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College Archives: Oral History Interviews

A guide to the Archives and Special Collections at SUNY NIagara.

Oral History

The Society of American Archivists defines oral history as: 

n. ~ 1. An interview that records an individual's personal recollections of the past and historical events. - 2. The audio or video recordings, transcripts, and other materials that capture and are associated with such an interview.  

These interviews of SUNY Niagara faculty, administrators, and Board of Trustees members were facilitated by Professor Emeritus Graham Millar. They recount significant events and developments relating to SUNY Niagara as well as personal reflections by the interviewees.

Dr. Ernest Notar

Dr. Ernest Notar was SUNY Niagara's first President; he served from 1962 until his retirement in 1975. In this interview, he discusses the development of SUNY Niagara from its early years in Niagara Falls through to the opening of the permanent Sanborn campus.

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Dr. Ernest Notar, circa 1965

Dr. Donald Donato

Dr. Donald Donato was the third President of SUNY Niagara, serving from 1979-1989. In this interview he speaks about the College's mission and goals, including community-centeredness.

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Dr. Donald Donato, circa 1980

Eugene D. Swenson

Eugene Swenson was a founding member of SUNY Niagara's Board of Trustees. In this interview, he speaks about the formation of SUNY Niagara and its early development.

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Eugene D. Swenson, 1988

Oral History interviews

Stay tuned! We have more oral history interviews on the way, including: 

  • SUNY Niagara Graduate and former Board of Trustees member Richard Frizzell
  • Former Dean Dr. John O. Hunter

Gerald L. Miller

Jerry Miller was the Director of Theatre at SUNY Niagara for many years before becoming the College's fourth President. He describes the Theatre program at SUNY Niagara during the 1960s-1970s in this interview.

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Gerald L. Miller, circa 1989

Anthony S. Gullo

Anthony Gullo was a faculty member at SUNY Niagara for 39 years. He was Chair of the Social Science Division and Faculty Association President. In this interview, he describes the formation and development of the SUNY Niagara Faculty Association.

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Anthony Gullo, 1986

Ernest Curto

Ernest Curto was a New York State Assemblyman and former Chairman of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees. He discusses securing the Charter for SUNY Niagara and the difficulties in site selection for the permanent campus. 

Click on the tabs at the top of the box to view additional information, including: biographical notes, summary, and transcripts. 
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Niagara County Community College. Henrietta G. Lewis Library. 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132 | 716-614-6786