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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Barb Dallinger, Class of 1981 and 2001. The interview was conducted by Milner Library intern Paige Malloy on May 31, 2023.
Dallinger, who grew up in Morton, Illinois, starts by sharing some childhood memories, underscoring her close-knit family dynamics and the small-town environment that shaped her early years. Her decision to attend Illinois State University was heavily influenced by her cousin, who had enrolled six months before her. As an undergraduate, Dallinger majored in piano, and while she had a difficult personal time at ISU due to her sexual identity, she found solace in the Big Red Marching Machine and supportive figures like Ed Livingston and Julian Dawson.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Dallinger spent a decade in St. Louis before returning to ISU, where she started a fulfilling career. Initially working in the College of Fine Arts, her career trajectory included roles in Campus Dining, University Housing, and ultimately, as the manager of Braden Auditorium. Her career at ISU was characterized by dynamic shifts and learning opportunities, from organizing commencement and Welcome Week to managing significant events at Braden Auditorium. Her approach to event management at Braden Auditorium focused on detailed preparation and creating positive experiences for performers, leaving a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the high-profile guests she hosted.
In addition to being a long-time advisor to the student group PRIDE, Dallinger was also involved in the creation of the Triangle Association. She says it was formed to provide a community for gay faculty and staff, akin to other existing affinity groups on campus for racial minorities. It gained momentum when a local ordinance to add sexual orientation as a protected classes was voted down, prompting the group to advocate for LGBTQ rights on campus. As chair, Dallinger organized meetings, managed communications, and ensured the well-being of students during events like the National Day of Silence. She recounts instances where the Triangle Association and its successor organization [Queer Coalition] provided emergency support to students in crisis.
Dallinger elaborates on the importance of the LGBTQ Support Fund, established to assist students financially abandoned by their families, covering needs from books to tuition payments. This fund became a crucial resource for students facing financial hardships due to their sexual orientation and coming out.
Dallinger also speaks about her role in the formation of the LGBTQA+ Alumni Association, which was driven by her desire to maintain connections with former PRIDE students. The Association hosts various events, including happy hours and outings to cultural events, fostering a sense of community among alumni. Dallinger fondly recalled a virtual reunion during COVID-19, which allowed alumni from diverse locations to reconnect.
Winding down, Dallinger reflects on her recent retirement celebration, which was attended by numerous former students and colleagues, underscoring the profound impact of her work. Looking forward, she hopes the university continues to provide individualized attention and opportunities for students while enhancing facilities like Braden Auditorium to match the transformation of the Bone Student Center. Her advice to future students emphasizes appreciating the university's history, encouraging them to read the commemorative plaques around campus.
Interview Date
5-31-2023
Index
- Introduction; Dallinger’s childhood: 00:00-01:52
- Attending Illinois Central College; transferring to ISU: 01:52-03:55
- Majoring in music: 03:55-05:23
- Dallinger’s undergraduate experience; encountering homophobia and feeling excluded as a transfer student: 05:23-07:48; 11:17-13:30
- Influential faculty and staff: 07:48-09:40
- First impressions of ISU: 09:40-11:17
- National news during undergraduate years: 13:30-14:52
- Dallinger’s career trajectory and graduate school experience: 14:52-24:43
- Managing Braden Auditorium: 24:43-29:06
- Creation of Barb Dallinger Crew Room: 29:06-31:16
- Triangle Association: 31:16-36:46
- LGBTQ Support Fund: 36:46-38:34
- LGBTQA+ Alumni Association: 38:34-42:56
- Lavender Graduation: 42:56-43:57
- Service awards; proudest accomplishments: 43:57-46:37
- Retirement celebration: 46:37-49:11
- Hopes for ISU; conclusion: 49:11-51:08
Recommended Citation
Dallinger, Barb, "Interview with Barb Dallinger, Class of 1981 and 2001 (2023 interview)" (1981). Alumni Oral Histories. 73.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/73