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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Barb Dallinger, Class of 1981 and 2001. The interview was conducted via Zoom videoconferencing software on April 20, 2021 by Andrew Heidenrich, then a member of the Student Alumni Council.
Dallinger graduated from Illinois Central College in Peoria, Illinois with a two-year degree in 1978, then transferred to Illinois State University to finish her bachelor’s degree. She describes her academic schedule, which allowed her to balance classes, marching band commitments, and work at Watterson Towers’ Dining Commons. As a transfer student, Dallinger initially felt disconnected from campus social life but found solace and community within the marching band. She fondly recalls professors and faculty members who made a significant impact on her, particularly in the music department, including Linda Hurt, Howard Rye, and George Fuller. Dallinger also reflects on campus amenities and services, such as the Health Center, and shares anecdotes about her experiences, including a memorable snowstorm.
Additionally, she discusses the student social scene, including popular entertainment venues like the White Horse Inn, Poison Apple and Capen Theater. Dallinger remarks on the cultural norms of the time, including modes of dress and the prevalence of smoking and drinking among students. Despite her positive experiences, she expresses some regret about not starting her college journey at ISU from the beginning. Dallinger shares insights into the campus boundaries and the evolution of its buildings and facilities.
Dallinger concludes the interview by recounting a prank pulled by her suite mates during her absence, where they relocated all her belongings to the bathroom and even painted a mural on her wall. Despite the mischief, Dallinger appreciated their help in restoring her room. Additionally, she fondly remembers her cousin’s mentorship while she was a student; he lived in the suite above hers and later married her roommate. Another salient memory of hers was participating in the marching band's performance at a Cleveland Browns game, despite the chilly weather that left some participants shivering.
Interview Date
4-20-2021
Index
- Introduction: 00:00-01:10
- Marching band; working in Watterson Dining Center; being a transfer student: 01:10-03:09
- Notable faculty and administrators: 03:09-03:56
- Class size: 03:56-05:05
- Extracurricular activities; pet hamster: 05:05-06:34
- Student services: 06:34-08:16
- Prices for common goods; tuition costs: 08:25-09:41
- Typical mode of dress: 09:41-10:46
- Snowstorm: 10:46-12:16
- Entertainment: 12:16-13:32
- Bloomington-Normal: 13:32-15:21
- Alcohol and tobacco use: 15:21-17:41
- Favorite and least favorite aspects of ISU experience: 17:41-20:11
- Campus boundaries and buildings: 20:11-22:31
- Roommate prank: 22:31-25:15
- Relationship with cousin; marching band performance at Cleveland Browns game: 25:15-26:43
Recommended Citation
Dallinger, Barbara Lee, "Interview with Barb Dallinger, Class of 1981 and 2001" (1981). Alumni Oral Histories. 36.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/36