Collections : [Indiana University, Center for Documentary Research and Practice]

Raymond Smith, born in 1917, earned his graduate degree in 1939 from the Indiana University Department of Speech as part of the first class to receive a graduate degree from this department. Smith speaks of the Great Depression and the employment and financial constraints it inflicted. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio instructor, after which he completed his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in 1950. From 1950 through his retirement in 1982, Smith served as a professor in Indiana University's Department of Speech, later Department of Speech Communications. Smith discusses some influential members of Indiana University's Department of Speech and university faculty including Robert E. Barton Allen, Robert Milisen, Lee Norvell, and psychology professor, Snoddy.

George Springer, born in 1924, was a professor in Indiana University's departments of mathematics and computer science from 1964 to 1996. He describes courses he taught and developed, his own education, and the types of students he has encountered at Indiana University. He also describes Indiana University's Groups Student Support Services program, a program to help prepare first-generation college students.

Stephen J. Stein, born in 1940, was Chancellor's Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University. He also served as chair of the American Studies department at Indiana University.

Cecilia Hendricks Wahl, a 1938 Indiana University alumnus, returned to Bloomington in 1953 when she and her husband became employees of the university. In this interview, Wahl describes her coming of age in the town of Bloomington, her mother and aunt's faculty positions at the university, her undergraduate years, and interest and involvement in the Department of Speech, specifically the theater aspect of this department. She speaks of the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on her life and her jobs, including radio station manager and secretary to the Indiana University board of trustees. In addition, Wahl recalls her participation in the Association of Women Students, or AWS, and, later in life, the Bloomington Hospital, and the Annuitants. She speaks of the changes manifested by fraternities and sororities over the years and the rapid changes of the turbulent sixties. Finally, she fondly recalls members of the Indiana University Department of Speech, including Lee Norvelle and Bill Kinzer.

Born on February 17, 1928, James Weigand came to Indiana University in 1962 to complete his doctoral degree in the area of science education. After earning his Ph.D., he joined the faculty and became chair of the fledgling and developing Department of Science Education in 1965. In this interview, Weigand discusses the development of the field and department of science education, his education philosophy, dress codes, and the teaching versus research debate. In addition, he recalls the racism, integration, and African-American doctoral students of the past few decades. Weigand also discusses Herman B Wells and relates some stories about the former president.

Dedaimia Whitney was born in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1946. She was a long-time employee of Indiana University, starting in the mid-1980s. She worked as both a clerical worker and professional staff in various departments, including German, Chemistry, and Computer Science. While working at IUB, Whitney received her MFA in Creative Writing. In this interview, Whitney talks about her experiences as a staff member, workers’ rights, affirmative action, and how she helped the Computer Science Department enter the digital age.