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College Archives: Oral History Interviews

A guide to the Archives and Special Collections at Niagara County Community College.

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

Dr. Ernest Notar

Dr. Ernest Notar was NCCC's first President; he served from 1962 until his retirement in 1975. In this interview, he discusses the development of NCCC 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 Niagara County Community College, serving from 1979-1989. In this interview he speaks about the College's mission and goals, including community-centeredness.

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Dr. Donald Donato, circa 1980

Eugene D. Swenson

Eugene Swenson was a founding member of Niagara County Community College's Board of Trustees. In this interview, he speaks about the formation of NCCC 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: 

  • NCCC 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 NCCC for many years, before becoming the College's fourth President. He describes the Theatre program at NCCC 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 NCCC 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 NCCC 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 Niagara County Community College Board of Trustees. He discusses securing the Charter for NCCC 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