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Oral Histories

Veda Zuponcic

Professor & Head of Piano Studies
Topics: 50 years of teaching piano at Glassboro State College, the 1987 Soviet-American season, the Music Teachers National Association finals. 

 

Lourin Plant

Assistant Professor of Vocal and Choral Music, Baritone, Music Appreciation 
Topics: Teaching music at Rowan

 

Seth Bergmann

Associate Professor of Computer Science, 1980-present
Topics: The development of computer science at Rowan, programming contests, Rowan-Glassboro relations, transition from Glassboro State College to Rowan University

 

Ross Beitzel '63, M'68

Alumnus
Topics: The benefits of going away to college, travel, joining the theatre club, becoming an art educator

 

 

Zenaida Gephardt

Professor Emerita, Former Director and Associate Dean of Engineering
Topics: The 1992 Rowan Gift, meeting Henry Rowan, launching the School of Engineering, introducing clinic projects

 

Edward L. Wolfe, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of English, 1959-1994
Topics: Meeting President Robinson, a fast-growing campus, close-knit faculty

 

Philip Graneto

Retired Associate Professor of Theatre
Topics: Creating Glassboro State College's theatre program, working with students, Rowan theatre productions

 

Leon J. Zimmerman

Journalist, 1967 Summit at Hollybush 
Topics: Landing the assignment, witnessing history, media expectations

 

Jason Levin '97

Alumnus, former Student Government Association president
Topics: Working with President Herman James, meeting Henry Rowan

 

C. Stewart Slater

Professor Emeritus and Founding Chair of Chemical Engineering
Topics: Building a new school, working with industry, Henry Rowan’s visits, recruiting students

 

Ann Williams Henry '45

Alumna
Topics: Attending education classes in Glassboro during World War II, President Edgar F. Bunce, campus activities, her long career teaching elementary school

 

Jean Eldridge Henderson '52

Alumna
Topics: Academics and living on campus at Glassboro State Teachers College, orchestra with Dr. W. Clarke Pfleeger, teaching kindergarten

 

Florida Causey Dixon '55

Alumna
Topics: Campus community and student life in Glassboro in the 1950s, teaching, career change to social work

 

 

Stanley Yeldell

Associate Professor of Law & Justice Studies and Program Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Internship Program, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Topics: Race relations in Glassboro, the creation and growth of the Criminal Justice department and its internship program, working with four presidents

 

Barbara Bole Williams

Professor of Educational Services & Leadership, College of Education
Topics: Growing up on campus; her father, Dr. Robert Bole; the Summit at Hollybush; developing Rowan's School Psychology program

 

Wellington Woods '53

Alumnus and Retired Associate Professor of Astronomy
Topics: Learning to teach from the on-campus Demonstration School, developing astronomy courses, Angelo's Diner, Coach Richard Wackar, Bosshart Hall, Edelman Planetarium

 

Thomas Gallia '66, M'67, M'70

Trustee, Alumnus, Retired Faculty and Former Chief of Staff
Topics: Working for three presidents, achieving university designation, revitalizing Glassboro

 

Joy Solomen '69, M'75

Alumna and Former Athletic Director
Topics: Experience as a female student athlete, becoming Rowan’s first female athletic director, development of Rowan Athletics and the athletic logo

 

Rose Glassberg

Former President of AFT Local 2373 and Retired English Professor
Topics: Leading a faculty union; managing faculty rights, negotiations and grievances; the 1974 faculty strike

 

Jay Chaskes

Professor Emeritus and Professor of Sociology and Disability Studies, College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Topics: Campus life, transformation into a residential campus, accessibility and disability resources, the impact of the Rowan Gift

 

Antoinette (Toni) Libro '60, M'67

Alumna, Professor Emeritus and Former Dean of the College of Communication
Topics: Taking classes in the 1960s, creation of the College of Communication, establishment of the women's studies concentration