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

Born on October 11, 1912, Dorothy Collins came to Indiana University in 1939 to pursue doctoral studies. Instead, she married Ralph Collins and worked in a variety of capacities at the university, including work in what became the Collins Living-Learning Center with her husband, the Kinsey Institute, and for several Indiana University presidents. She worked especially closely with Elvis J. Stahr and Herman B Wells, specifically in the capacity of ghost-writing speeches. In this interview, Mrs. Collins recalls many influences on the university such as the McCarthy era, university growth, the issues pertaining to minority and female students, and the administration.

Born on June 21, 1914, Oscar Dunn was a student at Indiana University from 1932 until he graduated in 1936, after which he began a long and successful career with General Electric. Dunn relates some anecdotes of his days as a student and some experiences with Herman B Wells, whom he credits with great wisdom and spirit. In addition, Dunn discusses Indiana University's tremendous growth in the nineteen seventies while remembering the harder days of the Great Depression. He also speaks of the important actions and successes of the Indiana University Foundation.

Donald Eissler, born on October 12, 1930, is a 1952 graduate of Indiana University and veteran of the Korean War. In this interview, he discusses his memories of the university and the growth and changes the university has experienced. A former student body president, Eissler relates anecdotes about campus politics, Greek life, athletics, and various figure who exerted significant influences on his life, including Herman B Wells, Christian Jung, and Gretchen Kemp. In addition, he praises Indiana University's School of Music, especially because of the education it afforded his son, David Eissler, a successful singer. Eissler also discusses problems and positive aspects of Indiana University through time, and he speaks of the university's administration.

Christopher Gambill, born on September 30, 1957, is a 1979 Indiana University alumnus and 1983 graduate of the Indiana University School of Law. In this interview, he speaks extensively about his days as a student. He discusses residence halls, Greek life, campus life, campus politics, and campus controversy. Two examples of controversy on the Indiana University campus included the heated contention surrounding draft registration and the bringing of Jane Fonda to campus to speak about economic democracy. As a former student body president and married student, Gambill presents a unique perspective and experience regarding the previously mentioned issues and the administration of Indiana University. The interview includes excerpts describing Gambill's association with many important people, such as Jimmy Carter, Jane Fonda, and Gwendolyn Carter.

Born in 1936, Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis was a professor and administrator at Indiana University beginning in 1964. In this interview, he speaks of his experiences at Indiana University. He first came as a member of the English Department and then served several administrative positions, including deanships, and served as chair of the English department. He recalls the university in the turbulent nineteen sixties and the protests relating to the Vietnam War and minority rights. In addition, Gros Louis discusses some of the tension and differences which occurred between the faculty and the administrators. He talks of his experiences under different presidents including Elvis J. Stahr, Joseph Sutton, and John Ryan.

Born in 1938, Frank E. McKinney is a 1961 Indiana University alumnus and 1962 graduate alumnus as well as an Olympic medal-winning swimmer. He came to Indiana University with the renowned swimming coach, Jim Counselman; with the blessing and help of Herman B Wells, they built up the best swimming program of the Big Ten universities. A former member of the Indiana University board of trustees, McKinney discusses his thoughts on the governance, academic schools, and administration of Indiana University. In addition, he speaks of his initiation of architectural planning committees on the Indiana University campuses. Finally, McKinney comments on his ideas as to the relationship between the American economy and the future of Indiana University.