Digital Commons @ Otterbein

The Otterbein University Alumni of Color Oral History Project began in 2021 as part of the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) campus initiative. The oral history project embodies the ‘Truth’ component of TRHT in seeking to look honestly at the ways educational institutions have embodied racial hierarchy and caused harm. The purpose of our project is to gather stories and experiences from Otterbein alumni of color in order to assemble the fullest, most vibrant, and most honest account of Otterbein’s history. Understanding our history is necessary in order to dismantle racial hierarchy and transform the culture of our campus and community. Student and faculty interviewers have collaborated to interview these alumni about their experiences as college students. Questions have addressed classroom experiences, co-curricular and social life, campus and community climate, educational experiences before Otterbein, career achievements, and more. Perhaps the most compelling responses arose from two of our signature questions: “For you, what would racial equity look like on a college campus?” and “What made you say yes to participating in this oral history project?” Over and over our interviewees offered candor, rich insight, and commitment to both truth-telling and transformation of the Otterbein community. We are extremely grateful for their willingness to participate. We welcome participation from any alumni who would like to contribute to the project. We can interview by Zoom, telephone, or in writing. Please contact English Department Chair Margaret Koehler (mkoehler@otterbein.edu) for more information or if you are interested in contributing your story to the project.