Emeriti Society Oral History Collection

The University of the Pacific Emeriti Society Oral History Project started in 1994. The purpose of the Project is to help document the history of the University of the Pacific by collecting conversations and recollections of university personnel from a variety of academic disciplines, departments, and administrative offices. This online collection contains complete edited interview transcripts of former faculty, staff, and administrators.

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Albaugh, Glen Oral History Interview

Larry Meredith

Professor of Sport Psychology (1971-1999). Topics include: Evolution of intellectual reach, freedom of academic inquiry at Pacific, administrative involvement, community outreach (First Tee, etc.), Socrates as a coach, and The Mystery of the Game.
Anderson,Steven Oral History Interview

David Fletcher

Professor of Biology (1970-1996). Topics include: Recruitment to and involvement in Callison College; death of Callison College; initial loss of tenure and restoration of tenure; transfer to Department of Biological Sciences; anecdotes and wry comments; an individual viewpoint regarding events during career at UOP.
Atchley, Bill Oral History Interview

Don Walker

President of University (1987-1995). Topics include: Balancing the budget, financial difficulties, problems at physical plant, outsourcing food service, employee benefits restructuring, increasing endowments, alumni interests, faculty salary, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation.
Beauchamp, Kenneth Oral History Interview

Roseanne Hannon

Professor of Psychology (1969-2007). Topics include: departmental curriculum changes, evolution of faculty participation in governance, departmental management, description and comparison of Deans and Presidents, Board of Regents changes
Beck Brallier, Lynn Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Dean of School of Education and Interim Dean of Library (2005-2016). Topics include: Role of School of Education in the University and the community, Restructuring of School of Education departments, Dean Beck’s leadership style, Partnerships with area school districts and San Francisco School of Dentistry, and Role as Interim Dean of Library.
Beckler, Stan Oral History Interview

Carl Wulfman, Neil Lark, and Herb Reinhelt

Professor of Theory and Composition, Conservatory of Music, Department Chair (student 1947-1951,faculty 1951-1991). Topics include: Other faculty during his early years, move out of music annex, chapel organ, processes of composition.
Benedetti, Robert, Oral History Interview

Jon Schamber

Dean, College of the Pacific and Executive Director, Jacoby Center (1989-2013). Topics include: Budget challenges 1990s, General Education reform, evolution of citizen leader concept, Atchley and DeRosa administrations, Midtown Magnolia Project, Stockton Speaks, More Votes that Count research project.
Betz, Edward as remembered by Bud Sullivan, Beth Mason-Gregory, Peggy Rosson, Jesse Marks, Pearl Piper, Ted Leland, Judith Chambers, Laurence Meredith, Gwenn Browne, Paul Fairbrook, Les Medford, Doris Meyer, Bill Biddick

Helen Betz

Professor of Speech, Dean of Men, Dean of Students, Dean of All University Programs, Faculty representative to NCAA. Debate team, Student Advising Program, CIP Program, Cluster Colleges, PSA ASUOP Senate, Academic Regulations Committee, NCAA (1939-1980). Topics include: Debate team, Student Advising Program, CIP Program, Cluster Colleges, PSA ASUOP Senate, Academic Regulations Committee, NCAA.
Blaney, Robert Oral History Interview

Gwenn Browne

Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Pacific Center for the Study of Social Issues (1966 to 1996). Topics include: Review of courses offered by Religious Studies Department, Involvement in development of the University’s Faculty Governance, Relationships with former students, staff and faculty, and Early ties between the Methodist Church and Pacific.
Blum, George Oral History Interview

Neil Lark

Professor of History College of the Pacific, Professor of Social Sciences Raymond College. (1962-1999) Beginning and development of Raymond College, Blum’s role in curriculum development, Blum in history department of College of the Pacific, Scholarship, c
Brown, Ashland Oral History Interview

Robert Benedetti

Dean of School of Engineering & Professor of Mechanical Engineering (1991-2016). Topics include: Changes and growth in scope of the academic programs, advancements in student scholarship (use of finite element analysis), challenges that the university could help the Stockton Community improve in (K-12), and challenges that the University could achieve in the future (advancement, research, Stockton K-12).
Brown, DeMarcus Oral History Interview

Jerry Briscoe

Theater Arts (1926-1968). Topics include: Start of theater department at Stockton campus, actors and others who helped with productions, photographs of every production, college productions in Conservatory, thoughts of early faculty members, Conservatory connection, Speech Department connection, Tully Knoles reflections.
Browne, Gwenn Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Department of Philosophy. (1968-1995). Topics include: Honors program, activist, AAUP Unions, Philosophy Dept. & major, General Ed curricular changes & themes, Grievance Committee, social justice, no confidence vote McCaffrey, Anderson Y Life Center.
Caldwell, Gaylon Oral History Interview

Herb Reinelt

Dean of Elbert Covell College and professor of Political Science (1970-1982). Topics include:Early impressions of Covell College faculty, effect of Latin American economics on Covell student enrollment, imbalance among Latin American students enrolled at Covell, how American students benefited from education at Covell, attitude of University administration toward deans’ and faculty’s participation in policy formation, relations with other deans and department chairs at College of the Pacific.
Cavanaugh, Patrick Oral History Interview

David Fletcher

Vice-President for Business and Finance (1997-2014). Topics include: business at Pacific, President DeRosa’s administration, beginning of President Eibeck’s administration (first five years), endowment growth, facility planning and development: 1997 – 2014
Chambers, Judith Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Assistant to the President, Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Life, University Advancement (1958-). Topics include: Association with President Robert Burns and other presidents, President Burns relationship to students, evolution of Student Life, Community Involvement Program, Cluster College development.
Clawson, Elmer Oral History Interview

Margaret "Peg" Langer

Professor of Education (1974-1996). Department Chair, Associate Dean, Acting Dean (1983-84). Topics include:Transition of leadership in School of Education, federal funding of programs, response to changing demographics, economic education, credential and degree program.
Crabbe, John Oral History Interview

Unidentified

Speech, Director of campus radio station KCVN (1937-c.1959). Topics include:Early development of KVIE-Sacramento, President Robert Burn’s support of Crabbe’s effort to develop KVIE, Federal Communication Commission relationship to FM stations. (part of interview taped over)
Dash, Robert Oral History Interview

Roland diFranco

Professor of Modern Languages, Director of the Center for Integrated Studies Topics include faculty governance, curricular development, general education, Modern Language Dept.
Davis, Kay Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Dean of Women and Vice President of Student Life (1953-1986). Topics include: Supervision of housing, house mothers, student conduct and discipline, student honor societies, dress code for women, student hours/curfews, parent orientation.
Dempsey, Cedric Oral History Interview

Tom Stubbs

Director of Athletics (1967-1979). Topics include: Athletic Program at UOP; development of women’s athletic program; focused on the liberal arts aspect of Pacific.
DiFranco, Roland Oral History Interview

Gwenn Brown

Professor of Mathematics (1972-2001). Topics include: Presidential searches, handbook production, math curriculum, computer use in visualization of mathematics.
Dochterman, Cliff Oral History Interview

Roland diFranco

Executive Vice President (1972-1990). Topics include:Beginning of Development Office, Purchase of the Delta Campus and funding of campus buildings, Start of Community Involvement Program, President Atchley’s administrative philosophy, corruption in the University maintenance department, working with students, Gladys Benerd and her major donation, changes in the character of the regents, relationship between the University and Stockton.
Dunmire, Irvin Dale Oral History Interview -

Ed Pejack

Professor of Electrical Engineering, Department Chair (1974-1990) Topics include: Electrical and computer engineering, Dean Robert Heyborne, influence of Regent Ted Baun, Family atmosphere in Engineering Department, rapid changes in curriculum, growth in department, introduction of computers and microcomputers, beginning of Masters in Electrical Engineering, faculty in the Department.
Fairbrook, Paul Oral History Interview

Francis Michael Sharp

Director of Food Services, Director of Housing and Food Services, Director of Auxiliary Services (1965-1985). Topics include: Improvement of University dining services; managing University departments during the turbulent decades in the 1960s and 1970s; staging all-campus international dinners; public relations on a university campus; improving town-gown relations between UOP and the Stockton community; self-operation versus contractor operation of a college or university dining service.
Fletcher, David Oral History Interview

Judith Chambers

Professor of Engineering (1973-1996). Topics include: Development of Civil Engineering curriculum; Development of Mentor Seminar; Participation in University governance; Overhauling promotion and tenure.
Gilbertson, Phil Oral History Interview

Ken Beauchamp

Provost (1996-2010) Director, Pacific History Project (2010-15) Topics include: first impressions, major changes in curriculum and rest of University, prominent issues and achievements, prominent personages among admin, faculty, staff, students, alumni, regents, and controversies
Goleman, Fay Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor of Education and Sociology (1937-1976). Topics include:Relation of Irving Goleman to Stockton College, community social work connections, early association with Harold Jacoby, Knoles family, professional social work committees.
Griego, Elizabeth 2013

Ken Beauchamp

Vice President for Student Life (2006-2013). Topics include: Student Life organization and staffing, Student Life programs, Pacific students’ characteristics.
Hamernik, Robert Oral History Interview

I. Dale Dunmire

Professor of Civil Engineering, Associate Dean of School of Engineering (1962-1998). Topics include:Assisted with growth of School of Engineering, aided growth of Engineering Co-op Program, assisted with Engineering Council of Professional Development 1970-71, Served with Henderson McGee and Robert Heyborne, specialized in structural design and construction techniques. Interview conducted with Jim Morgali. Only answers to Hamernik are included in transcription.
Hauben, Paul, Oral History Interview

Roland diFranco

Professor of History (1969-1994). Topics include: Participation in I & I Program, successive General Education programs, College of the Pacific Dean’s office, student quality, faculty observation of the President and Regents.
Heffernan, James Oral History Interview

David Fletcher

Professor of Philosophy (1972-2014) The path to Pacific, contributions including innovations and new courses, Department of Philosophy, student trends, and changes and impact of administration. Changes in Pacific over time including: ethnic make-of students, use of technology, and community involvement.
Helton, Floyd Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor of Mathematics (1959-1980). Topics include:Transition of math department to computers, feelings about “atmosphere” at Pacific, teaching math to elementary education students, teaching math to engineering students, emeritus relationship to the University.
Howells, Gary Oral History Interview

Robert Dash

Professor of Psychology (1971-2013). Topics include: Getting into Pacific, Callison College experience, integration into COP Psychology Department, clinical experience and the Stockton community, and relationships with colleagues and administrators.
Humphreys, Leonard Oral History Interview

Larry Meredith

Professor of History (1970-2000). Topics include: Foundation of School of International Studies (SIS), History of Callison College, and First World History Course in US College History.
Jacoby, Harold Oral History Interview

Bob Blaney

Student, Dean of the College of the Pacific, Professor Sociology (1933-1968, 1971-1976). Topics include:Undergraduate career as basketball player at Pacific, deanship of College and reason for resignation, administrator at Mills College, assessment of Vice Presidents and Presidents, Samuel Meyer, Robert Burns, Stanley McCaffery, comments on several faculty, direction of curriculum, and community involvement.
Jantzen, Marc Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer and Bob Blaney

Professor and Dean at School of Education (1936-1974). Topics include: History of the School of Education, Development of philosophy and curriculum, teacher corps, diversity of students and staff, international program, importance of liberal arts and cluster colleges.
Kahn, Sy Oral History Interview

Herb Reinelt

Raymond College, Director of Theater Arts (1963-1986). Topics include: Assessment of early perceptions of Raymond College and the university, perceptions of Robert Burns, drama at Fallon House in Columbia, California, free speech era.
Kihara, Cisco Oral History Interview

Alice Jean Matuzak

Professor of Pharmacy (1957-1973). Topics include:Move of staff from University of Idaho to start Pacific’s Pharmacy program, history of training of pharmacists.
Lark, Neil Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor, Natural Sciences, Raymond College Professor, Physics, C.O.P. (1962 – 1999). Topic Include: Raymond College structure and faculty, Raymond curriculum development and dissolution, importance of professional development leaves, transfer to COP Physics Department, closure of Raymond College, University service, committees, etc.
Limbaugh, Ronald H. Oral History Interview

Ronald Limbaugh

Professor of History, Director of Holt-Atherton Pacific Center for Western Studies, Director of the John Muir Center for Regional Studies (1966-2000). Topics include:Negotiations to obtain and make accessible the John Muir Papers.
Matson, Elizabeth "Libby" Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor of Health and Physical Education, Chairperson of Physical Education for Women (1945-1981). Topics include:Stockton College/College of the Pacific relationship instructors and joint appointments, athletics, Amos Alonzo Stagg days at College of the Pacific, faculty for Physical Education/Health/Recreation, play days, intramurals, women’s athletics, love of Pacific, caring attitude toward students.
Matuszak, Alice Jean Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor, School of Pharmacy (1963-2002) Pharmacy School curriculum and units, role of Medicinal Chemistry in Pharmacy, role of women in Pharmacy, honor societies, social-professional fraternities, history of Pharmacy.
Maynard, Arthur Oral History Interview

Bob Blaney

Professor and Chairperson Religious Studies (1958-1985). Topics include: Course and curriculum emphasis, Colliver Lecture Series, individuals admired, relationship of Pacific and local church community.
McMaster, Robert Oral History Interview

Larry Brehm

Chief Investment Officer, Associate Vice President for Business & Finance (1966 - 1990) Years of service at Pacific; Administration and colleagues; major accomplishments and changes; summary.
McNeal, Dale, Oral history interview

David Fletcher

McNeal, Dale (1969-2002) Professor of Biology Topics include: Changes in biological sciences curriculum, general education programs, advising pre-health professional majors, role of faculty in shared governance and committees, role ofadministrators & relationships with faculty, makeup of student body.
Medford, E. Leslie, Oral History Interview

George Blum

Director of Admissions, Cluster Colleges (1962-1988). Topics include: Importance of Cluster Colleges for University recruitment efforts, impression of Robert Burns, Samuel Meyer, Elliot Taylor, opposition to special admission of athletes, relation of Cluster Colleges to University.
Meredith, Larry Oral History Interview

George Blum

Dean of the Chapel, Callison College, Religious Studies, Humanities (1966-1999). Topics include:Innovations in the Chapel program, attitude toward University administrators, Robert Burns, Stanley McCaffery, Donald DeRosa, role of Academic Vice President John Bevan, Alistair McCrone, Clifford Hand, notable University faculty, involvement in curriculum changes at Callison College, innovative courses at the University, University community relations.
Meyer, Doris Oral History Interview

Elmer Clawson

Professor of Physical Education and Coordinator of Women’s Athletics. (1956-1990) Development of women’s athletics nationally; early faculty women on campus; teacher credential program in adapted P.E.
Miller, Sally Oral History Interview

Gwenn Browne

Professor of History (1967-2000). Topics include:Development of Women’s Studies, Affirmative Action, Jake Jacoby, Malcolm Moule, Cliff Hand.
Morgali, Jim Oral History Interview

I. Dale Dunmire

Professor of Civil Engineering, Chair of Management Engineering, assistant dean of School of Engineering (1961-1999).
Topics include:Served with Henderson McGee, and Robert Heyborne, aided with growth of School of Engineering, and Engineering Co-op Program, assisted with accreditation with engineering program. [Interviewed simultaneously with Robert Hamernik]
Morrow, Robert, Oral history interview

Doris Meyer

Morrow, Bob (1975 – 2002) Professor, Benerd School of Education Topics include: Special Education program, Early Childhood Education, Stockton Children’s Home, Women’s Center Family Resource & Referral, Mentor Seminar, Advising, Promotion & Tenure, Administration: Deans, Presidents.
Mortensen, Glen Oral History Interview

Roland di Franco

Architect (1961-1969). Topics include: Renovation of the dormitories for the Cluster Colleges, Construction of the Pharmacy Rotunda, Construction of Wendell Phillips Center, and Construction of Burns Tower.
Muskal, Fred Oral History Interview

Roland diFranco

Professor of Education Administration (1972-2009). Topics include: Chair Academic Council 1992, Education Administration, Information & Imagination Program (I&I), and faculty/administration interactions.
Pejack, Edwin Oral History Interview

Dale Dunmire

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department Chair (1982-2007) Initiation of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at UOP; first graduating class and first accreditation of Mechanical Engineering program; organizing of nonprofit NGO, Solar Cookers Int.; first world conference on Solar Cooking, held at UOP.
Piper, Pearl Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Secretary of Admissions (1940-). Topics include:Stockton College – COP relationships, Early 1940 campus environment, perceptions of administrators – Elliot Taylor, Robert Burns, Covell College, reactions to present day university.
Redig, Dale F. Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Dean of Dental School (1969-1978) Regent (1987-1987). Topics include: Professional History; Transition from 2-handed to 4-handed dentistry; Curriculum changes from four to three years; Role as University Regent; Association with Saudi Arabia Dental School; Years as Executive Director, California Dental Association.
Reinelt, Herbert Oral History Interview

George Blum

Professor of Philosophy (1962-1999). Topics include: Experience of young faculty coming to Pacific in the 1960s, curriculum changes, Information and Imagination to Mentor, major personalities of his era, changes in student interests and community allegiances, evolution of faculty governance and board of regents, Pacific’s contribution to Stockton.
Rohwer, Claude Oral History Interview

Brian Landsberg

Associate Dean for Graduate & International Programs and Professor of Law (1961-2005). Topics include: Growth of Law School, McGeorge School of Law affiliation with University of the Pacific, Role of Academic Council, International Programs, and Justice Kennedy.
Schedler, Gilbert Oral History Interview

Larry Meredith

Professor, Religious Studies Chair, Religious Studies Department (1967-2004). Topics include: Callison College, India, Religious Studies, English Department, teaching style and courses.
Schilling, Charles Oral History Interview

Bob Blaney

Conservatory organist and carilloner (1956-1985) . Topics include:Campus life in the 1960s, advantages of a small campus, evolution of the Chapel service, Conservatory review/emphasis/direction, Robert Burns and his importance to University, faculty governance.
Schippers, John Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Schippers, John (1962-1990) Professor School of Education Topics include: Development of Teacher Corps program; association with National Science Foundation program; student teaching in Mexico; early computer use program in School of Education; Lawrence Hall of Science curricular materials and program.
Sharp, Francis Michael Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor of German (1979-2008). Topics Include: Modern Languages Department offerings, faculty, language lab, and study abroad; Development of School of International Studies; The importance of the Humanities; University/Community Outreach programs.
Shimeall, Clark Oral History Interview

Neil Lark

Professor of Geology and Dean of Students at Covell College (1968-1986). Topics include: Covell College, teaching geology to Latin American students, becoming Dean of Students for Covell College, Covell administrators and colleagues, personal life since retiring.
Smith, Reuben Oral History Interview

Roland di Franco

Professor of History, Dean of Graduate Schools, and Provost of Callison College (1972-1994). Topics include: Callison College program, curriculum, & problems, role and responsibilities of Graduate Dean, governance & committees, 1993 accreditation, and need for strong “Office of Development.”
Spelts, Elizabeth Oral History Interview

Stan Beckler and Doris Meyer

Conservatory professor of Voice (1948-1985). Topics include: Circumstances of hiring John Elliot, impressions of faculty/administration, Tully Knoles, individual (not classroom instruction), activity since retirement, private instruction, teaching goals, Conservatory organization and departments, Civil Rights movement, Cluster Colleges, Conservatory Deans from Preston Stedman to Carl Nosse, Music Camp, Opera production, Outcasts of Poker Flat, 50th anniversary celebration, contributions of Pacific to Stockton, Football from last Eddie LaBaron game, A Cappella Choir.
Spencer, Sherman, Oral history Interview

Doris Meyer

Spencer, Sherman (1950-1984) Circulation Librarian University Library Topics include: Early years of library, building, staffing, departments; early administration and faculty retreats; Stockton College/College of Pacific transition; branch libraries: music, pharmacy.
Stubbs, Thomas Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Professor of Physical Education, Football Coach, Baseball Coach, Interim Athletic Director (1963–1999). Topics include: Role of an administrator, interim Athletic Director experiences, team work concepts and importance, transition to Sport Sciences Department title, importance of athletic team competition in an educational setting.
Sylvester, Ray Oral History Interview

Gwenn Browne

Eberhardt School of Business, Associate Dean (1972-). Topics include: Founding of School of Business, Sid Turoff, general education, Clifford Hand.
van Bronkhorst, Warren

Doris Meyer

Professor of Violin and Conductor of the University Orchestra (1967-1991). Topics include: Teaching responsibilities at the Conservatory of Music, Academic programs available at Conservatory, Recruiting interested/talented students, and the Conservatory’s role in the community.
Wagner, W. C. "Mike" Oral History Interview

George Blum

Professor of Social Sciences, Raymond College and Professor of Economics (1962-1986). Topics include:Nature of Raymond College, success of Raymond graduates, Robert Burns, Samuel Meyer, Warren Bryan Martin (Raymond Provost), Raymond College demise, transfer to Department of Economics.
Whiteker, Roy Oral History Interview

Doris Meyer

Dean of COP, Professor of Chemistry. (1976-1989). Topics include: Early Administration, COP Dean, Absorption of Cluster Colleges faculty, development of Physical Therapy program, International Studies program, Chi chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Williams, John, Oral history interview

Roland diFranco

Professor of English (1965 - 1998). Topics include: Raymond College, its community and style of teaching; demise of Raymond Endowment; transition to the College of Pacific English Department; design of the Mentor Program; interactions with the Regents.
Winters, Paul Oral History Interview

Roy Whiteker

Professor of Communication (1956-1989). Topics include:Move from Stockton College to Pacific, development of Forensics Program, participation in coast-to-coast debate tournaments, development of the Legal Communication course, memorable debate participants.
Wolak, William Oral History Interview

Ken Beauchamp

Professor, Theater Arts. Chair, Drama Dept. (1975-2007). Topics include: Change in climate from 1970s to 2005 – intellectual freedom, support for innovation and risk-taking; change in student demands regarding core of curriculum; growth of administrative staff relative to teaching staff; core attitudes change in faculty conception of nature of the job.

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