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

Born in 1913, Lawrence Leslie Waters joined the faculty of Indiana University in the School of Business in 1948 and served as a professor until 1979. Throughout this period, Waters also continued to play an active role in the world of business and he gave innumerable talks throughout the world, as well as writing many articles. In this interview, he speaks of the effects of the Great Depression, stories of his former students, the McCarthy era, the teaching versus research debate, and some of the major events of his long and successful career as a businessman and as a professor. In addition, Waters discusses the Indiana University School of Business and his role in the development of several organizations, including the Mid-West Business Administration Association, or the MWBA.

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.

Born on February 27, 1928, Dewey Welch is a 1952 Indiana University alumnus. In this interview, he discusses his experiences as an undergraduate student during the late nineteen forties and early nineteen fifties. Welch speaks of his involvement in the student alumni entertainers, the development of the Little 500, and his fraternity, Sigma Nu. In addition, he reveals his admiration for and some stories about Herman B Wells. He recalls his time as a student and discusses his continuing participation in alumni affairs, including activities with the alumni association, the Indiana University Foundation, and the Wells Scholars Program. In addition, he speaks of the influence of Ed Williams and Curt Simic.

Herman B Wells, born in 1902, attended Indiana University as an undergraduate. After an initial career in banking, he returned to Indiana University to serve as a professor, Dean of the Business School, and then, the University's president. Wells discusses some of the challenges he faced during his tenure, including World War 11, the Kinsey Institute, and desegregation. He also gives his opinion on the fure of IU.

Kirk White, born on July 10, 1960, attended Indiana University from 1980 to 1984. He served as student body president during the 1983- 1984 school year. After graduation, White accepted a position as assistant to the Vice President for University Relations, later accepting a position with Hoosiers for Higher Education. In this interview, White discusses changes on campus during the 1980s, his time in student government, and his time on the Bloomington City Council.

Dedaimia Whitney was born in Norwalk, Connecticut in 1946. She was a long-time employee of Indiana University, starting in the mid-1980s. She worked as both a clerical worker and professional staff in various departments, including German, Chemistry, and Computer Science. While working at IUB, Whitney received her MFA in Creative Writing. In this interview, Whitney talks about her experiences as a staff member, workers’ rights, affirmative action, and how she helped the Computer Science Department enter the digital age.

Born on February 3, 1920, Howard S. "Howdy" Wilcox came to Indiana University as an undergraduate in 1938. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he served in the United States army until 1947. Wilcox opened his own public relations firm and was contacted by Indiana University in this capacity. His connections with Indiana University became increasingly tight as he became the executive director of the Indiana University Foundation and a long-standing member of the Indiana University board of trustees. In addition, Wilcox had the brainchild that resulted in the creation of the Little 500 and the scholarships it funds. He also speaks of his student days including his involvement with the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Sphinx Club. Wilcox discusses his association with many influential figures including Herman B Wells, Elvis J. Stahr, Joseph Sutton, E. Ross Bartley, and Colonel Raymond L. Shoemaker.

Born in 1915, York Willbern joined the Indiana University faculty as a full professor in the department of political science in 1957. In this interview, he discusses his years at Indiana University, the administration under different Indiana University presidencies, and the impact of different phenomena on education in general and Indiana University specifically. These phenomena include World War II and the Cold War. Willbern also speaks of some of the controversies he has experienced at the university such as those involving faculty tenure, teaching versus research, and the regional campus system. In addition, he discusses the creation of the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, or SPEA, his involvement with it, and the IUPUI campus.

Born in 1922, Edgar Williams came to Indiana University in 1947, completed his master's degree through the Department of Management in 1948, and subsequently joined the Indiana University faculty. Thus began a career that spanned forty-five years at Indiana University and included both academic duties and administrative duties, including teaching, and serving as the vice president for administration and the assistant director of the athletic department, among many other positions. Williams discusses the influx of veterans into Indiana University after World War II, the development of the Indiana University regional campuses, the status of IUPUI, the university faculty, and the financial and/or budgetary problems the university is experiencing. In addition, he speaks of the administrations of different Indiana University presidents from Herman B Wells to Thomas Ehrlich.

Born in 1941, Douglas Wilson came to Indiana University in 1988 and soon became the vice president for university relations and external affairs. In this interview, he discusses the duties this position entails, including dealing with the media and the public relations of the university. Wilson speaks of certain events and phenomena he has dealt with, such as the Eigenmann shootings, the teaching versus research debate, and budget cuts and financial problems. Specifically, he cites a story involving Coach Bob Knight, the incendiary media coverage, and necessary public relations.