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

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.

Eugene D. Fletchall, born on August 19, 1908, attended Indiana University as an undergraduate from 1926 to 1929 and returned a few years later to complete both his undergraduate degree and his law degree, which he earned in 1934. A distinguished alumnus, Fletchall recalls his days as a student at Indiana University with respect to student life, Greek life, the Great Depression, and athletics. In addition, he describes his relations with and anecdotes about influential figures at Indiana University, including William Lowe Bryan, Ward G. Biddle, Herman B Wells, and Hoagy Carmichael. Fletchall also discusses his participation in Phi Gamma Delta, the student union board, and later in life, the Indiana University alumni association.

Judith F. Gray, born on June 27, 1942, is a 1966 alumnus of Indiana University. In this interview, she recalls her years as a student at Indiana University. Included are memories of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, and athletics at Indiana University. Later in her life, Gray became very active in the alumni association; after holding various chairs in the alumni council, she was elected president of the alumni association. After her presidency, she actively participated in the Woodburn Guild. Some of the Indiana University personalities who figure prominently in Gray's interview are Herman B Wells, Thomas Ehrlich, and John Ryan.

Born on April 13, 1937, Moses Gray attended Indiana University on a football scholarship from 1957 until approximately 1961. In this interview, he discusses the directions his career has taken, from being a New York Jet to a lifelong career with General Motors, and his continuing involvement with Indiana University. He recalls his years as a student at the university and the racism he experienced as well as the exposure to academic and athletic excellence. He is working in the area of fundraising to promote the development of the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University to increase understanding among students, and between students and professors. Gray also speaks fondly of Herman B Wells and of his own involvement with the Indiana University Foundation.

Donald Lash received his BA from Indiana University in 1937 and then remained at the university for two more years in order to get a master's degree in political science. Lash was also an excellent athlete; he held the world record in the two mile, was the national cross-country champion for seven years, and was a member of the United States track team at the Berlin Olympics. After graduation, Lash became a state police officer and then an FBI agent, specializing in firearms. Lash maintained his ties with Indiana University, serving as a trustee and then representing the university's interests as a state legislator. After retiring from the bureau, Lash started his own real estate business. When discussing his time at Indiana University, Lash mentions funding issues, the impact of the Vietnam War on the university's campus, and what the campus was like during his undergraduate days.

Born on October 21, 1922, Thomas J. Mitchell is a 1949 alumnus of Indiana University who began studying at the university in 1942. After serving three years in the United States Air Force during World War II, he returned to Indiana University in 1946 to complete his undergraduate degree. In this interview, Mitchell discusses his days as a student at Indiana University and makes comparisons to his children's experiences at the university thirty years later. In addition, he speaks of the changes that Indiana University has undergone, the effects of World War II, transportation, and athletics at Indiana University. He also discusses his successful career as an insurance agent and how his education and experiences at Indiana University helped him to achieve occupational success.

Born on April 1, 1922, Charles Van Tassel earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Bloomington in 1946. In this interview, he recalls his years as a student at Indiana University, the impact of World War II on the university, and the changes the campus has undergone in the intervening years. Van Tassel speaks of his continuing involvement with Indiana University including his active participation in the varsity club and the Indiana University Foundation Board, and his interest in university athletics. In addition, he discusses the Twelfth Man Club, the problems posed by funding, and the School of Medicine in Bloomington.

Born in 1950, Desmond C. Wong is a 1973 Indiana University alumnus who earned his CPA and later went on to earn his MBA from Harvard University in 1977. Wong discusses his successful business career and his continuing involvement at Indiana University, including active participation in the Indiana University alumni association, the School of Business alumni association, and the Indiana University Foundation. In addition, he speaks of his work on the national level with the Grace Commission. Wong also discusses the issue of funding at Indiana University and the importance of university athletics, especially for alumni. He speaks of John Rau, the dean of the School of Business, and the contributions he made to that school.