Springfield College Professor Leads Students through Oral History Project
By: Damon Markiewicz
Springfield College Professor of History Thomas J. Carty, PhD, recently led students in his HIST 481 Recent America class through an oral history project that focused on the strong connection between the College and the Peace Corps. Carty’s students interviewed seven Peace Corps volunteers, who trained at Springfield College in the summer of 1965, as they prepared to serve as physical education teachers in Venezuela. The completed oral history interviews have been donated to the Springfield College archives.
As part of the class project, students researched the long-standing history Springfield College has with the Peace Corps, a connection that has lasted for more than six decades. It was the summer of 1963 when Springfield College began a partnership with the Peace Corps to start enrolling individuals in a 10-week summer program, training them for work in South American countries such as Venezuela and Ecuador.
“The College has a rich history in its connection with the Peace Corps, and this was a great opportunity for our students to learn more about that heritage, while also being able to supply content that can utilized in our archives,” explained Carty. “Oral history projects are an important way to preserve the stories and experiences of the past. This has also been a great opportunity for the students to learn the skills of capturing oral history, and helping capture the stories of these individuals who served our country through the Peace Corps experience.”
Carty’s students interviewed individuals who experienced the Peace Corps training, including Springfield College faculty emeritus, Kenneth A. Wall, G’73, DPE’75. Wall volunteered in both Costa Rica and Venezuela, and he utilized the Peace Corps experience to share the College’s Humanics philosophy with the individuals in Central and South America.
“It was an honor to work with our friends in Costa Rica and Venezuela, and I appreciate Professor Carty and his students’ work with this project,” explained Wall. “Because of the Peace Corps experience, I had access to four presidents in Costa Rica. The connections I made in both Costa Rica and Venezuela have lasted me a life-time. When I retired from Springfield College in 2019, I received a congratulatory letter from the university in Costa Rica where I had taught 50 years prior. Connections that have lasted forever.”
As part of the Peace Corps training in 1965, participants had to complete their on-campus studies in physical education, sports, and community recreation, before they embarked on their service trip. They also endured intensive language training on the native language of the country they were to serve. The men and women were well-versed by the end of their training in world affairs, including the relationships the United States had with other countries.
“I am forever grateful to have been a part of the Peace Corp experience,” added Wall. “You don’t forget the moments you experience when you serve, and I am very appreciative of just how special the people of Costa Rica and Venezuela are to our family.”
For Class of 2024 student Michael Lukasiewicz, taking part in this project only enhanced his educational experience on campus. As an Education major, Lukasiewicz appreciated the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the history of the College.
“It was very rewarding to be able to connect with the individuals who experienced serving in the Peace Corps, and hear about the special impact it had on all of them to be a part of this experience,” added Lukasiewicz. “I think all of the students in the class really appreciated the participants' service, and these are now connections we have made that can last forever.”
Thanks to Carty and the participating students, the natural synergy that exists between the College and the Peace Corps has been captured, and this will allow for future generations to be inspired to leave their own mark on Alden Street.
“Oral history is a great way to connect with students because they truly become engaged and excited by projects like this,” added Springfield College Archivist Jeff Monseau. “I think this allows the students to learn in a way that is more impactful. My hope is that the archives can help with more projects like this one. We have had some great success recently partnering with faculty in oral history projects, and I really see a bright future for this type of work at Springfield College.”
