What was your role on campus at the time:

Undergraduate

During the school year 1969-70, where did you live:

Off-campus

Were you a member of any student organization on campus? If so, which one(s)?

Women’s Recreation Association is the only one I really remember. I think there were others, but that is all I remember, maybe because I was president that year.

During the weeks before the university closed, what was the most significant thing you observed?

The National Guardsmen doing their jobs, and seeing students walk up to them and spit in their faces, or yell at them. I, personally, was happy to see them there, as there were many volatile situations, fueled by not only students, but nonstudents, just wanting to cause trouble. Also, I lived off-campus, and saw guys across the street yell “Pig” at any cops driving by, but then, like cowards they would run into their apartments and hide whenever a police helicoptor flew overhead.

What were your impressions of campus during the time period?

There were all kinds of curiosity seekers, just wanting to be where they thought something might happen, and they did not want to miss it. This contributed to the riots that occurred. There was always an audience! I just wanted to go to class, graduate, and move on with my life. I never missed a class, but would walk several blocks out of my way, because I was determined not to provide the audience these demonstrators were seeking! To add to the riotous situation, some students or nonstudents would start fires in buildings, and then throw stones at the firefighters when they arrived. It was tense!
When graduation ceremonies were held, I vividly remember all the State Highway Patrol officers stationed just about every 50 feet, it seemed, all around and in the ‘Shoe. I was impressed the University was determined not to allow the disruptions to cancel our graduation ceremony.

Did you think the university should be closed? Why or why not?

Yes, because there were so many people who were providing the audience the demonstrators were seeking. By closing the University, they dispersed the crowd, which needed to happen. What happened at Kent State could have happened at OSU. We were just fortunate, as there were many people trying very hard to push the guardmembers’ buttons. In every instance I saw, they remained stoic — something the demonstrators would have been unable to do.

What did you do during the two weeks the university was closed?

My husband and I moved home, after cancelling our lease in our apartment. We did not know whether the University would open up again, and actually thought (hoped) that it would not.

Did you return to finish the quarter?

Yes

Looking back, what do you think are the lasting legacies of the student demonstrations?

Standing up for one’s beliefs is important, but it is not necessary to cause violence or to be openly disrespectful to authority figures, to get your point across. Also, being a part of the crowd, not demonstrating, just watching, equally contributes to continuation of violence, because it gives the leaders of the demonstration reason to believe everyone in the crowd is in agreement with their philosophy.