Link To: The University of Michigan Home Page
Link To: History & Traditions Home Page
Link To: History & Tradition Home Page
Link To: About The Committee
Link To: Plaques And Markers
Link To: Certificates Of Recognition
Oral History Program
Link To: Other Activities		 Oral History Program


Much of the interesting history of individuals or institutions escapes documentation. Seldom do legends and other contributions to the fabric of society receive formal attention. This holds true for University of Michigan history. To capture this information, the History and Traditions Committee has undertaken a series of recorded interviews or oral histories. Personalities with longstanding and significant knowledge of the history of the University, including former University presidents, are among those who have been or are planned to be interviewed. Those interviewed thus far are listed below. The interviews, which were recorded on audio tape, have been transcribed and indexed, and are on deposit at the Bentley Historical Library, where they are available to the general public.

Completed and filed at Bentley Historical Library

  • Robert Briggs, Regent Emeritus, former Vice President for Finance
  • James (Jim) Brinkerhoff, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Business
  • Aldyth (Sally) Fleming, former First Lady
  • Robben Fleming, President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Law
  • Robert Forman, former Executive Director of the Alumni Association
  • Anne Hatcher, former First Lady
  • Harlan Hatcher, President Emeritus
  • Gertrude (Trudy) Huebner, Regent Emeritus
  • Richard Kennedy, Secretary Emeritus of the University, former Vice President for Government Relations
  • Marvin Niehuss, Professor Emeritus of Law, former Executive Vice President
  • Wilbur Pierpont, Vice President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Accounting
  • Thomas Roach, Regent Emeritus
  • Harold Shapiro, former President
  • Vivian Shapiro, former First Lady
  • Alva Gordon Sink, Alumna ('23), co-founder of the Michigan League, widow of Musical Society founder Charles A. Sink
  • Alene Smith, former Interim First Lady
  • Allan Smith, Professor Emeritus, Vice President Emeritus, and Interim President Emeritus
  • Paul Spradlin, former Director of Plant Extension and Interim Associate Vice President for Business Operations