Alumni Oral History Project

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Alumni Oral History Project

Attention alumni – Glenville State University has embarked on a multi-month project that aims to collect as many alumni stories as possible and store them in a commemorative book!

About The Project

Every Pioneer has a story, and the we want to hear yours. However, it would be impossible for us to touch base with each individual alumnus and record their story on our own. That’s why we’ve decided to embark on this project – Glenville Memories – to collect the stories of alumni like you in your own words. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates the impact Glenville State has had on your lives and who you are today.

Have You Moved?

As part of this project, we are taking the opportunity to help make it easier for you to stay connected to Glenville State. PCI will help us collect updated contact information from those of you who may have moved and inadvertently lost touch with your alma mater.

Your Story

What Glenville Memory will you tell?

  • Did a special faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
  • Did you find your sweetheart at Glenville State?
  • Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment at our alma mater?
  • Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
  • Were you on campus during a historical moment?
  • Are you a Pioneer legacy, meaning there are other Glenville State alumni in your family?

PCI Partnership

We would never be able to tackle a project of this magnitude on our own. By partnering with PCI, we’re able to access their trained staff of real, live humans who are excited to listen to what you have to share. PCI will also help collect and assemble the stories into the Glenville Memories book that we can share with all Pioneers. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.

Do I Have to Buy Something?

No. This project is being done at NO COST to Glenville State University. The project is completely funded by the alumni who choose to purchase the Glenville Memories book that will be produced at the end of the project. Various book packages will be offered. PCI will also offer you the option to purchase other Glenville State branded merchandise such as a blanket and pullover. You are welcome to purchase these items, but you are not required to do so to participate in the project or order the Glenville Memories book. Again, we’d never be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing alumni and the partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates and chooses to purchase the book.

What’s Next?

Soon you will be receiving email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. We’d like to invite you to share one of your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experiences and voices of our alumni. The PCI team will collect stories until October 11, 2024. After that, they will enter a post-production phase editing the data. We hope to have the project ready for distribution by April 2025.

We look forward to hearing from each and every one of you regarding your memories of “the Lighthouse on the Hill!”

What to Look For

Below is an example of a postcard you will receive in the mail. This is an official postcard from Glenville State University, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your Glenville Memories.

Alumni History Project Postcard Front
Example Postcard (Front)
Alumni History Project Postcard Back
Example Postcard (Back)

Below is an example of an email you will receive in your inbox. Once you receive the email, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your Glenville Memories. If you do not receive it, please take this opportunity to call PCI at 1-877-375-0262 and update your contact information so we can stay connected. If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

Alumni History Project Email Sample
Example Email

More Information

View the FAQs below for answers to many frequently asked questions. If you have other questions regarding the project, please reach out to PCI customer service desk at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or the Alumni Relations Office at Glenville State University at alumni@glenville.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Glenville State University. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Glenville State University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Glenville State University and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

 Does Glenville State University benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

  • Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
  • Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
  • Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
 How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?
  • If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Glenville State University. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to Glenville State University at the conclusion of the project.
  • If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
  • If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated Glenville State University update line at 1-877-375-0262.
  • If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before October 11, 2024 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before October 11, 2024 to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

The Glenville State University Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Glenville State University alumni.

When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is generally about 12 months. GSU began the project in April 2024 and the books were originally scheduled to be distributed in April 2025. However, there have been several delays in the printing phase of the project and PCI is currently projecting the books won't be available until sometime in the fall of 2025.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.