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

Born on October 24, 1943, John W. Brooks came to Indiana University in 1962 on a track scholarship and stayed to earn his undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Brooks then began his career working the Department of Financial Aid at Indiana University and progressed through various positions to his current job as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the university. Brooks speaks of his many experiences at Indiana University as an African-American including those involving racism, segregation, integration, interracial dating, and the Civil Rights Movement. In addition, Brooks speaks of his involvement in the fraternity, Omega Psi Chi, and the environment of the community of Bloomington, Indiana. He also discusses the minority students at Indiana University, the Groups program, and the development of plans for the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center. He cites Herman Hudson and Jimmy Ross as two colleagues who exerted much positive influence at the university.

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 September 9, 1924, Phyllis R. Klotman joined the Indiana University faculty in 1970 and served as professor and in other capacities until 1996. She taught Afro-American studies, film studies, and women's studies in addition to serving as Indiana University's first affirmative action officer and as dean for women's affairs. Klotman also was the founder and longtime director of the Black Film Center/Archive. In this interview, she discusses racism, African-Americans, minority students, female faculty, anti-Semitism, and minority enrollment at Indiana University. In addition, Klotman details the creation and development of Afro-American studies at the university, especially in the context of the Department of English.

Born in 1938, John A. Nash is a 1960 Indiana University alumnus who went on to earn his MBA from the Indiana University School of Business. After serving a year and a half in the United States army, Nash went on to a long and successful career in finance. In this interview, he recalls his years as a student at Indiana University including campus life, minority students, and his involvement in campus politics which culminated in his election to the presidency of the student body. Nash speaks of his participation in the Little United Nations Assembly, or LUNA, during his undergraduate years. In the years after graduation, he became involved in the Indiana University alumni association and Hoosiers for Higher Education. He recalls the assassination of president John F. Kennedy and cites his views of the regional campus system at Indiana University. He was influenced by Byrum Carter, John Mee, and Herman B Wells.

Born on October 16, 1934, Robert M. O'Neil discusses his close early connections to and similarity with Thomas Ehrlich. O'Neil eventually served as the vice president of Indiana University from 1975 to 1980, and then continued into a long and successful career as an administrator and law professor. In this interview, O'Neil speaks of his years at Indiana University and the issues of capped enrollment in the School of Business, minority students, and the continuing academic strength across many disciplines at Indiana University. In addition, he speaks of John Ryan and shares a few interesting stories of Herman B Wells.

Born in 1950, John Walda is a 1972 Indiana University alumnus who went on to receive his graduate degree from the Indiana University School of Law in 1975. Very involved in student activities, Walda was president of his undergraduate class for two years and an active participator in student protests against the Vietnam War. Walda speaks of the anti-war climate on campus during the early nineteen seventies and the unrest and protests generated by tuition hikes and the Civil Rights Movement, including the Ballantine Lock-In and the effects of the Kent State shootings. He also speaks of the financial problems Indiana University is facing, his participation on the board of trustees, and the status and growth of the IUPUI campus.