Oral History Commons^™

Interview With Bernardine Dohrn - Oh 244, Bernardine Dohrn

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Bernardine Dohrn detailed her part in the 60s anti-war movement. She covered such topics as the Gulf War, the feminist movement and gender rights, the Weather Underground, former SDS members, Kent State, and other movement events. Dohrn also discussed her involvement in dealing with poverty and children’s rights as a lawyer. Dohrn’s focuses before and after the Vietnam War was the failure of family court and the United States’ inability to deal with impoverished families and children. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Herman K. Harris - Oh 070, Herman K. Harris

Winthrop University Oral History Program

Rev. Herman K. Harris II (1939-1988) discusses his family background, growing up in Heath Springs, SC, the Civil Rights movement in the south (Rock Hill in particular), the Freedom Riders, Friendship College, drugs, students in general and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Rev. Harris was involved in the movement from 1959 through 1964 and was arrested 33 times in the process. He participated in the Freedom Rides and was among those beaten in Anniston, Alabama. He attended Friendship College in Rock Hill, SC and graduated from Morris College in 1964. This interview took place on …

Interview With Walter Hardin - Oh 311, Walter Anderson Hardin

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In an August 27, 2015, interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard for the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program, Walter Hardin reflects on his unique upbringing on the Winthrop University campus and his extensive career at the institution beginning in 1987. Hardin offers personal insights into the university's evolution, campus life, and his professional journey within the Winthrop community.

Interview With Bob Gorman - Oh 169, Robert M. Gorman

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his August 20, 2015 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Bob Gorman describes his career at Winthrop from 1986-2014, and his involvement in the Vote of No Confidence in 1995. Gorman compares the Winthrop of 1986 to the Winthrop of today and recounts the history of Presidents from 1986 to the present. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Jason H. Silverman - Oh 291, Jason H. Silverman

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his July 30, 2015 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Jason Silverman details his career at Winthrop since 1984. Silverman recalls the administrations of President Lader, Piper, DiGiorgio, and Comstock. In particular, Silverman recounts the events leading up to the vote of no confidence in 1995, his involvement as chair of faculty conference, and what happened on campus after the motion failed to pass. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Harry M. Dalton - Oh 261, Harry Mcrae Dalton

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop …

Interview With Vivian Moore Carroll - Oh 245, Vivian Moore Carroll

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop …

Interview With Ben Paxton - Oh 215, Ben Paxton

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his March 25, 2015 interview with Jenna Kasmarik, Ben Paxton shares his opinions on Title IX’s influence on athletics at Winthrop, specifically in track. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Mark Cooke - Oh 219, Marvin Mark Cooke

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his March 25, 2015 interview with Jenna Kasmarik, Mark Cooke (1953-2023) details the role Title IX has played in athletics at Winthrop. Cooke details changes in recruitment and facilities. He also shares why he’s stayed at Winthrop for so many years. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With James W. Johnston - Oh 610, James W. Johnston

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop …

Interview With Cid Carvalho - Oh 177, Alcides Carvalho

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his March 23, 2015 interview with Jenna Kasmarik, Cid Carvalho shares the story of his coming to Winthrop as a student and his career as head tennis coach. Carvalho details the evolution of the sport at Winthrop from facilities to the decision to break up coaching by men’s and women’s teams. Finally, Carvalho shares his opinion on Title IX and its change in sports at Winthrop. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Rich Posipanko - Oh 186, Rich Posipanko

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his March 23, 2015 interview with Jenna Kasmarik, Rich Posipanko talks about how Winthrop built up its athletic department and the challenges it’s faced in the subsequent years. Specifically, Posipanko shares his opinions on how Title IX has affected athletics at Winthrop. Posipanko concludes his interview reminiscing of the changes he’s seen in the athletic department. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Frank Ardaiolo - Oh 176, Frank Ardaiolo

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his March 9, 2015 interview with Daniel Lee, Frank Ardaiolo shares his experience with and response to Hurricane Hugo. Ardaiolo recounts the destruction on Winthrop campus and how Hurricane Hugo helped establish new emergency response standards. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Gayle And Joe Lanford - Oh 254, Gayle Campbell Lanford, Joe Lanford

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop …

Interview With Gina Price White - Oh 172, Gina Price White

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted by Amber Kelley for her History 590 capstone course with Mrs. Gina Price White, Director of the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University. Drawing on her extensive research and familiarity with institutional records, Mrs. White discusses the early history of Winthrop and its relocation from Columbia to Rock Hill in the 1890s.

Mrs. White explains that the move resulted from the school outgrowing its original facilities in Columbia and the transition to state support in 1891. She outlines the formal bidding process through which various towns and cities competed to host the institution, …

Interview With Thomas Nelson Hickman - Oh 171, Thomas Nelson Hickman

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his February 27, 2015 interview with Jenna Kasmarik, Thomas Hickman shares his experiences complying with Title IX in the athletic department. Hickman lends his perspective on the pros and cons of Title IX and how the athletic department has changed since Title IX became law. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Anthony Joseph Digiorgio - Oh 156, Anthony Joseph Digiorgio

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his February 20, 2015 interview with Daniel Lee, Anthony DiGiorgio recollects the impact Hurricane Hugo had on Winthrop University and the Rock Hill Community. DiGiorgio discusses weather reports leading up to the hurricane, his personal experience with the storm, and the aftermath of Hugo on campus. DiGiorgio shares the ways in which Winthrop University assisted the community and its faculty and staff. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Gabriel Paxton - Oh 151, Gabriel Paxton

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his February 18, 2015 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Gabriel Paxton shares the story of founding the grassroots organization Rock Hill for Equality. Included are his experiences as an ally in the Southeast and the partnerships he made to support Rock Hill for Equality. Paxton provides insight on this civil rights movement and speculates why the South is slow to change. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Virginia Koch - Oh 256, Virginia Koch

Winthrop University Oral History Program

This interview was conducted by Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard with Virginia Koch on January 13, 2015, for the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program. Koch graduated from Winthrop College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She later earned a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education.

Koch discusses her decision to attend Winthrop, influenced in part by her older sister, a Winthrop alumna, and her mother, an elementary school teacher who helped establish a kindergarten program in Columbia, South Carolina. She describes adjusting to college life and living on campus, including her experiences with roommates, dormitory …

Interview With Dennis Stamper - Oh 127, Dennis Stamper

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his January 12, 2015 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Dennis Stamper shares his memories of being one of the first male, day students from 1969-1972. Stamper details his studies and professors from the Philosophy and Religion Department, as well as the Psychology Department. Stamper includes his perception of the atmosphere at Winthrop during a time of great change in the country, and how that experience coupled with his work in the Wesley Foundation and the influence he received from professors paved the way for he currently lives his life. Stamper concludes his interview detailing his studies and careers after Winthrop. …

Interview With Stephen Lovegrove - Oh 126, Stephen Lovegrove

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In his December 2014 interview with Michelle Dubert-Bellrichard, Stephen Lovegrove shares his story coming to Winthrop as an “out” student recently kicked out of a religious college. Lovegrove details his perception of the attitude toward LGBTQ people and issues in Winthrop and Rock Hill. Lovegrove identifies resources in the community that are beneficial to LGBTQ people. He also comments on the LGBTQ social movement in terms of growing acceptance and the challenges it will face. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Margaret Williamson - Oh 065, Margaret Williamson

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her October 2, 2014 interview with Rebecca Nave, Margaret Williamson speaks of her time at Winthrop University during its transition into a coed institution. She talks of her involvement in various student organizations and athletics. She also talks of the changes in Winthrop, diversity wise, from when she was a student in 1974 to an employee at Winthrop today. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Jai Lee - Oh 286, Jai Eun Kim Lee

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her January 14, 2014 interview with Cody Willis, Jai Eun Kim Lee (Class of 1963) shares her experience as an economic major from Korea. Lee discusses the differences between Korean colleges and Winthrop.

Interview With Anne Duncan - Oh 285, Anne Duncan

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her January 7, 2014 interview with Cody Willis, Anne Duncan reminisces of her time at Winthrop from 1974-1978 as a Physical Education major. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Jane Rawls - Oh 301, Jane Rawls

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her August 1, 2013 interview, Jane Rawls shares stories of her life as a student at Winthrop Training School in the 1960s and as “day student” in 1974. In particular, Rawls discusses life as a child and student in the 1960s. Rawls shares her perspective of the counterculture in the 1960s and 1970s and how Winthrop and the community were affected. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Jane West - Oh 274, Martha Jane Cato West

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her July 15, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Jane Cato West (Class of 1968) details her time at Winthrop as a Biology major in the 1960s. Briefly, West discusses student life and Winthrop traditions, but she provides insight into her life student teaching at Florence High School. Additionally, West includes her experience in required courses like English and Math, as well as experiments conducted in her Biology courses. West concludes the interview with her overall perceptions of Winthrop.

Interview With Regina Varnadore - Oh 277, Regina Varnadore

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her June 26, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Regina Varnadore details her time at Winthrop from 1986-1989 as an Elementary Education major. In particular, Varnadore describes the process of earning a degree in Elementary Education. Varnadore discusses her experience student teaching and her career as a teacher. Varnadore mentions her opinions on education in Rock Hill and employees in the school district. Provided is information on Varandore’s family, the story of Varnadore earning her Master’s degree, and her future in the teaching profession. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History …

Interview With Velma S. Polk - Oh 276, Velma S. Polk

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her July 15, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Velma Polk describes her two years at Winthrop until 1951. Addressed are rules and regulations, the Blue Line, and dorm life. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Peggy Hunter - Oh 275, Peggy Hunter

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her June 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Peggy Hunter detailed her thoughts and memories of her experience here at Winthrop. Hunter spoke of the time period 1968-1971 with an emphasis on the follow topics: Student teaching, Winthrop traditions, and college life from the perspective of a non-traditional college student. Hunter also discussed how Winthrop’s student teaching program had prepared her for a career in teaching. Hunter gives praise as she reminisce and reflect on how Winthrop has grown. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

Interview With Shannon Simpson - Oh 273, Shannon Simpson

Winthrop University Oral History Program

In her June 12, 2013 interview with Martha Manning, Shannon Simpson detailed her time as an undergraduate student at Winthrop from 1995-1999. Discussed are details of Simpson’s life as a student – residence halls, classes, meals – rules and regulations on campus, and her desire to go back to Winthrop as a graduate student in 2013. Included are Simpson’s thoughts on professors, traditions, and cultural events on campus. Simpson also shares details of her career as a police officer after attending Winthrop to a transition as an employee in Human Resources. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise …