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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State Normal University alumni Mary Patricia “Pat” (White) Kopp and Richard “Dick” Hackl, Class of 1956. The interview was conducted on October 17, 198 by Heidi Hanson, then a member of the Student Alumni Council.
Kopp and Hackl recount their experiences living in the men’s and women’s dormitories on campus. For Kopp in her role as an Honor Resident, this included enforcing a 10 p.m. curfew for female students. Both remember mailing their laundry home to be washed and having to abide by formal dining rules in the dorm cafeterias.
They reminisce about University President Raymond Fairchild and Dean Larsen, who were influential figures during their time at the university. Deans Anna Keaton and Ralph Linkins are also mentioned as memorable individuals who played significant roles in student life. They describe a range of extracurricular activities, including sports events, class boards, Women's League, Men's Club, Women's Recreation Association, and Blackfriars theatrical fraternity.
The conversation delves into prices for common goods during the 1950s and reflects on the relatively low cost of tuition and textbooks, as well as the fact that most students worked to finance their education.
Regarding entertainment, Hackl and Kopp recall attending Big Four dances featuring famous bands, and entertainment series such as lectures, concerts, and dance performances. They also discuss the development of Normal and Bloomington over the years, noting the expansion of the university and changes in the surrounding area.
Hackl and Kopp touch upon the use of tobacco and alcohol by students, acknowledging the prohibition on alcohol on campus and the clandestine nature of student drinking. They reminisce about the strict rules and consequences for violating alcohol policies, as well as the cultural attitudes towards smoking during that era.
They note their appreciation for the friendly atmosphere and the sense of community on campus. Hackl specifically mentioned the strong reputation of the education department at ISNU, which helped graduates secure jobs easily. Kopp highlights special moments of dorm life, including Christmas parties and the warmth of the campus community during the cold winters. They also discuss some of the regulations and restrictions they experienced, such as curfews for female students and mandatory assemblies.
Interview Date
10-17-1981
Index
- Introduction; notable administrators: 00:00-06:16
- Comparative difficulty of completing a college education; students’ jobs: 06:16-07:42
- Extracurricular activities: 07:42-10:14
- Student services: 10:14-11:00
- Prices: 11:00-13:01
- Typical mode of dress; meals in dormitories: 13:01-16:13
- National events: 16:13-16:49
- Entertainment: 16:49-18:23
- Bloomington-Normal: 18:23-19:32
- Alcohol and tobacco use: 19:32-21:17
- Favorite things about ISNU: 21:17-22:38
- Curfews for women; student housing; weekly assemblies: 22:38-24:57
- Campus boundaries and buildings: 24:57-28:19
- Humorous events: 28:19-30:12
- Conclusion: 30:12-31:39
Biographical Statement
Richard “Dick” George Hackl (1934-2010) was born to Henry and Rosita (Schatz) Hackl in Chicago, Illinois. Richard graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, mathematics specialization. A few months later he married classmate Norma Dezonia in Chicago; she graduated the following year with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Together they would go on to have two children. While at ISNU, Richard was active in Blackfriars, Newman Club, Big Four Committee, Men’s Glee Club, Square Dance Club, and intramural sports.
Richard later received a master’s degree from Western Michigan University and did additional post-graduate work at ISU. Throughout his career, Richard taught grade school, middle school, high school and junior college. He retired in 1996 as the superintendent of Graymont School District. After his retirement, he worked at the McLean County Jury Commission until 2009. He had also served as president of the school board at St. Mary’s Grade School in Bloomington, Illinois.
Recommended Citation
Hackl, Richard George and White, Patricia Kopp, "Interview with Richard Hackl and Patricia Kopp, Class of 1956" (1956). Alumni Oral Histories. 16.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/16