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1. Interview with Brendan McDonald (1930-1994) and LaVerne McDonald (1932-1998 ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-10-18
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on October 18, 1982, Brendan and LaVerne McDonald described their family history and early education. Born in 1930 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Brendan chronicled his family history, who came to Canada from Ireland shortly before he was born. He discussed reasons for wanting to attend college in America rather than Canada. After graduation from Balfour High School in Regina in 1949, Brendan arrived at St. Cloud State. His wife, LaVerne (Bangston), was born in 1932 in Willmar, Minnesota. After her 1950 high school graduation, she attended St. Cloud State. LaVerne said she wanted to teach because teachers were so in demand at the time. Brendan and LaVerne described experiences at St. Cloud State, from dorm life to the teachers that stood out to them. They claimed that President George Budd was personal with students and very involved with student life. LaVerne discussed life in Lawrence Hall and Shoemaker Hall. They described where most students came from, as well as whether or not students worked while attending school. They remembered the feeling of camaraderie among the students as well as their perceived relationship between the city of St. Cloud and the university. Brendan received his bachelor's degree in physical science and physical education in 1954, then went immediately to the University of Minnesota to get a master's degree in education. Shortly after graduation from the University of Minnesota, his student visa expired, forcing them to return to Canada for a year. The McDonalds chronicled life after graduating from St. Cloud State, including his stint in the university's registrar's office. They mentioned the international events that affected campus life when they attended St. Cloud State. They mentioned the Korean War, which they claimed worried many students, as well as Joe McCarthy's hunt for Communists as somewhat shocking, especially to Brendan, who was used to a more private Canadian government. LaVerne described the idea that the Third World was just starting to open at this time, being the beginning of international students coming to America. That, they believed, helped to change the perspective many Americans possessed for people living in Africa and other parts of the world.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
2. Interview with Gary Botzek (1950- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-04-30
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 30, 1982, Gary Botzek spoke about his Polish and German ancestors, who came to Benton County to farm. He also discussed the consolidation process that his local school in Sauk Rapids underwent, forcing him to finish high school in Foley. He also talked about choosing St. Cloud State University. admitting that he was not prepared to make a leap to a city, since he grew up in such a small rural area. Botzek chronicled his time at St. Cloud State University. He spoke about the process of how he chose a major and career path, as well as influential professors and student government. Botzek also discussed the explosive reaction of St. Cloud State students to the U.S. invasion of Cambodia and Laos, as well as the Kent State riots. Botzek discussed his feelings on the situation as someone involved in student government, and how it was handled by the university. He explained the relationship between the St. Cloud community and the university, claiming that they are both parts of the same structure, and thus worked well together. Botzek graduated in 1972, majoring in Political Science. Botzek discussed his post-collegiate career, especially his internship with Minnesota congressman John Zach, The internship opened several doors for him and allowed him to work in government for ten straight years, including his 1979 appointment as special assistant to Minnesota governor Al Quie. Botzek gave much credit to his St. Cloud State academic and extracurricular activities for providing him with the necessary tools to forge such a successful career.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
3. Interview with Andrew Marlow (1944- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-04-28
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 28, 1982, Andrew Marlow described his family history, as well as his education and experiences at St. Cloud State. Marlow discussed his father, who was a member of the Sisseton Sioux Nation, as well as the story of how his parents met during World War II, marrying, and then moving to St. Paul. He explained his reasons to attend St. Cloud State after he graduated from high school in 1962, where he initially hoped to triple major in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. He later found those subjects too demanding and formed an interest in radio and television, which were only offered through the Speech department. Marlow decided to major in Speech but specialize in radio and television and had a hand in the founding of KVSC in 1967. Marlow chronicled his college career. He discussed professors such as E. Bryce Scott, who taught in the Speech department. He recalled certain things about life in St. Cloud, including students from the Iron Range who called themselves the "Rangers." Marlow explained his reasons for transferring to the University of Minnesota in 1964. He joined the National Guard as a medic to avoid the draft and was court-martialed for refusing to carry a weapon. Marlow returned to St. Cloud State in 1965. He discussed involvement in anti-war demonstrations, including when he and his friends threatened to burn a dog alive with napalm to illustrate its effects. He also included some general thoughts on how the Vietnam War affected the college and the city of St. Cloud. Marlow graduated in 1969. Marlow focused post-college career, including life in International Falls and his employment at the KUOM radio station. Marlow added thoughts about events that caused tension during his time at St. Cloud State, such as when some black students took over President Robert Wick's office. Marlow credited his time at St. Cloud State for forming him into the person he became.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
4. Interview with Louis Filippi (1920-2012), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-04-06
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 6, 1982, Louis Filippi described how his parents came from Italy before World War I and settled Keewatin, a town in Minnesota's Iron Range. Born in 1920, Filippi discussed life in the Iron Range and the camaraderie that he formed with other children whose parents also came from Europe. Filippi discussed his motivations for attending St. Cloud State after graduating from high school in 1939, including that two of his favorite hockey goalies, Frank Brimsek and Sam LoPresti, attended the university. Filippi chronicled his time at St. Cloud State, especially the teachers he particularly admired, such as Roland Torgerson and George Lynch. Filippi mentioned that he lived with other Iron Range men throughout his college career and that they tended to stick together. Filippi played football, baseball, basketball, and track. He also discussed the effects that events such as the Great Depression and World War II had on his college career. Filippi described his impressions of St. Cloud State. He discussed the socioeconomic backgrounds of most of the students, believing that most were of lower-income families. Filippi claimed that most of the students he knew were eager to have jobs while going to school. He also discussed the "esprit de corps" among the students, claiming that they had an immense pride in the school and were involved in supporting the school at most functions. Filippi felt the community was supportive of the university, but not strong and adamant supporters of its activities. After graduation from St. Cloud State in 1943, Filippi entered the service, despite having a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to play football. When he finally returned from overseas in 1946, he opted out of his contract with the Eagles and moved to Little Falls, Minnesota, to work as a coach and teacher and as an NCAA referee.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
5. Interview with Larry Meyer (1948- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-03-30
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 30, 1982, Larry Meyer described family background as well as his motivation to attend SCSU. His grandparents were immigrants from different parts of Europe who met in the Twin Cities. When he was 12, Meyer's family moved to a farm near Princeton, Minnesota. His parents encouraged him to go to college, despite the fact that they were somewhat poor. He chose St. Cloud State, as it was very close and financially more appealing. Meyer mentioned that there was financial aid available for anyone who wished to go to college. Meyer chronicled his activism while at St. Cloud State, describing what drew him into politics. He became caught up in the anti-Vietnam movement and the student power movement. He said many issues were prevalent, including women's hours and other social restrictions. Meyer described his involvement in the Student Senate, including his decision to run for President as a moderate, which alienated some of the more radical activists. He won the election, serving the 1969/70 academic year. Meyer said campus politics took him all over the country, from New York to Los Angeles. Meyer discussed his experiences after college. After graduation in 1971, he joined the Army Reserves simply because once finished with college, young men had to either sign up for the active army or the volunteer reserves. He then embarked on a political career, which allowed him to work with Hubert Humphrey, Wendell Anderson, and the Minnesota DFL party. Meyer recounted his time working as an intern with Walter Mondale in Washington, D.C., in 1969, at a time when the city was a very tumultuous place. Meyer explained the ways in which St. Cloud State, both in his educational and political lives there, helped prepare him for the career he made for himself.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
6. Interview with Vernon Leitch, St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1982-03-25
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on March 25, 1982, Vernon Leitch described his college education (receiving degrees at Moorhead State University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Northern Colorado) and early involvement in working with the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO). He stated that he was a member of teaching unions while he taught high school in Barrett and Hibbing, Minnesota, but was not active. He discussed why he became involved with the IFO, explaining the reason for pursuing a connection with the Minnesota Education Association (MEA) and how people's opinions of that connection changed. Leitch described the work he did for the IFO-MEA, claiming that it took a great deal of time, work, and effort. In addition, Leitch expressed his thoughts on what made the campaign a success. Leitch chronicled his involvement with the IFO-MEA after the successful campaign. He served as president for a few years for the union and described the goals he tried to accomplish while in that position. He claimed that being the first president was difficult. Leitch felt that since every decision that was made could set a precedent, resulting in a very cautious and somewhat conservative approach. He also discussed the MEA and their involvement in collective bargaining at SCSU after the election. Leitch discussed what he believes to be the successes of the IFO-MEA, along with some concerns he has for the future. He felt that after the victory, there was much less complaining about difference in salaries. However, he stated that the IFO-MEA has not been as involved in campus policy-making as he would have liked. Leitch was optimistic about the future of collective bargaining, as long as faculty stay involved, and not leaving the responsibility to a handful of individuals.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
7. Interview with George Budd (1915-2009), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1981-07-28
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 28, 1981, George Budd discussed his family history and educational background. Born in 1915 in Oswego, New York, Budd talked about pursuing an education during the Great Depression, as well as his family's reaction to his decision to teach. Budd delayed college for three years after high school and then attended the Oswego Normal School. After graduation, Budd taught for three years before moving to Buffalo, New York, to earn his bachelor's degree. Budd served in the Air Force during World War II, which made it possible for him to earn a master's and doctorate degrees at Columbia University. This led him to administrative positions at Washington State and in Oneonta, New York. He also in detailed the process by which he pursued the St. Cloud State presidency, a post he served from 1952 to 1965. Budd left in 1965 to become the president of Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Budd felt that he was unprepared for the St. Cloud State presidency, not really knowing what to expect. He discussed the tremendous growth in population, both in St. Cloud itself as well as at the university, and its affect on his administration. Budd provided a detailed account of how the change from a teacher's college to a state university transformed the campus, leading to new buildings, a complete makeover of the curriculum, and the growth in community involvement. Budd tackled a variety of other topics, from the change in student demeanor and activity throughout his years as president, from those accomplishments he is most proud of, including the establishment of a summer theatre and the Alexandria-St. Cloud State College Performing Arts Foundation, and of the importance of the Alumni Foundation. He also talked about the idea that this was a period of tremendous growth throughout the country, and he simply tried to help St. Cloud State adapt to growing needs and desires of students who did not want to be teachers.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
8. Interview with Charles Graham (1929-), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1981-07-22
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 22, 1981, Charles Graham discussed his family background and his educational history. He shared an anecdote about an ancestor who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. Graham discussed his college career and the internship he obtained in Washington, D.C., which gave him valuable political experience and sparked his interest in administration. Graham chronicled his years teaching in Wisconsin, including at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and at Whitewater, as well as his time working with Wisconsin senator William Proxmire. He detailed his impressions of Whitewater, a town he described as tumultuous and heavily affected by the turmoil of the 1960s. Graham touched on his appointment to a New Mexico college that he eventually turned down. The appointment was controversial since Graham was not of Spanish origin in a community that was almost entirely Spanish. He saw St. Cloud State as a change of scenery as well as a good step for his career. Graham discussed his presidency at St. Cloud State (serving from 1971 to 1981), the changes he implemented, and general observations about the faculty and students. He focused on the advent of collective bargaining, discussing how it affected the faculty. Graham also gave attention to his goal to develop and polish more career-oriented programs outside of teaching. He also discussed his attempts to make students more internationally aware, as well as his goal to unify the campus physically after the rapid expansion of campus during the 1960s. Graham discussed the idea of consolidation, meaning he had attempted to take all these new programs that had been added to improve the academic quality to benefit the students.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
9. Interview with Charles Martin (1909-1981), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Creator:
- St. Cloud State University
- Date Created:
- 1980-01-28
- Description:
- In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 28, 1980, Charles Martin described his early life. He was born in 1909 in Randall, Minnesota. His mother died in 1922, and he was an only child, so he and his father lived together until he graduated high school in Little Falls in 1927. Martin spoke of his decision to attend college to become a teacher. He shared several anecdotes about his time there, including how he met and became friends with St. Cloud State president George Selke, as well as his friendship with Miss Evelyn Pribble. He also recalled how his devotion to school plays and his job at the Royal Cafe distracted him from his studies and eventually made him sick, forcing him to miss a year of school. Martin mentioned the struggles he had returning to school during a time of such financial hardship. He recounted the story of how he was able to obtain a position directing school plays at the school, which allowed him to stay and receive his bachelor's degree in 1932. Martin chronicled his post-St. Cloud State life, as well as how terrified he was to student teach. He recalled the difficulty in obtaining work after graduation, but that he eventually found a good position in Sauk Rapids and, later, in Little Falls.
- Contributing Institution:
- St. Cloud State University
- Type:
- Sound Recording Nonmusical
- Format:
- Oral histories
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