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Description
Janssen reminisces about the dedicated staff and faculty who prioritized student success and navigated the university through a turbulent period marked by social and political upheaval in the early 1970s. He then he describes the “flagpole incident” that took place on ISU’s quad on May 19, 1970, as Illinois State Police squared off against student protestors demanding the flag be lowered to half-mast in honor of the recently assassinated Malcolm X.
Janssen reflects on the significance of President Gene Budig's leadership in restoring stability and a focus on education after a period of controversy. In his estimation, Budig's personable nature and understanding of Midwestern culture endeared him to the community. Janssen also highlights memorable professors and administrators who fostered a supportive learning environment, including William Kauth and Gary Harrison. He recalls campus life as vibrant, with diverse extracurricular activities ranging from sports and Greek life to concerts featuring renowned artists like Elton John and George Carlin. Despite being in a conservative area, Janssen notes the progressive changes at ISU over the years and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in campus culture. He discusses the affordability of education during his time as a student compared to present-day costs and fondly recalls the fashion trends and popular entertainment of the era, such as bell-bottom jeans and Braden Auditorium movie nights. The Rites of Spring, which Janssen dubs the "Woodstock of Normal," caused controversy in the 1970s, but Janssen asserts that the locals tolerated the festival as long as students abided by certain rules.
At the conclusion of the interview, Janssen touches on the university's leadership in more modern days, mentioning figures like coach Jean Butikker and President Larry Dietz, who he thinks contributed to ISU's ethos of nurturing leadership skills and understanding the needs of students. He expresses optimism for the university's future under new leadership and its potential for further growth and development in its reputation and academic standing.
Interview Date
5-5-2021
Index
- Introduction; foremost impressions of ISU; flagpole incident: 0:00-04:01
- Presidents Berlo and Budig: 04:05-08:30
- Notable faculty, coaches, and administrators; basketball player Doug Collins: 08:40-12:54
- Extracurricular activities and student socializing: 12:54-15:57
- Student services: 15:57-17:53
- Prices for common goods; tuition costs: 17:53-19:49
- Typical mode of dress: 19:49-21:11
- National news: 21:11-22:17
- Entertainment: 22:17-23:06
- Bloomington-Normal: 23:06-23:17
- Favorite aspects of ISU; increasing diversity: 23:17-28:30
- Campus boundaries and buildings: 28:30-33:02
- Rites of Spring: 33:02-35:19
- ISU as a nurturing environment: 25:19-37:32
- President Larry Dietz: 37:32-39:32
Recommended Citation
Janssen, Alan, "Interview with Alan Janssen, Class of 1975" (1975). Alumni Oral Histories. 35.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/35