What was your role on campus at the time:

Undergraduate

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

Dormitory

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

No

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

The members of the National Guard and the college students were the same age, and I believe in some cases they probably knew each other. I remember students throwing things at the guys in the Guard. It was probably an intimidating situation to the students, since the National Guard had the weapons.
I think I recall helping to pass out wet rags or washcloths at McDonald’s on High Street to students who had been tear gassed.

What were your impressions of campus during the time period?

I was so young and naive, and it was difficult to process all of the information coming at us. It was also hard to distinguish truthful accounts of events from fiction. It was such a confusing time because there were multiple issues being discussed. My dorm became polarized, unsettled, and very uncomfortable at times.

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

Absolutely. Tensions were high, especially following the shooting deaths at Kent State.

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

Nothing, I probably worried about not being able to finish my freshman year.

Did you return to finish the quarter?

Yes

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

As my grown son has noted, “At least your generation stood for something”.