Oral History Project
PARTNERSHIP WITH PCI’S ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Carolina University Alumni & Development Office is excited to announce a collaborative partnership with PCI’s Oral History Project. The goal of the Carolina University Oral History Project is to collect the stories of our alumni and preserve them in a way that celebrates the impact all our merged schools have had on our alumni lives. Our alumni base is made up of graduates from Spurgeon Baptist Bible College, Atlantic Baptist Bible College, Tennessee Temple University, Southeastern Bible College, John Wesley University, Piedmont International University, and Carolina University. Every year that we wait to capture and preserve our alumni’s stories feels like another opportunity lost, so we’re excited to get started!
With our limited resources, our office would never be able to tackle a project of this magnitude. By partnering with PCI, we’re able to access their trained staff who are excited to listen to what our alumni have to share. PCI will assist us in collecting updated contact information as well as collect alumni stories to assemble and create a book filled with memories.
*Please note that we have only shared contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Alumni will soon be receiving (or may have already received) email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions on how to participate. Carolina University invites you to share your stories with us and take part in this first of its kind project to honor the experience and voice of our alumni.
Alumni will receive a postcard, like the one pictured, from our trusted partner PCI asking to participate in the Carolina University Oral History Project. Please call the number on the card with confidence that this effort will result in a wonderful document that will paint a great picture of life at each merged school through the years. The PCI team will collect stories from July 2 to December 31, 2021. After that, PCI will enter the post-production phase of editing the data and creating the Carolina University Alumni stories book.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?
This is a legitimate project. We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the Carolina University Alumni. PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation. This project allows the CU to hear about alumni’s personal experiences and explain how their alma mater helped shape their lives.
What if I'm an alumna of a school that merged with Carolina University (formerly Piedmont)?
If you are a graduate of a university that merged with Carolina University, we consider you to be a part of our alumni base! We want to hear about your experience and memories at said institution. Our goal is to collect stories from all seven schools to best represent our alumni body.
How does the Carolina University Alumni Association benefit from this project?
- Legacy – Preserves the oral history of our school.
- Updated Information – Allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni.
- Pride – Show support and love for our school by wearing apparel.
What kind of story should I tell?
- Did a special faculty or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
- Did you meet your sweetheart in college?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment at your alma mater?
- Have connections you made on campus turned into lifelong friendships?
- Were you at college during a historical moment?
- Do you have a memory at a landmark location on campus?
I have moved recently, can I update my contact information?
As part of this project, PCI will help us to collect updated contact information from those of you who may have moved and inadvertently lost touch with your alma mater. We are taking the opportunity to help make it easier for you to stay connected to Carolina University.
I’d like to add/remove info from my story.
You will receive an email prior to publication with a link to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
If I share a story, do I have to provide a photo? If I want a photo included, do I have to share a story?
You may share as little or as much as you want. Some people want to share a story, others may want to share a photo and caption.
Do I have to buy something?
No. This project is being done at NO COST to Carolina University. The project is completely funded by the alumni who CHOOSE to purchase the book that will be produced at the end of the project. The book, which will be available in hardbound and digital formats, is offered at $149.98.
PCI will also offer you the option to purchase other Carolina University branded merchandise such as a hat, t-shirt, sweatshirt, and travel bag. You are welcome to purchase these items, but you are not required to (a) participate in the project or (b) order the oral history book. We would never be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing alumni and the partnership with PCI.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and want to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Call the PCI customer service help desk at 800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any other questions regarding the project, please reach out to the PCI customer service desk at customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or 800-982-1590.