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76. 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

77. Interview with George J. Benson (1898-1982), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1981-01-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 21, 1981, George Benson described his family background. Born in 1898 in St. Cloud, Benson's parents immigrated to the United States in the late 1880s from Sweden. His father worked as a blacksmith in the St. Cloud quarries, while his mother worked as a maid for the Alice and Albert Whitney family. Benson discussed his relationships with several teachers as well as his participation in and recollection of extracurricular activities. He graduated from the St. Cloud State in 1920. Benson had short-lived teaching experiences in both North and South Dakota before receiving his B.S. from Bradley University in Illinois. He then moved to the Panama Canal Zone to teach for five years, where he and his wife started a family. Benson discussed his time in Atlanta, where he received his Master's Degree and taught for 25 years in the same room. Later Benson described his return to St. Cloud, as well as the education of his two sons, who also attended St. Cloud State University.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

78. Interview with Harvey Waugh (1902-1978), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1974 - 1976
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University librarians Norman Clarke and Lawrence Busse on February 14, 1974, February 25, 1975, November 26, 1975, and February 18, 1976, Harvey Waugh discussed his family background and a wide range of topics related to St. Cloud State. Born in Clarksville, Iowa, in 1902, Waugh worked at the Iowa State Teacher's College before offered a position at St. Cloud State by President George Selke. Waugh described how different things were when he first came to St. Cloud State, and how there was a great lack of organization, of departments, and of staff, along with very poor buildings. Other faculty members are also discussed including presidents George Selke, Dudley Brainard, and George Budd, music faculty Helen Grime, Roger Barrett, and Helen Hulls, also Amy Dale of English, who wrote the lyrics of the school hymn which Waugh set to music. Waugh talked about the various buildings that were part of campus in his early years here. He discussed Eastman Hall, as well as the wonderful Christmas parties that were held in Shoemaker Hall, by invitation. Other aspects of campus living are touched upon, including Mrs. Alice Whitney's presence, being head of a men's dorm, and Quonset huts. He mentioned Selke's great oratorical ability, especially in convincing young people from the Iron Range to come to St. Cloud State. Waugh discussed St. Cloud State president George Budd and his reputation at the university. Waugh described the various programs and plays he helped produce during his time at St. Cloud State, from ""South Pacific"" to ""West Side Story."" He mentioned taking one of his productions, ""The Pajama Game,"" on a European tour in the 1960s. Waugh proudly said that the plays always had a full orchestra and that his choir was called upon to give performances at various conferences and prestigious events. The status of buildings around as well as the construction of new ones, are a frequent topic in the interviews. The plans and building of the current Performing Arts Center as well as his tri-collegiate choral group are mentioned in detail. Information relating to Stewart Hall's construction, the Kiehle library, the Old Main Building and having to share space with other departments is also referenced.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

79. Interview with Herb Goodrich (1926-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1990-05-15
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 15, 1990, Herb Goodrich explained his family and educational history. He was born in Manhattan, and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His father emigrated from Russia, while his mother was from Poland. Goodrich attended the City College of New York, where he received his bachelor's degree in Education. Goodrich then went to Penn State, where he received his master's degree and then earned his doctorate in Mass Communications from the University of Illinois. He highlighted his upbringing in the very urban Brooklyn, New York, and the vast differences between that world and St. Cloud, Minnesota. Goodrich arrived at St. Cloud State in 1964. He discussed his first years at St. Cloud State, comparing them with the university in 1990. For instance, he talked about how the huge growth in student population was accompanied by a failure of the state of Minnesota to provide sufficient funds and resources to deal with that growth. He claimed that the growth contributed to a decline in familiarity and personal connections among staff, as well as a greater focus on publishing rather than the classroom. Goodrich described how the students themselves changed during his time at St. Cloud State. He claimed that when he arrived in the 1960s, students were very demanding and not afraid to question what was being taught. In 1990, he felt that students were much quieter, and that there had been somewhat of a withdrawal from active learning. Goodrich discussed the St. Cloud State's perception as a ""party"" school, and how that has affected both students and faculty. Goodrich discussed the relationship between the university and the community of St. Cloud. Here he felt his ideas about universities was often seen as a threat to a conservative community, and how St. Cloud State fit into that idea. Goodrich discussed the highs and lows he experienced as a teacher, and how both relate to his impact, or lack thereof, on his students. Overall, he gave an insightful analysis of how the school changed, both on a large scale, and on a smaller scale by discussing changes within his own department, and credited the university for 26 years of wonderful academic and teaching experience. Goodrich retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

80. Interview with Inez Kronenberg (1937- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1989-05-05
Description:
In an oral history conducted by Robert Nelson on May 5, 1989, Inez Kronenberg described her family history and early life. She was born in 1937 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Her family had a farm in St. Augusta, Minnesota, where they had been since the 1850s. Her family farmed until her father lost an arm in an accident, after which he became an auctioneer. Her mother died when she was 12. Kronenberg addressed the reasons she chose to begin working after high school rather than attend college. She claimed that despite the fact that she had a scholarship, she did not feel prepared, or confident enough, to attend college. When she obtained a clerical job at St. Cloud State in 1955, she was very proud of that accomplishment. Kronenberg discussed that she slowly attended classes while she worked, and was able to eventually obtain an associate degree in 1974 and a bachelor's degree in 1979. Kronenberg discussed on her work at St. Cloud State, her responsibilities in the academic dean's office, where she spent the majority of her career, along with her reasons for eventually leaving that position. She described the many moves within St. Cloud State that she made, including stints in the library, International Studies, and Career Planning and Placement, which were largely due to personal reasons. Kronenberg chronicled her involvement with the union of ""classified"" employees, the Local 753, Council 6. She mentioned her role in the statewide strike of 1981, and the fact that she was in charge of putting out the newsletter. She believed that there needed to be more uniformity in terms of pay, and felt that the strike was successful in getting closer to that goal. Kronenberg described her impressions of how students, governance, and other aspects of the university have changed during her time spent working for the institution. She discussed veterans, both from the Korean and Vietnam wars, and her thoughts on how they adapted to college life. Kronenberg talked about the idea that the easy availability of financial aid has made students, to some extent, less hardworking and focused. However, she also credited current students with being more confident and aware of what was going on in the world. She also discussed the drinking habits of students, along with her ideas about international students, non-traditional students, and racial tension on campus. Kronenberg explained the ways in which she believes the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud has been strengthened in more recent years.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

81. Interview with Joan Anderson Growe (1935- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1981-08-05
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on August 5, 1981, Joan Anderson Growe discussed her family and educational background. Joan Anderson Growe was born in 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her father's parents came from Sweden, while her mother's family was of German descent. She described the few career opportunities for women at the time. However, her parents encouraged her to go to college. After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1953, she attended St. Cloud State to become a teacher. She discussed her decision to complete her degree in 3 years, graduating in 1956. She gave much attention to the living situation on-campus, as well as the social activities she was involved in. She claimed that she attended college at a time when students were not focused on world affairs, but only on their own lives and surroundings, something that changed drastically in the 1960s. She also believed that the university always provided plenty of social activities, from sporting events to dances, to keep her busy. After graduating from St. Cloud State in 1956, Growe briefly summarized her experiences, which included teaching in Bloomington as well as becoming certified to teach special needs students. After becoming involved in the anti-Vietnam movement and the League of Women, she became interested in politics. In 1972, she won an election to the Minnesota state legislature. In 1974, Growe was elected as Secretary of State and won reelection in 1978. She also briefly discussed the ways in which St. Cloud State University prepared her for her future career.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

82. Interview with John Derus (1940- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1982-04-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 21, 1982, John Derus explained his family and educational background. Derus was born in 1940 in northeast Minneapolis. His family lived in the area for five generations, though they were originally of Irish, German, and French ancestry. After graduating from DaLaSalle High School, then the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship for a year before quitting in order to work to make money for his family. His father, along with one of his sisters, died in a plane crash, leaving the family financially strained. Derus mentioned his reasons for choosing to attend St. Cloud State University. He explained the good things he heard about St. Cloud, as well as his desire to work with children and help those who were in trouble. Derus chronicled his time in St. Cloud, attending classes when he could but also working more than full-time, both at the St. Cloud Children's Home and as a bartender. He discussed his favorite teachers, such as Herb Goodrich and Henry Goehring. In addition, Derus mentioned that he enjoyed the smaller class sizes, as compared with those at the University of Minnesota. A interesting aspect of the interview focused on Derus's description of the culture for young people in St. Cloud at the time, including living arrangements, and what he called a subculture of ""workies,"" college students who were forced to work in order to put themselves through college. Derus described his involvement in extracurricular activities at St. Cloud State, including one play and intramural sports as well as campus politics. He graduated from St. Cloud State in 1967 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. He also addressed his post-graduate experiences, including his work with the Peace Corps in India, where he taught English for two years. Upon his return from India, he decided to get involved in politics, landing a position with Hubert Humphrey. He was elected as alderman of the 4th Ward in Minneapolis and later as Hennepin County Commissioner in 1974. Derus detailed the way that the community of St. Cloud and the University helped him get his life on track at a time when it was not going well at all.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

83. Interview with John J. Weismann (1901-1992), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1980-01-30
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 30, 1980, John Weismann briefly discussed his family background. He was born on January 13, 1901, on a farm on Golden Lake, Minnesota, near Rockville. His ancestors emigrated from Bavaria and Luxembourg. The fifth of nine children, Weismann attended grade school in a one-room public school, then went to Tech High School in St. Cloud, from which he graduated in 1920. He decided to attend the St. Cloud State to become an industrial arts teacher and to play sports, particularly football. Weismann explained what motivated him to attend high school and later college. He fell in love with football his senior year of high school, then was inspired to attend St. Cloud State after hearing the St. Cloud State president Joseph Brown talk about the possibilities in industrial arts and coaching. Weismann remembered many teachers, including Helen Hill and Dora Perry. He described the buildings that existed on campus in the 1920s, as well as about football and basketball. Weismann chronicled his life after graduating from St. Cloud State in 1926. He discussed his teaching jobs - Weismann taught industrial arts and coached in Appleton, Minnesota, for one year. He decided he wanted to get his degree, so he majored in Education at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then received an offer from St. Cloud State president George Selke to return to the university and assist in coaching as well as teaching industrial arts. Weismann described the various programs he was involved in, from student personnel and being Dean of Men, to the Civilian Training Program, where they prepared young men prior to World War II. Weisman described how St. Cloud State became a very different school after World War II. Weismann talked about how much St. Cloud State and the students have changed. He claimed that students today had much more money to spend on things like eating out, shopping, drinking, and other things. He believed the construction of so many new buildings caused a lot of controversy at the time. Weismann discussed the St. Cloud State presidents and held Joseph Brown and John Headley in the highest regard. Weismann retired in 1969.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

84. 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

85. Interview with Lawrence Smelser (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1990-04-24
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on April 24, 1990, Lawrence Smelser discussed his family and educational background. He was born and raised in the Ozark Region of Missouri in the late 1920s. He was encouraged to attend college by his family, and after he graduated from high school, he took an exam and was licensed to teach in rural schools in Missouri. While he did this, he took classes at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardo, Missouri, before transferring to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, he taught fifth grade in University City, Missouri, for 12 years. While doing teaching, he attended St. Louis University for his master's degree in Educational Administration. Smelser then earned his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Smelser who arrived 1969 at St. Cloud State, chronicled his time at the university and discussed some of his favorite things. He mentioned how much he enjoyed working with graduate students, as he was able to work with them more closely and get to know them better than undergraduate students. He also mentioned taking a group of students to London for the 1979-80 academic school year, where he directed a program. In addition, Smelser described his experience of being a division leader in the Learning Resources and Technology Services. He expressed how the library changed from books to electronic equipment, and how the college has grown along with that change. Smelser discussed the changes that occurred at the university, as well as the highs and lows during his time there. He talked about developing new programs in Information Media, such as the three-track program. Smelser believed that the growth in enrollment was very positive thing for St. Cloud State, and improved many programs available. As far as lows, Smelser claimed that some budget and equipment problems as difficult to deal with. Smelser felt that he had an incredibly positive experience teaching at St. Cloud State and living in the city of St. Cloud. He retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

86. Interview with L. Ferne Goble Atwood (1895-1995), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1980-04-11
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 11, 1980, L. Ferne Goble Atwood discussed her family background. Born in 1895 in Illinois, where she was raised, Atwood attended Miami University in Ohio. Here she received her bachelor's degree in History, English, and Home Economics. In 1919, St. Cloud State president Joseph Brown brought her to the university to teach. Atwood described in detail her marriage to Allen Atwood in 1923, a local lawyer, as well as the close relationship she had with his family, who were very prominent in St. Cloud. The Atwoods also formed friendships with many St. Cloud State presidents, like George Budd, as well as other important figures, like Wheelock Whitney. Atwood and her husband's family were very involved with St. Cloud University, donating money as well as their old homes. Atwood voiced her opinions on the changes the University underwent before and after World War II, particularly her views on the decision to tear down the Old Main Building in order to make room for Stewart Hall. Atwood claimed that other than business interests, St. Cloud State University was a chief concern of the Atwoods.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

87. 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

88. Interview with L. Ruth Cadwell (1897-1987), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1981-10-23
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on October 23, 1981, L. (Lucy) Ruth Cadwell chronicled her family background, including a brief history of how her family came from Ireland and Massachusetts to Iowa. She was born on December 4, 1897, in Boone, Iowa. After receiving some teacher education at her high school, Cadwell decided to pursue teaching as a career. She attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earning a bachelor's degree in 1923. She taught for a few months in Oxford, Ohio, before finding a position teaching geography and supervising students at St. Cloud State in 1924. Cadwell discussed her time at St. Cloud State, which began in 1924. Cadwell addressed what some of the faculty were like, including Albertina Anderson, and also mentioned many changes the university and the city of St. Cloud endured during her 42 years working there. Cadwell discussed World War I and II, the Dust Bowl, and the Depression, stating that her salary was cut during that time. She also mentioned her work with the Army Air Corp during World War II. In addition, she explained her impression of students she worked with throughout her long career, including her attempts to create more social activities for them, along with her ideas about how the community of St. Cloud interacted with the college. After retirement in 1966, Cadwell taught Adult Basic Education courses, while also helping assemble "The Centennial History," a nine volume collection detailing the history of St. Cloud State University. Cadwell received several civic awards for her work in the community, especially her work teaching adults how to read and write.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

89. Interview with Ludmila (Mil) Voelker (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1990-06-11
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on June 11, 1990, Ludmila (Mil) Voelker discussed her background. She was born in Dodge, Nebraska in the 1920s. Her father emigrated from Czechoslovakia, settling in Nebraska and later South Dakota, where he lost his farm during the Depression. The family eventually moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Voelker attended the College of Saint Benedict, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in speech and philosophy. She then taught English for three years in Holdingford, Minnesota, until 1954 when her future husband Fran, returned from Korea. They married that December, and for the next 10 years Ludmila stayed home to raise their five children. In 1965, she began working part-time at St. Cloud State while also beginning work on her Master's degree. She eventually began teaching full-time at the St. Cloud State. Voelker worked as teaching assistant while pursuing her master's degree, but because of the surge in enrollment, had to take on more freshman composition classes than originally planned. Voelker discussed how important it was for faculty to be involved in other activities besides teaching. This led to her involvement with the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO), as well as the publication of a book on Mass Media with her husband Fran. Voelker talked about the changes undergone by the university as well as the impact of some important national events, such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Voelker chronicled the highs and lows of her career at St. Cloud, claiming that being selected as the university's affirmative action officer was a great high, while getting burnt out on teaching was her low. She then discussed the rise in percentage of women professors on campus as a result of affirmative action, and her feelings on that subject in general. Finally, she offered some thoughts on the progress St. Cloud State University has made, calling it a wonderful institution, but also suggested some areas for improvement.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

90. Interview with Ludmila (Mil) Voelker (?- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1982-04-01
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 1, 1982, Ludmila (Mil) Voelker discussed her background. Mil was born in Dodge, Nebraska, in the 1920s. Her father emigrated from Czechoslovakia, settling in Nebraska and later South Dakota, where he lost his farm during the Depression. The family eventually moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Voelker attended the College of Saint Benedict, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in speech and philosophy. She then taught English for three years in Holdingford, Minnesota, until 1954 when her future husband Fran, returned from Korea. They married that December, and for the next 10 years Ludmila stayed home to raise their five children. In 1965, she began working part-time at St. Cloud State while also beginning work on her master's degree. She eventually began teaching full-time at the St. Cloud State. Voelker focused on her involvement in collective bargaining at St. Cloud State, and her support for the Inter-Faculty Organization (IFO) and Minnesota Education Association (MEA). Voelker explained why she became involved with collective bargaining at St. Cloud State. She believed that partnering with the MEA was a good move, as it was the strongest political unit available to them at the time. Voelker discussed her time as president and some of the activities she was involved in. Voelker chronicled her time as IFO president, and the importance of a woman being in a position of power at a time when such a thing was not very common. She claimed that the campus needed an articulate woman to show that women were capable of holding authority. Voelker discussed what she did after holding that presidency, including being the president of the Minnesota Council of Teachers, which she held before taking a year of sabbatical and beginning work on a degree in Theology. Finally, she expressed her feelings on whether or not collective bargaining on campus was a success. She felt that the tension it has created between administration and faculty is unnecessary, and that work needed to be done to build trust between the two.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

91. Interview with Lydia Cecelia Olander (1886-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1978-11-14
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on November 14, 1978, Lydia Cecilia Olander described her family history. She was born on December 6, 1886, in Orion, Illinois. Olander discussed her parents, who both emigrated from Sweden. Her father came over to become a minister for the Lutheran Church of America, then sent for her mother, whom he married in 1876. Her father was called to a parish in Minneapolis in 1900, where the family then moved. Olander graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis in 1904. Olander recalled her decision to attend St. Cloud State, which was influenced both by her desire to teach as well as she had friends at the school. Arriving in 1904, Olander chronicled her time at St. Cloud State, completing her program in one year. She described living in Lawrence Hall, which burned down during her stay, forcing her to move in with some St. Cloud residents. Olander talked about her extracurricular activities, including the Glee Club. After graduation in 1905, Olander accepted teaching position for third and fourth grade in Brownton, Minnesota, where she taught for two years. Olander then took a position in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Here she taught at Van Cleve School and Hale School from 1929 to 1954. She also attended the University of Minnesota to get licensed to teach junior high. Olander described her experiences working both at the American Vocational Institute and the American Business College
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

92. Interview with Marcus E. Erickson (1913-2002), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1979-01-30
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 30, 1979, Marcus Erickson detailed his family history and educational background. Erickson discussed his father's receiving a job with Pan Motor Company as their reason for moving to St. Cloud, though the company later folded as a result of the owner going to jail. He described his family was somewhat poor, so the decision to attend St. Cloud State was a natural choice, since it was affordable and would allow him to live at home. He also detailed his reasons for becoming a teacher. After graduating from St. Cloud's Technical (Tech) High School in 1932, he attended St. Cloud State with help from the National Youth Administration (NYA), a New Deal program that allowed students to take part in work study programs. If not for the NYA, Erickson would not have been able to finish college. He also discussed several important teachers to him, including Evelyn Pribble. Erickson claimed that the teachers were very strict, but only because they knew the students were there to learn. He also addressed some of the extracurricular and social activities he was involved in at St. Cloud State, including band and the Camera Club, as well as the demographics of the school. Erickson graduate in 1936 with a bachelor's degree. After graduation, he received teaching jobs in Remer and Brainerd, Minnesota, before he began working with the Army Air Force Program. Here he helped develop a program that would help correct improper weight and balance in airplanes. This program was later moved to Yale, where Erickson was able to receive his master's degree in Education. He also received a master's degree in Science from the University of Michigan. He then moved to California, where he taught until 1956, when he began working with the California Teachers Association. He remained in California and eventually retired. Erickson talked about his career after graduating from St. Cloud State, and also reflected on the ways in which the University prepared him for his career and other aspects of his life. He also discussed his memories of how the Depression affected the school and the people around him. Overall, he claimed that St. Cloud State was a strict but friendly school that prepared him wonderfully for a career as a teacher.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

93. Interview with Marie Petit Hinkle (1887-?), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1981-07-24
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on July 24, 1981, Marie Petit Hinkle described her early education and family. She was born on September 10, 1887, in Verndale, Minnesota. Her parents came to Minnesota in 1880 from Iowa and her father worked on the grain elevator in Verndale his entire life. Hinkle also mentions that Verndale High School, which she attended, was not accredited, so she had to make up some science classes when she went to St. Cloud State. Hinkle arrived at St. Cloud State in 1906 and graduated the next year. She discussed some of the teachers she remembers, such as Isabel Lawrence and Jason Keppel. Hinkle mentioned social activities, such as playing cards with Mrs. Shoemaker, Waite Shoemaker's wife. She also played basketball, and attended parties in Lawrence Hall. Hinkle discussed her life after graduating from St. Cloud State. She taught for a couple of years, including in Pine River, Minnesota, and later in Verndale, before getting married in 1912 and having a family. She talked of her volunteer work, as well as the many moves she and her family made, from Fargo to Minneapolis and finally to Detroit Lakes. Hinkle believed that the St. Cloud State prepared her wonderfully for teaching in the real world.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

94. Interview with Mary Craik (1924- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1985-12-23
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on December 23, 1985, Mary Craik described her family and educational background and how that affected her ideas about women and women's rights. Born in 1924, Craik grew up in Kentucky and described her family as "hillbillies," since they were very poor and not very educated. Craik married her husband in 1945, who was in the Air Force, and had children young. A feeling an "intellectual curiosity" that forced her to pursue further education, including how living in Cambridge, England, where her husband was stationed, inspired her to further her education. Craik detailed her decision to pursue her master's and doctorate degrees after taking almost eight years to earn a bachelor's degree. Craik discussed her arrival at St. Cloud State in 1968. She spoke of her efforts to establish a Women's Studies program, particularly her course called "Psychology of Women," which was immediately very popular. She also talked about the purpose of establishing that course, as well as the effects the class had on students' lives. Craik chronicled the discrimination she encountered at SCSU, not just in her own experiences, but in that of other women and men. She filed a lawsuit against the university in 1976 that took nine years to settle, which she initially lost. Upon appeal, the court ruled in her favor. Craik detailed about what she believes changed, regarding the role of women, their salaries, and eligibility for promotion, in the 15 years she spent at St. Cloud State. Craik addressed some of the positive effects of her lawsuit, including the money it brought to some women on campus.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

95. Interview with Michael Sieben (1946- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1982-04-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on April 21, 1982, Michael Sieben described family history, as well as his motivations to attend St. Cloud State. He was born in 1946, in Hastings, Minnesota. His father's family had been in Hastings since the 1880s, while his mother's family came from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sieben graduated from Hastings High School in 1964. He desired to leave Hastings, but also wanted a school that was financially reasonable. Sieben was able to pay for most of his college education himself by working construction during the summers. Since he was on the debate team in high school, Sieben received a small debate scholarship from St. Cloud State. Sieben discussed being part of the baby boomer generation and always being part of a very large class. Sieben described the activities he was involved in while attending St. Cloud State. He discussed his participation in student government in the mid to late 1960s, claiming that students simply wanted more control over their destinies. He talked about many issues, such as student fees, dorm rules, regulations for women, and teacher evaluations as some of the causes he and his fellow students fought for. Sieben felt Vietnam created a new feeling at the school, one where students just sensed a need for change. Seiben described life in the dorms, his involvement in Sigma Tau Gamma, and attending football games. He talked about the majority of students would leave the campus on the weekends, Sieben mentioned students from the Iron Range, and his perception that most students came from a middle income family. Sieben chronicled briefly his activities after graduating from St. Cloud in 1968. He taught at North High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then decided to go to law school at the University of Minnesota. He graduated from law school and went on to practice law. He discussed law school, for which he believed he was well-prepared, thanks to St. Cloud State. However, he felt that some of the teacher preparation courses were mediocre and did not prepare him well for teaching. Overall, he said his experience in St. Cloud was very beneficial to his future endeavors and career as a lawyer.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

96. Interview with Patricia Hoffman, St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1990-05-10
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 10, 1990, Patricia Hoffman described her upbringing and education, including some discussion on her life as a "change of life baby," a child born late in her parents' lives, and how that affected her life decisions. Growing up in Indiana, Hoffman discussed her college education, and how she moved from Indiana to Minnesota to attend Carleton College, marrying soon after. Hoffman also discussed what led her to return to school at St. Cloud State after having five children, and how that led her to gain employment there. Hoffman described her career as a counselor and faculty member at St. Cloud State, and how things changed in the 25 years that she worked at the university. She claimed that faculty used to be much closer and familiar, and that there never used to be as much confrontation as she perceived later on. Hoffman claimed that the students she counsels now tend to have much more serious problems than those students she worked with in her earlier years, citing drug use and institutionalization as frequent among those students. Hoffman explained her ideas about the relationship between St. Cloud and the university, stating that the college had a greater impact on the town than vice versa. She also discussed how during a time of rapid growth at the university that the lack of planning had a negative impact on students. Hoffman described the highs and lows of her counseling career. She claimed that the years during the Vietnam War were very difficult, as she would often talk to young men who were going to fight for something they did not believe in. She said that her favorite part of the job was working with and talking to her clients, the students.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

97. Interview with Richard Sartell (1941- ), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1986-01-31
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on January 31, 1986, Richard Sartell spoke mostly about his experience at the Riverview Campus Lab School, SCSU's campus laboratory school. Sartell explained some of his family history, which includes the fact that the town Sartell, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Cloud, was named for his family. Starting at Riverview in 1946, he discussed the experience of having so many student teachers, believing that it led to a much better education than was available at the public schools at the time. Sartell explained how the elementary students interacted with the college and he felt as much a part of the student body as the college students at St. Cloud State. Sartell named several of his teachers and those he felt were most effective. He mentioned Ruth Cadwell, Ed Colletti, Harvey Waugh, and several others. He said many of the teachers were very demanding, but felt it led him and the other students to learn more and be more successful. Sartell discussed some of the physical changes that began taking place as he was attending Riverview, such as the demolition of the Old Main Building and the construction of Stewart Hall. Sartell described the transition from Riverview to Technical High School in St. Cloud, claiming that it was pretty seamless. Sartell explained the relationship between the school and the community, believing that there was simply not much interaction between the two. Finally, he expressed about his disappointment in the closing of the Lab School at St. Cloud State in 1983.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

98. Interview with Robert Coard (1921-2001), St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1990-05-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Archivist Jerry Westby on May 21, 1990, Robert Coard discussed his educational background. He detailed his college and graduate educational background at the undergraduate and graduate level. Before arriving at St. Cloud State in 1960, Coard described his various teaching experiences, and explanations for why he chose to move on. After five years at the Minot State Teacher's College in Minot, North Dakota, he taught for three years at the University of Alabama, but grew ever more uncomfortable with the tense racial situation and integration. Needing a more stable work environment, Coard accepted a position at St. Cloud State. Coard described his time at St. Cloud State and the changes that occurred on campus. He said that there was no English department when he first arrived, and discussed the power George Budd had in expanding the curriculum and faculty. He also described the physical changes undergone by the campus. Coard briefly described what the campus looked like when he arrived and then what changed. He also mentioned Fifth Avenue South, where he lived for 30 years, and how it really went from a peaceful residential area to what he terms an area in ""shambles."" Coard explained his ideas about students at St. Cloud State University, and how they have changed. He claimed that the university used to be much stricter with students, taking attendance and sending grades to parents if the student was under the age of 21. Overall, he felt his work with these students was a positive experience. Coard retired in 1990.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

99. Interview with Robert Wick (1913-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1981-08-17
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on August 17, 1981, Robert Wick described his family history, as well as his educational background. Born in 1913 in Henry County, Iowa, Wick said he was the only member of his family to attend college, receiving great encouragement from his grandfather to pursue his education at a time during the Great Depression. Wick described his time teaching after college in Iowa, and then his experiences in the Army. Of the unit of 100 men that fought in Europe, he was one of six who returned home. After the war, Wick attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, and through a friend from Iowa, found an opportunity to teach in St. Cloud while pursuing his doctorate. Wick discussed his time at St. Cloud State. Arriving in 1948, he taught speech courses and coached the debate team. He described his transition into administration and felt his time as a lieutenant in the Army had given him good experience to do so. Wick talked about being Dean of Science, Literature, and Arts, and some of the changes he took part it. Wick also described the road that led him to become St. Cloud State president, which he served as from 1965 to 1971. He detailed the goals he had as president, mainly to create more physical space for a campus that was growing rapidly. He also wanted to improve working and learning conditions for faculty and students and refine some of the programs since the school had gone from a teacher's college to a university with a broad curriculum. Wick described changes that took place while president, such as the growth of the Inter-Faculty Organization. He said students' attitudes changed during the Vietnam War, claiming that some came to the university simply to protest and did not care about pursuing an academic career. Wick touched upon the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, stating that he did not believe it was very good when he first came in 1948. But that he and other presidents tried to improve it.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

100. Interview with Ruth Dahlquist, St. Cloud State University Oral History, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
St. Cloud State University
Date Created:
1978-11-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on November 21, 1978, Ruth Dahlquist described her family history and what inspired her to become a teacher. She was born on January 18, 1898, in Stewart, Minnesota, about an 65 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Her maiden name was Senescall, and her ancestry was Swedish, German, and English. Dahlquist said that she had always wanted to be a teacher, and since so many girls from Stewart, Minnesota attended St. Cloud Normal School for that purpose, it seemed like the natural thing to do. Dahlquist chronicled her time at St. Cloud State. She detailed what life was like in the dormitories. She claimed the teachers were very strict. She discussed the two different St. Cloud State presidents she encountered, Isabel Lawrence and Joseph Brown. Brown, Dahlquist stated, was freer with the students and brought more modern ideas to the school. Dahlquist described several other teachers and their personalities, interests, and teaching styles. She explained what she and her friends would do during their time off, and also discusses the literary societies they were involved in, which, though not sororities, had many similarities to them. Dahlquist graduated in 1917. Dahlquist discussed her experiences after leaving St. Cloud State, including teaching stints in Buffalo Lake and Hutchinson, Minnesota, as well as in the state of Wyoming. She settled in LaPorte, Indiana, where she taught for 19 years. Dahlquist married her husband in 1946; he passed away in 1955. She addressed such issues as World War I, which the U.S. became involved in during her time at the St. Cloud State. Dahlquist claimed that many students were shocked, and that the war was a controversial topic. She reflected on her experiences at St. Cloud State as a whole, and thanked the institution for being so severe and strict with her, as it provided her with a strong foundation that helped guide her for the entirety of her teaching career.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories
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