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)?

My roommates and I founded a group called the Majority Allicen with the mission of getting the university open again. Started with the 3 of us but grew to nearly 10,000 with the help of Walt Siefert, our PR instructor.

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

Protesters who had no idea what they were protesting about…but thought it was cool to be out of class banging on a drum saying “No one will listen to me.” These protesters had no respect for fellow students trying to get on with day-to-day living, the police and fire department trying to put out fires in buildings.

What were your impressions of campus during the time period?

Students who wanted to attend classes were barred from doing so and even accosted. Things were crazy. Those of us working to re-open the university had to hide for fear of retaliation. My apartment was fire-bombed.

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

Absolutely not! I spent 4 years working towards graduation with the Centennial class from the Ohio State stadium, and they were going to interfere with that for no valid reason.

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

I organized a group of students interested in speaking for the majority of students who just wanted to get on with their lives and their studies. I met frequently with the President of the university and Columbus business owners who supported our efforts.

Did you return to finish the quarter?

Yes

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

No legacy…just lunacy! The created havoc (which was their intent) and achieved nothing.