Tue, 14 Feb 2012
A new project to collect, record and archive people's memories of the University of East Anglia has been launched ahead of its 50th anniversary next year.
Above: Biology students at UEA in 1965.
The university first opened its doors back in 1963 and its first staff and students laid the foundations for what has become a leading centre for research and teaching.
Now students from the School of History are undertaking a project to interview graduates, staff, and members of the public about their memories of UEA.
The initial part of the project is entitled ‘The First Generation’ and focuses on the university’s first 10 years from 1963-1973. It is being undertaken this term by a team of eight final year students.
The project will continue over 18 months and will be completed in time for the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year.
History lecturer Dr Camilla Schofield, who is leading the project, said: “We want to gather together people’s memories, anecdotes and stories about the university, to build up an archive of collected memories.
“The students are starting by focussing on the university’s early years. They’re looking to speak to anyone who was involved at that time – from the builders who laid the first foundations and people living nearby who remember the changing scenery, to former students and staff.
“Do you remember the first students arriving or the iconic Ziggurats being built? Did you write for the first student magazine, wave a flag for the Queen’s visit in 1968, or occupy the arts building in 1971?
“Maybe you sat next to Rose Tremain in literature lectures, lodged with Ian McEwan, had a kick-about with football commentator Martin Tyler, or pored over petri dishes with Nobel prize-winner Sir Paul Nurse. Whatever your story, we want to hear it!”
The interviews should take no longer than one hour and can take place either at the interviewee’s home or at UEA. They will become part of an archive at the Norfolk Sound Archive, which it is hoped will also be posted online.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for the project should contact Dr Schofield by emailing Camilla.schofield@uea.ac.uk.
The university first opened its doors back in 1963 and its first staff and students laid the foundations for what has become a leading centre for research and teaching.
Now students from the School of History are undertaking a project to interview graduates, staff, and members of the public about their memories of UEA.
The initial part of the project is entitled ‘The First Generation’ and focuses on the university’s first 10 years from 1963-1973. It is being undertaken this term by a team of eight final year students.
The project will continue over 18 months and will be completed in time for the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations next year.
History lecturer Dr Camilla Schofield, who is leading the project, said: “We want to gather together people’s memories, anecdotes and stories about the university, to build up an archive of collected memories.
“The students are starting by focussing on the university’s early years. They’re looking to speak to anyone who was involved at that time – from the builders who laid the first foundations and people living nearby who remember the changing scenery, to former students and staff.
“Do you remember the first students arriving or the iconic Ziggurats being built? Did you write for the first student magazine, wave a flag for the Queen’s visit in 1968, or occupy the arts building in 1971?
“Maybe you sat next to Rose Tremain in literature lectures, lodged with Ian McEwan, had a kick-about with football commentator Martin Tyler, or pored over petri dishes with Nobel prize-winner Sir Paul Nurse. Whatever your story, we want to hear it!”
The interviews should take no longer than one hour and can take place either at the interviewee’s home or at UEA. They will become part of an archive at the Norfolk Sound Archive, which it is hoped will also be posted online.
Anyone interested in being interviewed for the project should contact Dr Schofield by emailing Camilla.schofield@uea.ac.uk.
