4 December 1975) was a German-born, American political theorist. Her eighteen books and numerous articles, on topics ranging from totalitarianism to epistemology, had a lasting influence on political theory. Arendt is widely considered one of the most important political philosophers of the twentieth century. In this address, Arendt emphasizes the importance of truth-seeking in the world outside of the university. The experience of education, Arendt says, is the experience of committing to the pursuit of truth, and once outside the bubble of academia, students will find this commitment to truth to be invaluable.
  • Hanson, Donald Mangus
    Donald Hanson enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He was commissioned as an Ensign in November 1943. He spent WWII as a training officer. His training tasks included Flight Instruction, Jet Training, Gunnery Training, Photo Training, and Nuclear Weapons Employment. After the war, Donald completed his studies at the University of Minnesota. Most of his time in active duty was spent in Korea with the F9F Panther Jet. Hanson flew a total of 70 missions, 51 combat and 19 noncombat. After one of his missions, he landed his plane on an Aircraft Carrier and found over 300 holes in the plane from enemy fire. Hanson got his nickname because he liked flying low. During one training flight, he and two trainees flew under telephone wires. Although he was reprimanded, he felt he got off easy. From that time on, the other flyers called him "Hoppy." Hoppy retired in 1964 as a Navy Commander. He and his wife now live in Novi, Michigan, at Fox Run Residents. Both he and his wife have been very active in a variety of volunteer activities.
  • Harlous Wilson, "Hills of Home," by Oscar Fox, 1954
    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.
  • Harold Sponberg, Address at the George Marshall Recognition Dinner, 1967
    Harold Sponberg served as Eastern MIchigan University President from 1965-1974. As the opening speaker of the George Marshall Recognition Dinner, Sponberg thanks all those in attendance for being present, before stating that he wished he could have known Marshall for a longer period of time, so that he might do him full justice in his testament to Marshall’s character. Sponberg details Marshall’s career before illuminating several of his teaching, coaching, and personal qualities. Sponberg’s address takes an emotional turn when he speaks of Marshall’s illness, and his hopes for a full recovery
  • Harold Sponberg, Address to Fall Faculty Conference, 1972
    Harold Sponberg served as Eastern Michigan University president from 1965 to 1974. In this address at the 1972 Fall Faculty Conference, Sponberg begins with a humorous synopsis of the duties of administrators, deans, and secretaries, before moving on to express his view that good decision making on the part of teachers depends primarily on insight, and the ability to recognize the different ways in which students learn. Sponberg also announces the appointment of a committee to investigate the differences in pay, workload, and hiring between men and women at EMU.
  • Harold Sponberg, Address to Fall Faculty Conference, 1972
    Harold Sponberg served as president of Eastern Michigan University from 1965-1974. In this address to EMU faculty, Sponberg begins by explaining why he chose EMU and welcomes new department heads to the University. The bulk of Sponberg’s remarks center on budgetary concerns and the faculty’s apprehension over a looming wage-freeze. In the wake of civil unrest on and off campus, Sponberg stresses the need for the University to remain accountable for student action, whether that action be civil or uncivil.
  • Harold Sponberg, Inaugural Address, 1966
    Harold E. Sponberg served as President of Eastern Michigan for nine years until his retirement in 1974. This audio recording captures Sponberg’s inaugural address from Pease Auditorium. George Romney delivers the invocation, and Chairman of the Board of Regents Edward J. McCormick introduces Sponberg and gives him the symbols of the University.
  • Harold Sponberg, Introduction to the First Annual Conference on College and University Archives, 1968
    President of Eastern Michigan University, 1965-1974, Harold Sponberg welcomes all participants in the archives conference to the EMU campus. Sponberg thanks Egbert Isbell for getting him up to speed on EMU history, and acknowledges that college archives are the best way to inject knowledge into an institution.
  • Harold Sponberg, University Library Dedicatory Address, 1967
    Harold E. Sponberg served as President of Eastern Michigan for nine years until his retirement in 1974. In this audio recording, Sponberg praises all parties involved with the planning and execution of the new University Library, remarking that it was no wonder the library was placed in the exact center of campus; learning should be of equal access to all who wish to take advantage of it.
  • Harold Urey Address, Dedication of Strong Hall, 1958
    Dr. Harold Urey was an American physical chemist whose work on isotopes earnd him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1943 for the discovery of deuterium. Here, Urey dedicates the newly-built Strong Hall on the campus of Eastern Michigan University by linking the growth and success of science to the national psyche. Urey explains how the popularity -and unpopularity- of science leads to a decline in science education.
  • Harwell, William Earnest "Ernie"
    Mr. Harwell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942, as he was confident he would be drafted regardless. Initially serving as a military journalist in Washington, D.C., he was sent to the Pacific Theater to report on the Japanese surrender. In 1945, he also traveled to China to report on Japanese war crime allegations in that country. After returning to the United States and his discharge from the Marine Corps, Harwell would go on to broadcast games for the Detroit Tigers for over forty years. Known as the "Voice of the Tigers" Harwell is still honored today by the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit.
  • Haydn Morgan, Tribute to Frederick Alexander, 1960
    The Frederick Alexander Memorial organ was built and installed in Pease Auditorium in 1960. During the dedication ceremony of the organ, Eastern Michigan University Music Director Haydn Morgan paid tribute to Frederick Alexander, longtime Michigan State Normal College music director, and namesake of the new organ.
  • Hayner, Philip Avery
    Phillip Hayner was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He joined the Navy directly after Pearl Harbor. Although he was mildly colorblind, Phillip was assigned to the Signal Corps. Somehow, he missed the eye exam at Boot Camp. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was assigned to the Signal Corps, and briefly to Navy Choir Company 385. From the Great Lakes, he was transferred to Norfolk, where he was assigned to the Aquitania, which eventually landed in Glasgow, Scotland. On the third wave at Normandy, Phillip was aboard the LCVP, which carried 15 men. His unit was responsible for setting up a Command Post. Most of the action was north of his position. There were times when the German planes unloaded their leftover bombs on his unit. After more than three months on Normandy, his unit returned to England and was assigned to the Empress of Australia, which carried 2,000 German POWs to New York. From there, Phillip’s unit was sent to Camp Pendleton, California where they trained in landing their craft. Afterwards, they were sent to Hawaii, and then on to Okinawa. On Okinawa, their unit was responsible for taking fresh troops to the island, and returning troops to the Philippines, for R & R. Phillip married while he was on leave. Upon his discharge, he and his wife returned to Michigan. They had three children, all of whom did well in their chosen fields. Phillip is a retired tool and die maker, and now lives in Manchester, Michigan.
  • Heddle Sr., Lester Lee
    Lester Heddle was born in Milford, Michigan, on February 23, 1918. After completing high school, he was drafted on March 26, 1942. Following training in Texas, he was sent to the South Pacific. Lester spent much of his time in New Guinea, and then Mindoro in the Philippines. He was part of the 58th Air Service Group. Lester did some boxing while he was in the Service. Although he did not receive any wounds, his unit was subjected to Kamikaze attacks. Lester was discharged shortly after the Japanese surrender. He returned home to Michigan, where he received his teaching degree. Lester attended Eastern Michigan University with his wife. Since they had two small children, Lester took classes in the afternoon, and his wife took morning classes. Lester taught 6th grade in area schools.
  • Helen Milliken, Address to Eastern Michigan University, Friends of the Library, 1974
    Helen Wallbank Milliken (December 4, 1922 – November 16, 2012) was an American women's rights activist, environmentalist, and former First Lady of Michigan. Milliken, the longest serving First Lady in Michigan's history, served from 1969 to 1983 during the tenure of her husband, former Michigan Governor William Milliken. Milliken was known for her activism on behalf of many causes throughout her life. She was one of Michigan's leading proponents of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution during the 1970s. In this address to the Friends of the Eastern Michigan University Library, Millien expresses her sense of value for the arts in Michigan, exemplified by the art project she spearheaded - the Art Train. Art Train was a traveling art exhibit of all mediums, intended to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Henderson, William A.
    While attending Eastern Michigan University, Mr. Henderson completed his basic training requirements and upon graduation was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. Mr. Henderson would then go on to serve for several years in Vietnam. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Mr. Henderson worked as both a pilot for General Motors and was transferred to the United States Air Force Reserve stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, Michigan. Upon his retirement from the Air Force Reserve, Mr. Henderson had been awarded the rank of Major General.
  • Henry J. Owens, Induction into Ordre des Palmes Academique, 1968
    Head of Foreign Languages Department Henry J. Owens receives an award from the French Cultural Councillor for services rendered to French culture in the United States. With this award, Owens was made Officier of the Ordre des Palmes Academique.
  • Hill, Lawrence W.
    Mr. Hill attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Being trained as a naval scuba diver and in explosives, Mr. Hill was assigned to a naval base with nuclear facilities in Newfoundland, Canada. Considered an active duty assignment, Mr. Hill would go on to serve in Iceland, and later as an evaluator of officer candidates in Washington, D.C. Mr. Hill is quoted in the interview as being a big fan of the Navy football team. He would serve in his evaluation of officer candidates until 1968.
  • Hong, Oscar
    Oscar Hong enlisted in the Army in 1943, at the age of 19. A friend told him that the Army was looking for interpreters, while Oscar was in New York City. He was sent to Miami for his basic training, and then to Springfield, Illinois, for his Signal Corp training. From there he went to Greely, Colorado and eventually to Burma. Oscar's job was to be an interpreter, primarily for the American Services, in the Flying Tigers group. Although he did not fly on any missions, he described the many bombing raids by the Japanese. He said it was boring in between the raids. After the end of the War, he was discharged. Oscar and his family built a very successful restaurant business in the Detroit area. After his wife died, he sold the business and retired. He eventually moved into his daughter's home, but is now living in a retirement complex, in Ann Arbor. Oscar's decorations include a Good Conduct Medal and a China/Burma/India Theater Medal.
  • Honors College
    The home of the EMU Honor's College is 511 W. Forest. Being a part of the Honors College provides students with many benefits, such as exclusive honors advising, priority class registration, scholarships & fellowships, access to Honor’s residence halls, and smaller class sizes. The Honors College Hosts a number of programs that allows students to engage with fellow scholars as well as faculty from many departments. Once accepted into the Honors College, students will have the opportunity to graduate with three different levels of Honors - including the possibility of a published thesis!
  • Howard Booth, Oral History Interview, 2019
    Dr. Howard Booth taught biology at Eastern Michigan University for forty-six years. An alumni of EMU, Booth was very active in athletics while a student, earning recognition in track and field and gymnastics, as well as joining the cheer team. After a 39-year hiatus from the sport, Booth took up the pole vault at age 61, traveling the world to compete, and winning gold medals in competitions ranging from the National Master's Track and Field Championship in Boston and the World Athletics Championship in Brazil.
  • Hunt, George
    George S. Hunt was drafted into the Air Force. George entered the service at a time when the United States was very short on flying personnel. After an accelerated training program, George was sent to England. George and his crew flew several difficult missions. One involved a crash landing in England. When George was finally shot down, his plane was shot up so badly that the crew jumped out. George was captured and taken to a stalag, where he spent 14 months. Upon his discharge, George entered college and received his PhD from the University of Michigan in Wildlife. George became a Professor of Natural Resources and taught about birds, trees, and nature until his death in 1971. His history and experiences were relayed by his widow, Virginia Hunt. Although he lived only until the age of 51, he touched many lives and carried a message of being careful of our environment, and of making our land better for future generations.
  • Huse, Edwin Ralph
    Ed Huse enlisted in the Navy Air Corps at the age of 22, after his third year in college. He took his basic training in California, and his pilot training in Arizona. He took to flying immediately, and commented "I did it very well!" As soon as he learned to land on aircraft carriers, he was assigned to the Monterey. He saw action in Saipan, Tinian, and the Philippines, flying a Grumman Hellcat. Ed described a situation in which he could not get both landing gears down. Therefore, he was directed to land on an island. When he got there, he still could not release his gear, and landed with some difficulty. Although Ed did not receive any individual medals, he did receive a number of Battle Stars. After being discharged, he went into advertising and promotion, at which he felt he would be good, and he was. Ed completed his BA in eight years, going to Wayne State University part time. He had three children, losing his son, who was also a Navy man. Ed was even mugged and had $1,500 stolen. Ed divorced his first wife after 28 years. He now lives with his second wife at Gilbert Residence, in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
  • IHA Health Center @ EMU
    The IHA Health Center @ EMU (a joint collaboration between Eastern Michigan University, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and IHA) opened on November 4, 2019, replacing Snow Health Center and privatizing health care services on-campus. The center provides vital primary health care services to members of the Ypsilanti community at-large as well as the EMU community.
  • Ingling, Robert Bayer
    Robert was inducted on February 8, 1944, after completing one year at the University of Michigan School of Engineering. He had been deferred once, but turned down a second deferment, because he wanted to be part of the war effort. Robert started out in the ASTP program which made him happy, because he thought that he could continue his education. After two weeks, he was headed for basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 95th Infantry Division. The 95th was used as a replacement pool for other Divisions that had experienced large numbers of casualties. On August 9, 1944 Robert embarked for Liverpool on an unescorted ship, the USS West Point. Fortunately, the ship was too fast for the U-Boats. After three weeks in England, the 95th was sent to Omaha Beach, where it joined the 3rd Army under General George Patton. Robert’s outfit captured the major city of Metz, taking major casualties. He was then transferred to the 9th Army for the drive on the Rhine River. Although the worst fighting was over, "mopping up" operations took many lives. Robert returned to the United States for a thirty-day furlough, prior to being sent to amphibious training, for the planned invasion of Japan "Operation Coronet." The planned invasion was cancelled after the Japanese surrender. Of the original 44 men in his platoon, he was one of six who came through uninjured. Robert experienced the fear of combat, and he wondered if he would make it to see his parents again. Although not wounded, he did spend 27 months in hospitals because of service-connected TB. With service time, hospitalizations, and reduced workloads, it took Robert ten years to finish college. The 95th has had reunions since 1950, being deactivated right after the War, with diminishing numbers. Last year alone 99 members died. The morality of using the "bomb" stirred up much controversy, but Robert firmly believes that without it, he wouldn't be here today.
  • Interview with Anya Abramzon & Shrina Eadeh
    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.
  • Interview with Cedrick Charles
    Cedrick Charles is an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University who has been very active in campus life, as he is involved in many student organizations and has participated in Student Government serving as the Speaker of the Senate (2021-2022), and Vice President (2022-2023). In this interview, Charles recounts his experience growing up in a large immigrant family, as his parents and extended family immigrated to South Florida from Haiti in the 1990s, and what immigration means to him. Charles discusses what led him to come to Eastern Michigan University, why he is pursuing a degree in economics and political science, and how he became involved in campus organizations and Student Government. Charles also explains how he became involved in resettling the 12 Afghan families into on-campus housing in 2022 as a result of his role in Student Government, recruiting volunteers to assist in the move in process, and discussions he had with personnel from Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County to ensure the process went smoothly.
  • Interview with Devon Meier
    Devon Meier worked as the Chief Development Officer at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Washtenaw County from 2020-2022. In her role as Chief Development Officer, Meier was responsible for the annual giving and major gifts program, as well as, other fundraising efforts for JFS. In this interview, Meier explains how she got her role at JFS, a day in the life of a chief development officer, and what fundraising looked like during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meier describes how JFS got involved in the Afghan resettlement following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the logistics of resettlement work, fundraising for the Afghan humanitarian parolees, and the collaboration between JFS and Eastern Michigan University in resettling 12 of the Afghan families into student housing in 2022.
  • Interview with Hamzah Dajani
    Hamzah Dajani is an international student from Jordan studying finance and accounting, and he currently serves as the Student Government President at Eastern Michigan University. In this interview, Dajani recounts his experience growing up in Jordan, how he became interested in math and finance, and how he decided to come to EMU. Dajani explains how he got involved in Student Government, his experience as an international student, the difficulties of adjusting to life in the United States, and the struggles of finding a job as a non-US citizen. Dajani describes how Student Government became involved in the Afghan resettlement process, helping move the Afghan families into on-campus housing, talking to the Afghan’s about their experience fleeing to the US, and his own experiences working with refugees prior to the Afghan resettlement.
  • Interview with Jessica "Decky" Alexander
    Decky Alexander is a Drama Professor and the director of academic engagement programs (Engage@EMU) at Eastern Michigan University. In this interview, Alexander recounts how she became interested in theater, growing up in the Chicago area, and the impact college had on expanding her worldview. Alexander describes her theatre initiatives, working to improve harmful public school policies, and how she ended up at Eastern Michigan University. Alexander explains her life during her “year of yes”, getting involved with the Jewish Federation in Washtenaw County, and her involvement in resettling Afghan families into student housing at EMU in 2022. Alexander explores how she thinks EMU can better engage with the international community, her desire to help formerly incarcerated people get an education, and other humanitarian initiatives that she has been involved with.
  • Interview with Lauren London
    Lauren London is the General Counsel for Eastern Michigan University, and has been working at EMU for over a decade now. In this interview, London explains her decision to become a lawyer, how she became EMU’s General Counsel, and the challenges of being a Jewish person in the modern political climate. London describes her connection to Jewish Family Services, falling into the role as the project manager for the Afghan resettlement process, and the legality and logistics of opening up on-campus housing to the 12 Afghan families in 2022. London discusses future projects EMU hopes to work on relating to refugees, her gratitude to work at an institution that genuinely cares about people, and the things she does to practice self-care.
  • Interview with Mira Sussman
    Mira Sussman is the Resource Development Manager for Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. In this interview, Sussman describes growing up in the Jewish community in Ann Arbor, her first time working at JFS in the employment program between 2005-2013, and how JFS evolved during her first time working there. Sussman explains how different resettlement services are at JFS now vs. the early 2000s, the resettlement process, and how COVID-19 has made resettling difficult due to lack of access to housing. Sussman also explores JFS’s collaboration with Eastern Michigan University in resettling 12 Afghan families into on-campus housing, storing mattresses and pillows in the Bowen Fieldhouse, and the logistics of housing these families both during these short stay at EMU and beyond.
  • Interview with Patrick McGill
    Patrick McGill has worked as a police officer for Eastern Michigan University since 1999. In this interview, McGill reminisce's about how the EMU campus has changed during his time working here, and meeting international students when taking classes for his construction management degree at EMU. McGill recounts his experience getting fans for some of the Afghan families who were staying in on-campus housing in 2022, his perspectives on immigration law, and his thoughts on EMU providing the housing to the Afghan families.
  • Interview with President James Smith
    James Smith is Eastern Michigan University's 23rd president, a role he has been in since 2016. In this interview, Smith recounts how he got into a career in educational policy, his time working in the K-12 public school system, and moving up the ranks from professor, to administrator, to dean, and finally to being a university president. Smith explores his passion for international issues, his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how he came to join the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Smith describes how he jumped at the chance to open on-campus housing to twelve Afghan families in early 2022, the impacts of this decision, the university’s collaboration with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw county, and other efforts EMU is undertaking to ensure the campus is welcoming to all.
  • Interview with Sadaf Ali
    Dr. Sadaf Ali is a professor of Digital Media, Cinema, and Journalism at Eastern Michigan University, and has been working at EMU since 2012. Ali recounts how she became interested in news media, what led her to pursue a career in broadcasting, and her career working in journalism and broadcasting prior to coming to work at EMU. Ali describes her commitment to covering diverse stories, creating audio story and writing an article for WEMU about the Afghan refugee led cooking class coordinated by Zuzana Tomas’s Academic Service-Learning class, and the cultural importance of food as a person of Pakistani descent. Ali also discusses how refugees are depicted in the media, being a second generation American, and future journalism projects she would like to work on.
  • Interview with Walter Kraft
    Walter Kraft is the Vice President for Communications at Eastern Michigan University, a position he has been in for over 14 years. In this interview, Kraft recounts how he got into communications, working his way from intern to News Director at Channel 7 in Detroit, and shifting from news to public relations after becoming Vice President of Caponigro PR. Kraft explains how he ended up in his current position at EMU, how the communications department has evolved since he started, and bringing the “You Are Welcome Here” slogan to EMU. Kraft describes the shift from “You Are Welcome Here” to “All Are Welcome Here,” the advertising campaign for the new slogan, and his role in the Afghan resettlement project writing articles and organizing the PBS special.
  • Interview with Zuzana Tomas
    Zuzana Tomas is an ESL and TESOL professor at Eastern Michigan University who also facilitates the Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) courses. In this interview, Tomas recounts growing up in Slovakia, developing an interest in English and American culture, and her decision to study abroad in the United States. Tomas discusses adjusting to life in the US, getting involved in ESL and TESOL, and how she decided to work at EMU after completing her PhD. Tomas describes her experience helping refugees gain literacy, becoming involved in AS-L, and her classes collaborations with Jewish Family Services. Tomas also explores her AS-L students decision to put on a cooking demonstration led by Afghan women and their children, the logistics of preparing for the the demonstration over Zoom, the importance of acknowledging refugees skills and what they bring to the table, and projects she hopes to work on in the future.
  • Jack Minzey, EMU Roles and Perspectives Interview, 1972
    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 Jack Minzey. Jack Minzey joined the faculty at EMU in 1968. At various times, he served as head of the Department of Leadership and Counseling, acting dean of the College of Education, and director of the Center for Community Education. Minzey also served as president of the National Community Education Association and has won numerous awards, including an Outstanding Service Award from the NCEA. In 1992, Minzey was inducted into the Michigan Education hall of Fame. In this interview, Minzey discusses the concept of community schools, which he championed throughout his career. The ingredients of community education according to Minzey, are as follows: greater usage of public structures for ongoing educational purposes, expanded educational activities for the traditional education population, greater educational relevancy, and equal educational opportunities for all members of the community, regardless of age.
  • James Beasley
    James Beasley graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1977 and was an active member of the Student Senate and other associations on campus. Not on campus for the 1969 takeover of Pierce Hall, Beasley was a member of the next generation of student activists on campus, witness to the implementation of many of the changes demanded by earlier activists.
  • James Brickley, Address to the Fall Faculty Conference, 1976
    Brickley served as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan from 1971 to 1975 and again from 1979 to 1983 under Governor William Milliken. From 1975 until 1978 he was president of Eastern Michigan University. In this annual address to Eastern Michigan University faculty, Brickley outlines the difficulties facing EMU, naming two major areas of concern: continuing fiscal austerity, and continuing problems in enrollment. Brickley speaks on the causes and effects of the present budget crunch, detailing all programs cut, and the stripping down of several other programs. The ability to “move with the market,” Brickley says, is essential to surviving the fiscal difficulties then facing EMU.
  • James Brickley, Inaugural Address, 1975
    Following the resignation of Eastern Michigan University President Harold Sponberg in 1974, the EMU Board of Regents named James Brickley (November 15, 1928 – September 28, 2001) to the office of president. A former FBI Special Agent and future Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Brickley begins by thanking Michigan Governor WIlliam Milliken for attending the day’s activities. Brickley then emphasizes the conundrum that is balancing increasing global interdependence with counteracting increasing “brain drain” amongst American universities. The greatest problem facing EMU and all universities, says Brickley, is how to adequately adjust the needs and demands of constantly changing social and economic patterns. Brickley discusses his plans to alleviate these issues during his tenure as president.
  • James H. Brickley Oral History Interview, 1998 September 11
    James Brickley served as the sixteenth president of Eastern Michigan University from 1975 to 1978. This interview is an account of his time as president of EMU, the adjustments made by his family in moving to campus, the attitude of the faculty at the time of his arrival, and the changes that Brickley effected once taking office. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
  • James M. Hare, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955
    James Hare was Michigan Secretary of State from 1955-1970. In this address at the dedication of the new Field House, Hare recalls his days playing various sports for Wayne State University in Detroit. Michigan Normal College, he says, was always dear to his heart, and he enjoyed his time competing here because of the lively school spirit. Hare also declares Bowen Field House to be a symbol of the direction the United States must take in the wake of World War II - that of active participant and not spectator.
  • James Porter, Oral History Interview, 2019
    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.
  • Jan Kaulins, Oral History Interview, 2022
    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. Jan Kaulins was the supreme justice on the student court at EMU during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Jan was involved with the student unrest on campus, and ruled on important cases that were brought to the court, such as the Second Coming trials. He went on to graduate school at the University of Michigan after EMU.
  • Jan Wright, Oral History Interview, 2022
    On January 18, 2022, Jones talked to community organizer and American Friends Service Committee staff member, Jan Wright. After she became a Quaker in graduate school, Wright spent some time living with fellow Quakers in Ann Arbor, and volunteering for the American Friends Service Committee. She eventually became the local AFSC's LGBT Issues Program Director. Wright and her AFSC colleagues hosted community workshops where people could learn to hold non-hostile communication with LGBT/opposing groups. As both ordinance campaigns utilized the workshops, Wright became more entwined in the cause, and found it necessary to support it. Her work with other community members, activists, and organizers left her with meaningful connections, which she reflects on in this interview. Wright also covers the importance of including the Black community in the ordinance, and working closely with religious groups to increase visibility and support through it all.
  • Jankoviak, Paul R.
    After the United States entered World War II, Paul Jankoviak received deferments from the draft, because he held an essential job. He felt guilty about this and forced the Draft Board to take him. Soon after he entered military service, he volunteered for the paratroopers, and was shipped to Europe. Paul's Unit jumped into battle during Operation Market Garden from 500 feet. More than 500 planes participated, and Paul witnessed gliders crashing with men still inside them. After 85 days of continuous battles, his unit was transferred to the Battle of the Bulge. They were warned that the Germans were not taking prisoners, but Paul was captured. He was put on a truck that had American markings. German planes shot up the truck even though the people inside were being transported as prisoners. Paul received frequent beatings from the Germans. When he was finally released, the doctor told him he was one or two days from dying. He spent 6 months in hospitals. After his discharge, Paul took a job as a tool and die Maker. He is proudest of the fact that he built his own house and didn't borrow any money for it. Now retired, Paul lives in Lansing, Michigan. He has 6 children and 13 grandchildren.
  • Jefferson, Alexander
    After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, and completing several courses of graduate work in Chemistry at Howard University, in Washington, D.C., Mr. Jefferson graduated from pilot training school at Tuskegee Army Airfield in January 1944. Piloting a P-51 fighter plane with the distinctive red tail of the Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Jefferson was shot down by German forces in August of 1944. Jefferson was a POW at several German installations until his liberation in April of 1945. After his discharge from the Army Air Corps in 1947, Mr. Jefferson would work as science teacher and later assistant principal in the city of Detroit. Due to his service as a Tuskegee Airman and his involvement in the community, Mr. Jefferson was awarded a member of the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.
  • Jeffery Duncan, Oral History Interview, 2019
    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.
  • John Barr Sr., Oral History Interview, 2022
    On February 15, 2022, Jones talked with Ypsilanti City Attorney, John Barr. Barr, who still serves as City Attorney, was involved with the ordinance efforts from its early stages. With his background and position in the city, he was one of the experts chosen to help draft a nondiscrimination ordinance, which was defended in 1998 and then in 2002. Barr worked closely with city council members on the draft, deciding on what language to use, what sorts of constraints, and even what sorts of repercussions would be part of the ordinance. His knowledge of what successful ordinances looked like helped ensure that this one would succeed too. In this interview, Barr goes over the process of drafting an ordinance like this, how city councils function and change over time, and puts the whole effort in a greater context.
  • John Enlund, Oral History Interview, 2022
    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. John Enlund was a dedicated student activist on EMU's campus, member of Students for a Democratic Society, and one of the students arrested at McKenny Hall on campus during the People's Lounge Incident. He was involved with others like Frank Michels and Barry Simon during this time of student unrest, and left his mark on EMU.
  • John Fountain Oral History Interview, 1999 February 8
    John Fountain began his work with Eastern Michigan University in 1964 as director of sports information, and served as acting athletic director from 1974 to 1985. Fountain also worked as a broadcaster for EMU sporting events. From 1983 to 1985, Fountain was Vice President for University Relations. In this interview, Fountain details his experience in broadcasting before and after working at EMU, and profiles several Eastern Michigan University athletes. Fountain also discusses the growth and development of the EMU Athletics Department. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
  • John Garland at the People's Lounge
    Photograph of John Garland at the People's Lounge in McKenny Hall.
  • John Garland with Those Arrested at the People's Lounge
    A photograph depicting the students arrested at the People's Lounge in McKenny Union, along with Detective John Garland.
  • John Gawlas, Oral History Interview, 2022
    On February 3, 2022, Jones talked to former Ypsilanti city council-member and participant in the ordinance efforts, John Gawlas. Since he was a council-member at the time that Tri-Pride's complaint was filed, Gawlas became quickly familiar with the campaigns. His position with the city put him in a place where he worked alongside fellow council-members, as well as the activists pushing for the ordinance. After the Human Relations Commission became involved, Gawlas was appointed as a member of the sub-committee tasked with drafting the ordinance proposal. During the initial passage and subsequent defense, he formed a close relationship with Lisa Zuber, former co-chair of Ypsi Campaign for Equality and another participant in this project. The couple eventually got engaged, and held their wedding on the anniversary of the ordinance's successful defense! In this interview, Gawlas recalls his fellow city council-members, the ordinance process, and how he's seen his own neighborhood here change since then.
  • John Munson, Inauguration of Eugene B. Elliott, 1949
    John Munson was President of Michigan State Normal College 1933-1948. In this address, Munson welcomes incoming president Eugene B. Elliott and delivers an inventory of distinguished MSNC alumni. Munson speaks of the evidence of MSNC’s global influence when naming former students and faculty who have gone on to important global positions.
  • John Porter, EMU Roles and Perspectives Interview, 1972
    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 John Porter. In 1979, Dr. Porter was appointed the seventeenth President of Eastern Michigan University. During his first year of administration, Dr. Porter unveiled an ambitious plan entitled "A Decade of Advancement", a phrase which has come to describe Dr. Porter's legacy to Eastern. In 1989, upon retirement from the University, Dr. Porter joined the newly created national Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In this interview, conducted when Porter was State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Michigan, Porter discusses the matter of accountability in Michigan schools. Accountability, to Porter, boils down to providing quality education to all Michigan citizens, but also includes quality communication between schools, parents, students, administration, and taxpayers. Bypassing the term “testing,” Porter instead claims that “assessing” students should involve determining whether students have acquired the skills and knowledge that teachers have expressed as being important to students. When questioned about promises made by the state in terms of funding, Porter says that it is the new responsibility of the state to “bridge the gap between promises and practices;” if the state can not meet the demands of the teachers, they must delegate responsibility to an entity that can meet those demands.
  • John R. Emens, Centennial Address, 1949
    Michigan State Normal College alum, John R. Emens, class of 1926, served as President of Ball State Teachers College, 1945-1968. In this address at Michigan State Normal College, Emens relates the history of MSNC, along with many of the lessons he learned while a student at the college. Emens also explains that the influence of MSNC is felt around the world, as many of the students and faculty of the institution have gone on to do great things globally.
  • John Sanford
    John Sanford is an alumnus in the Eastern Michigan University and was highly involved in student activism. Serving as a member of Campus Service Corps, Sanford was instrumental in discussions with administration after the take over of Pierce Hall in February 1969.
  • John W. Porter Oral History Interview, 1998 April 23
    John Porter was the 17th president of Eastern Michigan University, his term lasting from 1979 to 1989. Major improvements and upgrades were made to the University during Porter’s tenure. In this interview, Porter discusses his upbringing, professional life, and the many structural and educational changes which took place during his time as president. This interview is the first in a series of two. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
  • John W. Porter Oral History Interview, 1999 May 7
    John Porter was the 17th president of Eastern Michigan University, his term lasting from 1979 to 1989. Major improvements and upgrades were made to the University during Porter’s tenure. In this interview, Porter discusses his upbringing, professional life, and the many structural and educational changes which took place during his time as president. This interview is the second in a series of two. This interview was conducted for the purpose of gathering primary research for Laurence Smith’s book, Eastern Michigan University: A Sesquicentennial Portrait (1999).
  • Johnson, Earl Gene
    Gene enlisted in the Navy in 1940, at the age of 19. Living in Tennessee at the time, he was sent first to Knoxville, and then onto Norfolk, Virginia, for his basic training. He was eventually transported to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, via an oil tanker, where he was assigned to the battleship West Virginia in September 1940. The West Virginia was hit several times during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which led to its eventual sinking. When the opportunity arrived, Gene signed up for duty on the Lexington – however, it too was sunk in the Coral Sea, just weeks before the battle of Midway. He was transferred back to Norfolk, Virginia, where he was assigned to the Thomas Stone, a troop transport. Gene was transferred once again, this time to the North African Naval Headquarters, in Algiers. After the Germans were forced out of North Africa, his entire unit was transferred to Naples, Italy, where once again he worked for the transportation department. After his leave, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Columbus, where he served through the end of the war, until his enlistment was up in 1946. After leaving the Navy, Gene returned to Knoxville, Tennessee. His search for a better job brought him to Michigan in 1948, where he first worked for Packard. He then moved to Ypsilanti, where he worked at Kaiser-Frasier until it closed. Gene quickly got another job at Ford Motor Company’s Ypsilanti plant, where he worked for 30 years, until his retirement in 1982.
  • Joseph E. Warner, Bowen Field House Dedicatory Address, 1955
    Joseph E. Warner of Ypsilanti served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1921-1930, and again from 1937-1956. Warner also served on the Ways and Means Committee which appropriated funding for Bowen Field House. Here, he congratulates Michigan State Normal College and Ypsilanti at large for the addition of Bowen Field House to their campus and community.
  • Joseph Gurt, Oral History Interview, 2019
    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.
  • Juanita Reid, Oral History Interview, 2021
    Juanita Reid served EMU for 28 years in vital roles such as Vice President of University Relations, Executive Associate to the President and Secretary of the Board of Regents. Reid's integral roles gave her a front row seat to the workings of upper administration and her view of the EMU logo and mascot change reflects this close, professional proximity. Explaining the rationale of the Board of Regents and the president in changing the mascot and logo, as well as the reactions from the community both on and off campus, Reid paints a uniquely vivid portrait of a university enmeshed in the thorny process of altering the identity of a university and committing itself to the cause of inclusivity and social justice.
  • Kaczorowski, Harry Francis
    When Harry Kaczorowski was interviewed, he was 88 years old, a veteran of World War II and a POW of the same. Although his memory was a little sketchy, his daughter, Toni Oliveri, was able to supplement his memory. Harry was captured shortly after landing in North Africa. He spent 27 months in various prison camps. His memory focused on working on farms, and he said that he had enough food throughout his interment. Toni reminded him that while he was being interrogated, the Germans broke his collarbone and arm. As the war was winding down, the Germans continually moved prisoners, by foot, over a "600-mile death march." It was so cold that prisoners would wake up each other every 10 minutes, or they would freeze to death. Prior to being taken prisoner, Harry was on guard duty at the Allied Headquarters in Algiers. He irritated one General because he would not allow him to pass, since he did not recognize him. That General was George Patton.
  • Karsten, Marvin
    Marvin was drafted before he finished high school. After completing basic training in Illinois and Wyoming, he was sent to England on a converted liner. Some 8,000 GIs were on this ship, staked five high in bunks. Marvin was in the middle bunk. He stated that being with so many sick soldiers and in the middle bunk was quite the experience. In England, he was assigned to waterproofing supplies that were headed for Omaha Beach. Marvin remained in England until VE Day. While there, he was involved in guarding Polish prisoners of war, most of whom had been forced into service in the German Army. Eventually, Marvin was part of the Occupation Army in Germany. He was fortunate to get a pass to the Palace of Justice and witnessed Herman Gering's trial. After leaving the service, Marvin returned to Rogers City, where he began his career as a seaman on the Great Lakes, eventually working himself up to the rank of Master Captain. He retired after 32 years of sailing.
  • Kathy Palmer, Oral History Interview, 2022
    On February 27, 2022, Jones met with EMU alum and former chair-person of Tri-Pride, Kathy Palmer. Palmer found herself at EMU after learning more about the Master's in Social Work program and comparing it to others she was considering. She took up a graduate assistantship from Kathleen Russell, and was eventually picked to serve as a Tri-Pride co-chair. Palmer was only directly involved with the ordinance effort for a short time, as the Tri-Pride complaint was filed in February, and she graduated in April. Despite this, she kept close ties to the community and stayed updated throughout it all, and her "outsider" perspective gave her a new awareness of the campaigns' impact. In this interview, Palmer describes that new awareness and appreciation and shares more of the values and beliefs behind Tri-Pride and its members.
  • Ken Barna, Oral History Interview, 2022
    Ken Barna was an active member of the Arm of Honor Fratternity from 1961 until 1965 and was the older brother of fellow Arm Serge Barna. Barna describes his experience at Redford High School, the occupations of his parents, and how he got interested in athletics at a young age. Barna speaks about his outlook on fraternity life prior to coming to EMU, the enduring historical names in the fraternity, and the importance of recruiting locals to the fraternity. Barna recounts the letters he received from Bingo Brown, advising him to get his grades up, notable speakers on campus, and the future of the active fraternity.
  • Ken Moon
    A photograph of former administrator, Ken Moon, at a student rally.