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.

Clarence Benjamin "Ben" Dutton, born on May 31, 1917, earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Indiana University in 1938 and his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law in 1940. After service in the United States Navy, Dutton returned to Bloomington to teach in the Indiana University School of Law for a few years, after which he set up his own law practice in Indianapolis. He recalls his years as a student, detailing some effects of the Great Depression and issues such as housing and laundering clothes. In addition, he discusses changes on the Indiana University campus, the era of McCarthyism, World War II, and his relations with Herman B Wells. Dutton also speaks of the efforts of the Indiana University alumni association.

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.

Frank B. Jones, born on April 3, 1923, came to Indiana University as a freshman in 1942 and, after three and a half years of service in the United States Army during World War II, returned to Indiana University to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He then remained at the university to work in the alumni office for over forty years. In this interview, Jones speaks of his days as a student with regard to World War II and campus housing. In addition, he emphasizes the activities of the alumni office such as the organization of the Mini University, or alumni continuing education, and alumni family camps like Shawnee Bluffs. He also speaks of his association with Alice Nelson, Herman B Wells, and George Heighway, among many others.

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.