Centenary University Oral History Project
A Project to Preserve Centenary History
The Centenary University Office of Alumni Relations is launching a special Oral History Project to collect and preserve the stories, memories, and experiences of Centenary alumni.
Through this project, alumni will have the opportunity to share their stories in their own words, helping document the history of Centenary University and the impact it has had on generations of Cyclones.
The stories collected through the project will be preserved in a digital archive. Many may also be featured in a commemorative publication celebrating the voices and experiences of Centenary alumni.
Every Cyclone Has a Story to Tell
Centenary’s history is more than a collection of dates and milestones. It is the story of the people who studied, lived, worked, and built lifelong relationships here. Perhaps you:
- Formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime
- Discovered your career path or calling
- Met a professor, coach, or mentor who changed your life
- Participated in a favorite Centenary tradition
- Experienced an unforgettable moment on campus
- Met someone who became an important part of your life
Whatever your experience, your story is an important part of Centenary University’s history.
Through our partnership with PCI, Publishing Concepts, Inc., alumni will have the opportunity to share their memories and update their contact information so that we can remain connected.
Why Is Centenary Partnering With PCI?
Reaching alumni around the world and collecting their individual stories would be difficult for the University to accomplish alone.
PCI specializes in oral history projects and provides trained staff members who will interview alumni, collect their stories, and help compile them into a commemorative publication and digital archive. PCI is acting on behalf of Centenary University for the purposes of this project.
Alumni contact information has been provided to PCI solely for activities related to the Oral History Project. Your information has not been sold and will not be used for unrelated marketing purposes
Do I Need to Purchase a Book to Participate?
No. You do not need to purchase anything to participate.
We encourage all Centenary alumni to share their stories, regardless of whether they choose to purchase the commemorative publication or other related items.
The project is funded through purchases made by alumni who elect to order the publication and related products offered through PCI. These purchases help support the project, but they are entirely optional and are not required to share a story, submit a photograph, or update your contact information.
We are grateful to every alum who participates, and to those who choose to support the project through a purchase.
What Happens Next?
Centenary alumni may receive emails, postcards, or phone calls from PCI with information about participating in the project. When contacted, you will have the opportunity to:
- Share your Centenary story and favorite memories
- Update your contact information
- Submit photographs for possible inclusion
- Learn about the commemorative publication and other optional offerings
We hope you will take a few moments to participate and help preserve Centenary University’s history for future generations.
What To Look For
As part of the Oral History Project, you may receive a postcard, email, or phone call from PCI on behalf of Centenary University. These are official project communications and will provide instructions for:
- Updating your contact information
- Sharing your Centenary story
- Submitting photographs for possible inclusion
- Learning about the commemorative publication and other optional offerings
Postcard Example
Below is an example of the postcard you may receive from PCI on behalf of Centenary University.
Email Example
Below is an example of the email you may receive from PCI regarding the Centenary University Oral History Project.
Would You Like to Participate?
If you do not receive a postcard or email but would still like to participate, please contact PCI at 866-441-5125 or watch for additional communications from the Centenary University Office of Alumni Relations.
Frequently Asked Questions by Alumni
1. I received an email/postcard/phone call asking for my personal information and a story about my experience at Centenary University. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Centenary University, which will be inclusive of alumni from each of the above schools. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX 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 the University and how the University helped 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.
2. Does Centenary 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 Institution
- Revenue – generates non-dues revenue for alumni programs
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our Institution
3. 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. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
4. I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may 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 some basic data elements from the alumni information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at the school. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to the 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
5. Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information that is included in the publication is your name and class year, 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 Centenary University. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before the end of the updating phase by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
6. I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before the end of the updating phase to share your story.
7. 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).
8. Can anyone purchase a book?
The Centenary University Alumni Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Centenary University (and any predecessor or consolidated institutions) alumni only.
9. 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.
Questions?
For additional information about the Oral History Project, please contact the Centenary University Office of Alumni Relations at Alumni@CentenaryUniversity.edu.