Suffolk University Oral History Project

Follow

• 

  Oral History Interview with Robert J. Allison (SOH-029)

  Robert J. Allison and Anthony Gesualdi

  Dr. Robert J. Allison, a Professor of History at Suffolk University, reflects on his personal and professional accomplishments, as well as his teaching methods and relationships with past and present students, faculty, and administration. Professor Allison discusses the History Departments evolution over the years, notable colleagues and the department’s role in the university. He concludes with reflections on Suffolk’s impact on Boston and the region.

• 

  Oral history interview with Gleason L. Archer (SOH-007)

  Gleason L. Archer and Ted Duncan

  In this interview, conducted by his cousin, Ted Duncan, Suffolk University founder Gleason L. Archer (1880-1966) discusses the founding of the university and his other professional endeavors. The interview covers the founding of Suffolk Law School in 1906, Archer’s work doing radio talks on legal and historical topics, and the books that he has written on those same topics. He concludes by discussing his resignation from Suffolk University and his subsequent activities on his farm in Pembroke, Massachusetts.

• 

  Oral history interview with Edward Bander (SOH-003)

  Edward J. Bander

  In this interview, Edward J. Bander, librarian emeritus of Suffolk University Law School, discusses his career as a librarian. He reflects on his educational background, his numerous publications, his work at Suffolk University Law School, and how library research and Suffolk University have changed over the past thirty years.

• 

  Oral history interview with Robert Bellinger (SOH-002), audio recording and transcript

  Robert J. Bellinger

  Robert A. Bellinger, a professor in Suffolk University’s history department and director of the Black Studies program, discusses his areas of expertise, his experiences in Africa, and his thoughts on Pan-Africanism and the relationship between Africans and African Americans. The interview covers the way Africa is presented in the media; the lack of interest in, and the denigration of, African culture; African students at Suffolk University; and his wishes for Africa. Mr. Bellinger concludes by expressing his desire for students to support the Black Studies program and to take advantage of the opportunities available on campus related to African culture.

• 

  Oral History Interview with John C. Berg (SOH-046)

  John C. Berg, Chianna Calafiore, and Emma Nee

  John Berg, a Suffolk University professor emeritus of government and environmental studies, discusses his early career and activism, his teaching and research, his time as government department chair, and the development of Suffolk’s environmental studies program. Berg describes his work with professional organizations and partnerships with organizations such as the Washington Center. He also shares his philosophy on teaching and leadership. The interview concludes with a discussion of the leadership transitions that took place at Suffolk from 2010-2018.

• 

  Oral history interview with Karen Blum (SOH-053)

  Karen Blum and Nancy Stoll

  Karen Blum, professor of law emerita, reflects on her forty-plus years at Suffolk University Law School, first as a law student and then as a member of the faculty. The interview highlights her nationally recognized legal scholarship on civil rights and police misconduct. Among her accomplishments at Suffolk, she describes the development of curriculum focused on civil rights and police reform, the creation of an internship program for first-year students, and her role as the founding director of the Masterman Institute on the First Amendment and Fourth Estate. She reflects on the major developments and changes in the law school, efforts to diversify the student body, and the growth of the university as a whole. Throughout the interview, Blum shares personal memories of her mentors and colleagues at Suffolk, as well as the challenges of being a woman on the law faculty early in her career.

• 

  Oral history interview with Patricia Brown (SOH-012)

  Patricia I. Brown and William Coughlin

  In this interview, Patricia I. Brown, librarian emeritus of Suffolk University Law School, reflects on her forty-year educational and professional career at Suffolk University. Ms. Brown discusses her early employment starting in 1951 at the bursar’s office; her experience attaining three degrees from Suffolk; and how the university has changed over the course of forty years. In addition, Ms. Brown also recounts her experience as a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the honors she received from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Ms. Brown concludes by discussing her retirement plans.

• 

  Oral history interview with John Cavanagh (SOH-001)

  John C. Cavanagh

  John C. Cavanagh, a professor in Suffolk University’s history department, discusses his educational experiences and his teaching career. The interview covers his educational background; his academic interests; his approach to teaching; and his experiences at Suffolk since he began teaching there in 1970. He concludes by discussing his hopes for the future at Suffolk University.

• 

  Oral History Interview of Gary Christenson (SOH-065)

  Gary Christenson and Kathryn Kilbride

  In this interview, Gary Christenson, the Mayor of the City of Malden, reflects upon his experiences attending Suffolk University first as an undergraduate, then for a master’s degree and finally to pursue a law degree. He describes his work on the Student Government Association, relationships with mentors, and what it was like to balance his course load, work, and involvement on campus. Christenson concludes by discussing how his time at Suffolk University prepared him for a career in public service.

• 

  Oral History Interview with Karen Clarke (SOH-066 video recording and transcript)

  Karen Clarke, Crystal Pimentel, and Natalie Gilbert

  Karen Clarke, professor emerita of Art and Design, discusses her early career and travels, her teaching and academic work, and her impact on the interior design program at Suffolk University. Clarke describes the influence of global travel in her work as an interior designer, an artist, and later, as a professor. She discusses the merging of the New England School of Art and Design (NESAD) with Suffolk University and how it affected student life at the university. She also speaks about her teaching philosophy and the importance of teaching sustainable interior design. The interview concludes with a discussion of Clarke’s legacy in creating a Master's program in Interior Architecture and Design.

• 

  Oral history interview with John Costello (SOH-042)

  John Costello and Julia Howington

  In this interview, John W. Costello, a 1956 graduate of Suffolk University Law School reflects upon his experiences attending Suffolk University Law School, his family’s long-standing connection to Suffolk, and his life post-graduation. Costello discusses his political career including, his service in the Massachusetts legislature, the Governor’s Council, and his bid for Lieutenant Governor in 1964. He describes his relationships with Massachusetts politicians such as Congressman Joe Moakley, Bobby Kennedy and Jack Kennedy. He also describes his law practice, connections to his law school classmates, and his family life. Costello concludes by discussing how Suffolk Law School prepared him for his career.

• 

  Oral history interview with Bill Coughlin (SOH-050)

  William Coughlin and James Nelson

  Bill Coughlin, former director of admissions at Suffolk University, discusses his forty-three career at the university. Coughlin discusses his early life, including studying at Holy Cross and Boston University, and his time as a high school teacher in Connecticut. He describes the growth of Suffolk University from 1966-2010, including aspects of the university’s culture, the evolution of the admissions department, reaching international students, plus the introduction of residence halls and other additions to the Suffolk campus. The interview concludes with a discussion of Coughlin’s life post-retirement.

• 

  Oral History Interview of Robert W. Adams (SOH-089), video recording and transcript, 2024

  John C. Deliso and Robert W. Adams

  To mark the 25^th anniversary of the opening of Suffolk University’s Sargent Hall, Robert W. Adams, the building’s principal architect, and John C. Deliso, former Suffolk University Law School associate dean, discuss a variety of aspects related to the building’s siting, design, functional needs, and its overall significance to the law school and the university. Adams details the project’s unique challenges and opportunities, including the building’s location in a congested part of Downtown Boston, surrounded by historically significant properties. They both reflect on how well the building has served the evolving needs of Suffolk University Law School, the wider Suffolk community, and the surrounding neighborhood in the years since it’s opening in 1999.

• 

  Oral history interview with Judith R. Dushku (SOH-025)

  Judith Dushku and Chris Barretto

  Judith Dushku, a professor in the Government Department, began her career at Suffolk University in 1966, and in the years since then, has witnessed many changes at Suffolk and in the city of Boston. In this interview, Dushku discusses the changes in the school, the city, and her own beliefs over that period of time; she also remarks upon the anti-war movement, civil rights, local and international politics, and the media’s role in international issues. Professor Dushku relates her admiration of Congressman Joe Moakley and concludes with her satisfaction with her tenure at Suffolk.

• 

  Oral history interview with Tony Eonas (SOH-052)

  Anthony Eonas and Christine Perry

  Anthony “Tony” Eonas, Suffolk University Professor Emeritus, discusses his forty-eight-year career at the university in the Marketing and Business Law and Ethics Departments. He discusses his early life; including his transition into academia after working in sales, then teaching at Northeastern University and Bentley College. He discusses the evolution of the business school, the camaraderie of the faculty, and his focus on developing students. He recounts one of his major accomplishments, securing the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for the Sawyer Business School which elevated the reputation and ranking of the school. Professor Eonas also reminisces about his travels, both internationally, on behalf of Suffolk, and also across the United States, on regular motorcycle trips. He talks proudly about his family, and shares memories of his friends and students at Suffolk.

• 

  Oral history interview with John Fenton, Jr. (SOH-024)

  John Fenton Jr. and James Bulger

  In this interview, John Fenton, Jr., a distinguished professor of law at Suffolk University Law School, discusses his educational background, his family’s longstanding connection to Suffolk, his career in the court system and as a legal educator. Judge Fenton also reflects on the evolution of the law school, his tenure as dean, his involvement with the building of Sargent Hall, and the importance of public service. He concludes with a discussion of Suffolk’s impact on the community and advice for current law students.

• 

  Oral History Interview of Catherine Caraher Finnegan (SOH-015)

  Catherine Caraher Finnegan and David L. Robbins

  Catherine Caraher Finnegan discusses her twenty year career at Suffolk University, during which she served as stenographer, secretary to Dean Gleason Archer, secretary of the law school, and assistant treasurer. Finnegan describes her experiences working at Suffolk from 1919 to 1939; the roles and responsibilities she had in her various positions; and the school’s expansion over the years. She also recounts her first interview with Dean Archer, what it was like to work with him, and her personal memories of the Dean.

• 

  Oral history interview with Francis X. Flannery (SOH-039)

  Francis X. Flannery, Julia Howington, and Nicole Feeney

  Francis X. Flannery reflects on his upbringing in Boston as well as his forty-seven year career at Suffolk, during which he served as vice president, treasurer, and trustee. He discusses the expansion and growth of the university, the need for and acquisition of new buildings, and the financial past and future of the school. He also covers his personal and professional plans after his retirement in 2011, including his upcoming position as trustee and committee member.

• 

  Oral History Interview with Elliot Gabriel (SOH-067 video recording and transcript)

  Elliot Gabriel, Peter Vincent, and Michael Young

  Elliot Gabriel, retired Associate Dean of Students at Suffolk University, discusses his education, his early career, his role in the development of Suffolk’s Cooperative Education program, teaching in the Psychology Department, and his transition to the Dean of Students Office. Gabriel reflects on the university’s growth and many of the institutional changes he witnessed at Suffolk over thirty years. He also discussed the connection he felt with students in his roles in Boston and the Madrid campus. The interview concludes with a discussion of Gabriel’s activities since retirement and his views on the current state of Suffolk and higher education.

• 

  Oral history interview with Carolina Garcia (SOH-038)

  Carolina Garcia and Claire Price

  Carolina Garcia, the director of S.O.U.L.S. (Suffolk Organization for Uplifting Lives Through Service) Center for Community Engagement, discusses her involvement with service, service learning, and the development of her department at Suffolk University. Originally from Venezuela, Garcia talks about her educational background and the beginnings of her interest in community service. She explains the various forms of service that take place on the Suffolk campus including volunteering, service learning and the integration of community service activities into Suffolk University’s undergraduate curriculum. The interview also covers the importance of community partnerships as well as the impact of experiential learning on undergraduate students. Garcia concludes with thoughts on the evolution of her department and her vision for its future.

• 

  Oral History Interview with Kenneth Garni (SOH-054 video recording and transcript)

  Kenneth Garni and Nancy Stoll

  Ken Garni, professor emeritus of psychology and former director of Suffolk University’s Counseling Center, reflects on the growth and development of the center during his forty years at Suffolk. Garni describes his department’s early role as one of the only student support centers on campus and how, over time, specialized departments such as the Ballotti Learning Center and the Career Center were created to provide comprehensive support for students. He discusses the challenges of adapting services and staffing to meet the evolving needs of students as the university grew and the population diversified. Among his accomplishments, he notes the creation of the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited doctoral intern training program, his role in creating the Ballotti Learning Center, and advocating for the first international student advisor position. Throughout the interview, he reflects on how his career was positively impacted by his Suffolk colleagues and his collaborations with campus partners such as the Student Affairs Division.

• 

  Oral History Interview of Donald Goodrich (SOH-016)

  Donald Goodrich and David L. Robbins

  Donald Goodrich recalls his twenty-two year career at Suffolk University, which began in 1947 when he was hired as the university registrar; he was appointed dean of the colleges in 1956, then university vice president in 1966, before his retirement in 1969. Goodrich discusses his professional background, working with Dean Lester Ott, and his role in the admissions and enrollment processes. He also describes how Suffolk changed from his first days there and remarks upon the administrative transitions after the retirement of university founder Gleason Archer.

• 

  Oral history interview with Kenneth S. Greenberg (SOH-037)

  Kenneth S. Greenberg and Tim Dodge

  Kenneth S. Greenberg, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Suffolk University, discusses his career at Suffolk, which began in 1978 as an assistant professor in the history department and eventually led to his appointment as dean in 2004. He touches upon his educational background in history and how it intertwines with his position at Suffolk. He also describes his responsibilities as dean, the changes he has noticed at Suffolk since the beginning of his career, and the university’s housing situation. Greenberg concludes by discussing future plans for Suffolk’s diverse and ever-evolving student body.

• 

  Oral history interview with Kenneth S. Greenberg (SOH-049)

  Kenneth S. Greenberg and Fred Marchant

  Kenneth Greenberg, distinguished professor of history and former dean of Suffolk University’s College of Arts & Sciences, discusses his life from childhood in the 1950s to college and graduate work in the 1960s and 1970s. He describes his first teaching opportunity at the Harriett Beecher-Stowe Middle School in New York City and how it influenced his teaching style. Greenberg also goes into detail about his scholarship, service, and leadership activities within New York, Wisconsin, and Boston. He explains the background and motivations behind his books, essays, and documentary film surrounding the stories of Nat Turner. Related to Suffolk University, he reflects on the school’s history, his tenure as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and as chair of the history department. The interview ends with brief a discussion of his recent return to the faculty and his ongoing scholarly research and writing.

• 

  Oral History Interview with John Griffin (SOH-017)

  John Griffin and David L. Robbins

  John Griffin, a former Suffolk University faculty member and trustee, discusses his role in the establishment of the university’s undergraduate programs in the 1930s, including the creation of the business school and the school of journalism. Griffin describes the school’s founder Gleason Archer, the inner workings of the school, the development of new departments, and the key personnel who helped build Suffolk University.