Dr. Joseph L. Knutson was born February 14, 1906 in Grafton, ND, where his father was a Lutheran pastor. Dr. Knutson begins the interview with a short biographical sketch. Dr. Knutson was president of Concordia College from 1950 to 1974. He discusses the college's finances and its relationship to the American Lutheran Church. Concordia College's natural constituency for enrollment was from the Norwegian Lutherans of North Dakota and Minnesota.
Justin W. Swenson was born near Battle Lake, Minnesota. Mr. Swenson describes his career as a superintendent of public schools. He discusses attitudes toward education, special education, and changes in public schools over the years.
Lois Selberg is a native of Rustad, Minnesota. She speaks first of her high school education and her early experiences at Moorhead State. She describes what entering college meant to her in the way of intellectual enlightenment. Mrs. Selberg discusses what the college was like during wartime.
Lucy (Mickow) Nibbe (1911-2005) discusses her childhood in Hammond and Lake City, Minnesota her education in Lake City, and her career as a rural school teacher at Gilbert Valley and Sugar Loaf Valley, and at Bluff View in Lake City.
Marilla Jacobs was born on June 28, 1906 in Battle Lake, Minnesota and describes her childhood. Mrs. Jacobs attended Moorhead State Normal School, began teaching in 1927 and retired 1971. She discusses her early teacher training, experiences, and changes in teaching over the years.
Matilda Moen's parents farmed near Northwood, North Dakota. Matilda Moen begins by talking about her experiences while a student in a rural school and of her parents and her family. She also discusses teaching in rural schools. She retired in 1965.
Dr. Dovre reflects upon his career at Concordia College since joining the faculty in 1963, with emphasis upon his years as President of Concordia. He also remarks on the connections between Concordia College and the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Phyllis Thysell was born and raised in South Dakota. Mrs. Thysell was instrumental in the development of the Red River Arts Center, which later became the Plains Art Museum. She discusses her involvement in various community arts groups.
Reinhold Utke was born and raised in the Enderlin, ND area. Student life at Moorhead State during the depression of the 1930's is the main topic of this interview. Mr. Utke talks about his decision to attend Moorhead State, financing his education, and student living conditions. Social activities, chapel, and student organizations, such as Alpha Epsilon, are also covered.
William Jones' career was as an educator. He first taught in Thief River Falls. He conducted the band there. He had various jobs in other towns until they came to Moorhead in 1972. He is presently the Academic Vice-President of Moorhead State University and his wife is director of External Studies also at MSU. They both are planning to retire at the end of the 1984-1985 school year.
William A. Smaby was born at Peterson, Fillmore County, Minnesota, in 1904. He reflects on his experiences as the Concordia College business office manager since 1952. Mr. Smaby discusses the importance of rural students attending college, interest of parents and teachers, and salary negotiations. He also describes the problems and successes of the greatest �growth period� in the history of the College.
