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

Mark Caress received his BA from Indiana University in 1948 and stayed involved with the university for many years thereafter earning an advanced degree, as a teacher, and as president of the Indiana University Alumni Association. He went on to a career in baking, serving as a bank president for 20 years. Caress discusses the differences between undergraduate and graduate life, Indiana University presidents, the campus atmosphere after World War II, and what he sees in the future for Indiana University.

James Dye attended Indiana University from 1949 to 1953. After graduation he served as a real estate officer in Korea and went to work in real estate and construction. His university connection continued and he was appointed to the board of trustees. He discusses the search for President Ehrlich, his impressions of past and present presidents, the relationship between research and teaching, and how Indiana University has changed over time.

Lawrence Glaubinger received his BA from Indiana University in 1949, after serving in World War II. He went back to school more than twenty-five years later to receive his business degree. He maintained his connection to Indiana University, serving as an Indiana University Foundation Board member. Glaubinger discusses the changes that have taken place at Indiana University, Herman B Wells, and what he believes the university's mission should be.

Frederick Grohsmeyer, a psychologist and professor who graduated from DePauw University, was born on April 7, 1923. In this interview, he speaks of his days teaching at Earlham College and how this experience led him into active involvement in the creation of Indiana University East. Grohsmeyer discusses the planning and development of Indiana University East, the building and managing of this regional campus, and his views on teaching versus administration. He discusses the positive aspects of Indiana University East and the Indiana University regional campuses, especially their attraction to nontraditional students.

Lynne Merritt began teaching chemistry at Indiana University in 1948 and remained a professor at Bloomington until his retirement forty years later. Merritt discusses his work at the University with chemistry and computing and the administrative positions that he held, like Associate Dean of Faculties and Vice President and Dean of Research and Advanced Studies, while at Indiana University Bloomington. Merritt also discusses different president, particularly Joe Sutton, the changes that have occurred on the campus, and the impact of wars on life at Indiana University Bloomington.

Born on November 12, 1920, George Nakhnikian joined the Indiana University faculty as a member of the Philosophy Department in 1968 and served there until his retirement in 1988. In this interview, he recalls his childhood as an Armenian in Bulgaria and his immigration to the United States. Nakhnikian also discusses his participation in World War II, his use of the GI Bill to complete graduate school and his quick rise to chairmanship of the Department of Philosophy at Wayne State University. In addition, he recalls his undergraduate years at Harvard University and his coming to the Indiana University Department of Philosophy. Nakhnikian discusses departmental tensions, his years as chair, and the growth of the department.

Henry H. H. Remak, born on July 27, 1916, discusses his family background and youth in Germany, his education, his long association with Indiana University and recalls much of the university's history from the years spanning 1936 through 1996. A long-time faculty member, Remak discusses his career in languages, particularly German and French, and speaks of the German Department and the Institute for Advanced Study. Dr. Remak comments on the beauty of the Indiana University campus, the social anti-Semitism he experienced in the United States, the effects of World War II on enrollment in the German Department, and German Americans and culture in America. In addition, he speaks of teaching, especially in the context of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the Vietnam War and the unrest of the nineteen sixties. Professor Remak shares anecdotes about two of the most well-known figures in the history of Indiana University, Herman B Wells and Alfred Kinsey, and he speaks of the increased and misplaced emphasis on academic specialization, the teaching vs. research debate, and faculty tenure.