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

Born on February 21, 1923, William R. "Dick" Adams is a native resident of Bloomington, Indiana, who earned his undergraduate degree in zoology from Indiana University in 1944, his masters degree in anthropology in 1949, and joined the faculty of the university in 1955 as a member of the Department of Anthropology. In this interview, he discusses the town of Bloomington, his family's involvement in the stone industry and banking, and his early interaction with Indiana University. In addition, he discusses his various roles as game warden (police officer), anthropologist, zoologist, professor, and banker. Adams speaks of racial problems and crime in Bloomington as they developed in the second half of the twentieth century. Finally, he details the creation of the collection which comprises his bone lab, now under the care of the university.

Born on October 25, 1932, Claus Clüver came to Indiana University from Hamburg, Germany from 1957 through 1959, and permanently in 1964, to help found the Department of Comparative Literature. Clüver served in several positions including associate instructor, lecturer, associate professor, and full professor of comparative literature. In addition, he helped to begin overseas studies programs through Indiana University in Hamburg, Germany and in São Paulo, Brazil. In this interview, Clüver discusses the development and history of comparative literature and his involvement in the creation of the Interarts Studies Program at Indiana University. He speaks of international students at the university, racism, campus changes, changes in enrollment, and some of the effects of the energy crisis on the university. Finally, some of the names prominent in Clüver's interview and in the field of comparative literature are Horst Frenz, Ulrich Weisstein, Mary Ellen Solt, and Clifford Flannigan.

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.

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 on August 23, 1945, Guy R. Loftman is a 1967 alumnus and graduate of the Indiana University School of Law. A self-proclaimed hippie, Loftman recalls his days as a student at Indiana University in the turbulent nineteen sixties. Very active in campus politics and student government and a former student body president, he crusaded for the abolition of women's hours and was strongly against the Vietnam War. Loftman speaks of racism and its appearance in Greek life and the state of Indiana in the nineteen sixties. Groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Students for a Democratic Society, or SDS, and the Progressive Reform Party play large roles in Loftman's characterization of the nineteen sixties in southern Indiana. In addition, he speaks of the draft and his experiences as a attorney in Bloomington.

Born in 1945, William G. Mays is a 1968 Indiana University alumnus who received his MBA degree from the university in 1973. He went on to establish his own multi-million dollar business. Mays speaks of his days as a student at the university in the nineteen sixties and his experiences with racism, fellow African-American students, and the Greek system. In addition, he recalls the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and the repercussions of both. A recipient of the distinguished alumni award, Mays has been involved with the Indiana University Foundation.

Born on September 11, 1946, Charlie Nelms earned his graduate degree from Indiana University in 1971 and completed his doctorate at the university in 1976. After working at the Indiana University Northwest campus for several years and at several other college positions in other states, Nelms returned to Indiana in 1987 to serve as chancellor of Indiana University East. In this interview, he speaks of his years as an Indiana University student, African-American students, experiences of racism, and his development of the Foster Quad Black Student Association. In addition, he speaks of his work at the City University of New York, its experimental open admission system, and the importance of the Indiana University Indiana University regional campuses. Finally, Nelms discusses the financial problems facing higher education, the teaching vs. research debate, and his proposed resolutions to these problems.

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.