Oral History Commons^™

Mary Kenton, University Honors Program, Wright State University, Dan Abrahamowicz, Mary Kenton

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On July 2, 2018, Dan Abrahamowicz interviewed Mary Kenton about her years as a student and longtime staff member in Wright State University’s Honors Program . Kenton discusses the early development of the Honors Program, scholarship expansion, campus governance, and her work on Title IX and gender equity in athletics. The interview highlights the university’s growth, faculty culture, and changing student life from the late 1960s through 2010.

Phil "Dirt" Linville:Dayton Music History Project, Phil Linville, Chris Wydman

Dayton Music History Project Records (MS-607)

Video interview with Phil "Dirt" Linville, guitar player/vocalist of several local rocks bands in Dayton, 1962-present, including the Yeoman Warders, Night Shade, and Cuest.

Dan Maloon: Dayton Music History Project, Dan Maloon, Chris Wydman

Dayton Music History Project Records (MS-607)

Video interview with Dan MaLoon, bass player and member of the popular local band, Bearcreek.

Steve Carrasas: Dayton Music History Project, Steve Carrasas, Chris Wydman

Dayton Music History Project Records (MS-607)

Video interview with Steve Carrasas, local musician and band member of The Outcasts and December’s Children, discussing Dayton music scene in 1960’s.

Charles Larkowski, Former Faculty, Department Of Music, Wright State University, Abe J. Bassett, Charles Larkowski

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On March 9, 2018, Abe Bassett interviewed Charles Larkowski about his career as a faculty member in Wright State University’s Department of Music . Larkowski discusses his background in medieval musicology, his decades of teaching music history and theory, and his extensive performance work both on campus and in the Dayton theatre community. The interview highlights his contributions to music education, scholarship, and regional arts engagement.

Jim Brown, Former Coach, Men's Basketball, Wright State University, Dan Abrahamowicz, Jim Brown

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On January 26, 2018, Dan Abrahamowicz interviewed Jim Brown about his long tenure as assistant and interim head coach of Wright State University’s men’s basketball program . Brown discusses the program’s founding years, the 1983 Division II national championship, the transition to Division I, and the construction of the Nutter Center. The interview highlights his role in recruiting, program development, and the growth of Wright State athletics.

James Volz Interview, Former Wsu Student/Alum, Department Of Theatre Arts At Wright State University, Abe J. Bassett, James Volz

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On January 16, 2018, Abe Bassett interviewed James Volz about his time as a Theatre Arts student at Wright State University and his distinguished career in theatre management and scholarship . Volz discusses earning dual degrees in English and Theatre, his early leadership roles on campus, and his later work as managing director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and professor at California State University–Fullerton. The interview highlights Wright State’s influence on his development as a producer, educator, and international arts consultant.

Donna Miles-Curry Interview, Professor Emeritus, College Of Nursing And Health, Wright State University, Gary Barlow, Donna M. Curry

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On January 4, 2018, Gary Barlow interviewed Professor Emeritus Donna Miles-Curry about her career in Wright State University’s College of Nursing and Health . She discusses the development of the nursing curriculum, faculty governance, clinical partnerships, and the evolution of the college from the 1970s through her retirement in 2015. The interview highlights her role in mentoring graduate students and shaping nursing education in the Dayton region.

James Sayer Interview, Former Dean, Wright State University, Dan Abrahamowicz, James E. Sayer

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On September 29, 2017, Dan Abrahamowicz interviewed James E. Sayer, Professor Emeritus, about his four-decade career at Wright State University . Sayer discusses the development of the Communication program, his multiple terms as Faculty President, the creation of the Faculty Senate, faculty unionization, and his service as Dean of the Lake Campus. The interview reflects on leadership transitions, institutional growth, and changing campus culture.

Story Circle: Dayton History Music Project Records, Rick Webster, James Carter, Leonard Davis, Jim Foreman, Fran Davis Razor, Vicki Van Winkle Craycraft, Dan Maloon, Steve Carrasas, Ira Stanley, Gary Hill, Vondal Moore, Dawne Dewey, Chris Wydman

Dayton Music History Project Records (MS-607)

A story circle on the history of music in Dayton was moderated by Dawne Dewey and Chris Wydman from the Wright State Special Collections and Archives. Local musicians were gathered together to talk about the music scene in Dayton. They recalled venues, bands, and performers in the Miami Valley Region.

Richard Roy Interview, Wright State University Class Of 1970, Richard Roy, Chris Wydman

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On September 29, 2017, Chris Wydman interviewed Richard Roy (Class of 1970) about his experiences as a founding member of the Beta Phi Omega fraternity during Wright State University’s early years . Roy discusses campus independence in 1967, the development of Greek life traditions, student government, and responses to national unrest including Kent State and Vietnam War protests. The interview highlights the formative culture and community of Wright State’s first generation of students.

Ken Davenport Interview, Director Of Admissions At Wright State University, Dan Abrahamowicz, Ken Davenport

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On July 24, 2017, Dan Abrahamowicz interviewed Ken Davenport about his career as Director of Admissions at Wright State University. Davenport discusses his role in developing the university’s admissions operations during its early growth, the challenges of student recruitment in Ohio, and the evolution of enrollment practices. The interview highlights his contributions to building Wright State’s regional and statewide reputation..

Kathy Alexander (A.K.A. Suzanne Walker) Interview, Associate Professor Of Dance At Wright State University, Abe J. Bassett, Kathy Alexander

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

On May 5, 2017, Abe Bassett interviewed Kathy Alexander (a.k.a. Suzanne Walker) about her career as Associate Professor of Dance at Wright State University. She discusses the origins of her stage name, her early dance training, her professional career in New York and on Broadway, and her role in developing Wright State’s dance program. The interview reflects on her teaching philosophy, professional experiences, and lasting impact on students.

George Downing Interview For The Veterans' Voices Project, George Downing, David Berry

Veterans' Voices

George Downing joined the United States Navy in 1963. He served in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan. He was discharged 1969.

Wolfgang Grossman Interview For The Veterans' Voices, Wolfgang H. W. Grossman, Jeniffer Seavey

Veterans' Voices

Wolfgang H. W. Grossman enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He served at Fort Campbell, Fort Gordon, Fort Dix, Fort Bragg, and in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, and more. He attained the rank of Specialist (E-5) and was discharged in 1978.

Lorna Dawes Interview, Director Of The University Center At Wright State University, Gary Barlow, Lorna Dawes

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

In this 2016 oral history interview, Lorna Dawes, interviewed by Gary Barlow, reflects on her service at Wright State University from 1973 through her tenure as Director of the University Center. She discusses campus expansion, student life, cultural programming, and her leadership in developing traditions such as the Artist Series and Madrigal Dinner. Dawes emphasizes collaboration, community, and student-centered engagement during the university’s formative years.

Richard Williams Interview, Dean And Professor Raj Soin College Of Business At Wright State University, Lewis Shupe, Richard Williams

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Dr. Richard Williams, Dean and Professor of the Raj Soin College of Business at Wright State University, on October 8, 2014 about his time at Wright State University. In the interview Dr. Williams discusses how he came to Wright State, his career, and his memories of the University.

Paul Wolfe Interview, Professor Emeritus Department Of Physics And Department Of Geological Science, Wright State University, Lewis Shupe, Paul J. Wolfe

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Dr. Paul Wolfe, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Physics and the Department of Geological Science at Wright State University, on August 22, 2013. In the interview Dr. Wolfe discusses his career, how he came to Wright State, and his memories of the University.

Craig Willis Interview, Former Director Of Admissions, Wright State University, Lewis Shupe, Craig Willis

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Dr. Craig Willis, President Emeritus of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, on July 25, 2013 about his time at Wright State University. In the interview Dr. Willis discusses how he came to Wright State, his career, and his memories of the University.

Marilyn Willis And Lorraine Wagley Interview, Wright State University Women, Lewis Shupe, Marilyn Willis, Lorraine Wagley

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Marilyn Willis and Lorraine Wagley from the Wright State University Women on July 25, 2013. The WSUW, Wright State University Women, was originally an organization of wives of faculty and administration until 1975 when the organization was opened up to Wright State University Women. In the interview Ms. Willis and Ms. Wagley discuss the history and purpose of the WSUW, how they came to Wright State, and their memories of the University.

Rich Johnson Interview, Wright State University Employee, Lewis Shupe, Rich Johnson

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Rich Johnson on May 3, 2012 about the founding of Wright State University and the development of the university. In the interview Mr Johnson discusses his career, memories, and how he came to Wright State.

Orlas Semler Schwallie Interview, Wright State University Employee, Lewis Shupe, Orlas Semler Schallie

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Orlas Semler Schwallie on March 1, 2012 about the founding of Wright State University and the development of the university. In the interview Mrs. Schwallie discusses her career, memories, and how she came to Wright State.

Don Brumbaugh Interview, Wright State University Employee, Lewis Shupe, Don Brumbaugh

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Don Brumbaugh on November 10, 2011 about the founding of Wright State University and the development of the university. In the interview Mr. Brumbaugh discusses his career and his decision to come to Wright State as a founding staff member.

Nick Piediscalzi Interview, Professor Emeritus Department Of Religion, Wright State University, Pablo Banhos, Nick Piediscalzi

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Pablo Banhos interviewed Nick Piediscalzi on September 12, 2011 about the founding of Wright State University and the development of the Department of Religion. In the interview Mr. Piediscalzi discusses his career and his decision to come to Wright State.

After speaking with Pablo Banhos, Nick Piediscalzi created a second video on September 24, 2011 to act as an addendum to the original interview. In this video he expands on various topics, including members of his department and other memories that came to him after the initial interview.

Victor Garcia Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Elise Kelly, Victor Garcia

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On April 28, 2011 Elise Kelly interviewed Victor Garcia, a former professor and president of the non-profit Del Pueblo Inc., for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Victor discussed arrival in the United States, his work at Antioch as a professor, and his community work with Del Pueblo Inc.

Maria Juanita Goeser Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Elise Kelly, Maria Juanita Goeser

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On April 15, 2011 Elise Kelly interviewed Maria Juanita Goeser, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Maria discussed her childhood, working in Texas after college, her work with the Ohio Bureau of Employment, and more.

Rosa Torres Caskey Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Elise Kelly, Rosa Torres Caskey

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On April 13, 2011 Elise Kelly interviewed Rosa Torres Caskey, a coordinator for the Migrant Head Start Program in Piqua, Ohio, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Rosa discussed her early life in Texas, moving to Ohio, starting a chapter of LULAC in Ohio, and more.

Elizabeth Harden Interview, Professor Emeritus, Department Of English, Wright State University, Lewis Shupe, Elizabeth Harden

Wright State University Retirees Association Oral History Project

Lewis Shupe interviewed Elizabeth Harden on March 31, 2011 about the founding of Wright State University and the development of the english program. In the interview Dr. Harden discusses her career and her decision to come to Wright State as a founding faculty member.

Khadijah Ali Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Anna Carrera, Khadijah Ali

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On March 13, 2011 Anna Carrera interviewed Khadijah Ali, program coordinator and co-found of Circle of Vision Keepers, for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Khadijah discussed growing up in Dayton, Ohio, her work in ex-offender advocacy, and the founding of Circle of Vision Keepers.

Mary Anne Angel Interview For A Wright State University History Course, Anna Carrera, Mary Anne Angel

Dayton and Miami Valley Oral History Project

On March 13, 2011 Anna Carrera interviewed Mary Anne Angel, co-found and co-director of Two Trees, Inc., for a class project dealing with oral histories and capturing the history of the Miami Valley. During the interview Mary discussed experiences growing up in the Appalachian region of Southern Ohio, the founding of Two Trees Inc., and the impact of her work.