Search

Thomas Lofton finished his undergraduate years at Indiana University and then graduated from the Bloomington Law School in 1954. He then spent one year clerking for Justice Sherman Minton of the United States Supreme Court. Lofton next spent three years as a member of the JAG Corps during the Korean War. He then settled in Indianapolis, working for a law firm. Lofton maintained his Indiana University ties, acting as president of the Indiana University Men's Club, president of the Law School Alumni Association, and as a board member of the Indiana University Foundation. At the time of the interview, Lofton was vice-chairman of the Lilly Endowment. In addition to his career experiences, Lofton discusses Herman B Wells and his experiences at Indiana University Bloomington's School of Law.

Born on April 17, 1917, Clarence Long is a 1939 alumnus of Indiana University. In this interview, he recalls his days as a student at the university in the late nineteen thirties. He discusses the events leading up to World War II and how they impacted the students of Indiana University. Long also speaks of his association with Herman B Wells, Otis Bowen, and Carroll Christenson. He then discusses the growth and changes that Indiana University has undergone. In addition, he speaks of his involvement as a member of the university board of trustees throughout most of the nineteen seventies.

Robert Lucas received his BA from Indiana University in 1943. After serving during World War II, he returned to Bloomington in 1946 in order to attend law school. Lucas discusses what life was like on campus after World War II. He then details his continued involvement with the University and what the groups to which he belonged accomplished during his tenure. Lucas was Union Board President, on the board of trustees, a member of the Higher Education Commission and the Indiana University Foundation, and the President of the Indiana University Alumni Association.

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 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.

Robert Meier, born in 1934, describes his career as an anthropologist and professor of anthropology at Indiana University. He also describes his boyhood and university education in Wisconsin and army service in the south Pacific.

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.

Marion Bankert Michael discusses acting, her education at the University of Pennsylvania, feminism, and her association with St. Cloud University in Minnesota. In addition, she recalls Indiana University history from 1971 to 1996, specifically that of the Indiana University Departments of Speech and Theater. Finally, Michael discusses R. Keith Michael and addresses the subject of tenure.

R. Keith Michael, professor of theatre, was born on November 16th, 1930 in Muncy, Pennsylvania. He served as the first Chair of the Department of Theatre and Drama from 1971 until his retirement in 1996. Keith discusses his background and education, time in the Navy, and his arrival at Indiana University in 1971. Also, he talks about the changes made in the Department of Theatre and Drama under his tenure as Chair. He discusses fundraising for the department and staffing issues encountered while he served as Chair. Lastly, he recalls his memories of teaching and discusses his retirement.