First Person Normal

Illinois State University celebrates 150 years in 2007. As a proud part of the ISU community, GLT is bringing you the personal memories of university alumni and employees.

Listen for First Person Normal, an audio story-telling project produced by GLT with the help of independent producer Paulette Cott.

“Everyone has a story. First Person Normal will help tell ISU’s history through these personal memories,” said Cott.

GLT observed the ISU Sesquicentennial with First Person Normal throughout much of 2007 by broadcasting the show during All Things Considered. No new episodes are currently being produced.

If you're familiar with podcasting, and want to sign up now, you can:

If you'd like to learn more about podcasting this and other GLT and NPR Programs, check out our guide on our podcasting page.

 

Recent Episodes


Efaws-"Campused" (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007
Run Time: 2:42
Barbara and Larry Efaw explain the term "campused" and for what one could be "campused."

Paxton-Public Radio's Early Days (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007
Run Time: 3:01
Much has changed about public radio in the last 40+ years -- including on-air fund drives.

Willie Brown-Colonial Pancake House (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007
Run Time: 1:53
Brown a vice president at State Farm Insurance, worked while attending college. His first job was at the Colonial Pancake House on Main.

Doug Collins-Coach Robinson (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2007
Run Time: 2:27
ISU Basketball standout Doug Collins remembers a coach who changed his life. Click here to see a Sports Illustrated cover featuring Collins.

Chip Bone-Homecoming Camel (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 31 May 2007
Run Time: 2:00
One of Chip's most memorable homecoming parades occurred after his father, ISU President Robert Bone retuned from a trip to Egypt. Click here to see a photo.

Bob Tomaski-Rites of Spring Fest (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 29 May 2007
Run Time: 2:51
Bob Tomaski's first time on campus coincided with the final Rites of Spring celebration on the Quad. Hear his story during this episode of First Person Normal.

Lisa and Linda Morreau-Meeting Lanny (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 24 May 2007
Run Time: 2:58
Hear Linda Morreau tell her daughter about a life-long relationship which budded on the first day on campus.

Sally Pancrazio-Black Friars Serenades (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 22 May 2007
Run Time: 2:23
The former Dean of the College of Education remembers the singing group, the Black Friars and their tradition of serenading recently pinned couples. Click here to see a photo.

Jim and Angie Almeda-Roomates (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 17 May 2007
Run Time: 3:28
You don't have to have attended college to have a good roommate story, but different types of people are thrown together making for some good stories.

Jay Groves, Steve Adams-The Quad (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 15 May 2007
Run Time: 3:17
A lot has changed at ISU...but the Quad and what goes on there is still pretty much the same.

Jeff Fritzen-Vietnam Era (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 10 May 2007
Run Time: 2:31
An ISU graduate recalls some unrest on the ISU campus.

Taye Woldesmiate-International House (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 8 May 2007
Run Time: 2:58
A former student and current staff member recalls efforts to free him while held as a political prisoner.

Parker Lawliss-WW II Veterans (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 3 May 2007
Run Time: 2:17
Normal Town Council member Parker Lawliss remembers military style housing and an advantageous male to female student ratio.

Linda Bowman-Women's Transit Authority (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 1 May 2007
Run Time: 2:27
The current evening bus service around campus evolved from a program in the late 70's called the Women's Transit Authority. It allowed Linda Bowman to stay on campus after dark.

Linda Morreau -- The Big Four and other Dances (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007
Run Time: 3:01
Lisa interviews her mom, Linda, about campus life, including freshman mixers and the Big Four Dances. Click here to see a photo.

Kathy Taylor-Former Buildings (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007
Run Time: 2:27
A lot has changed on campus since Kathy Taylor graduated in 1961. She recalls buildings that are gone and buildings being used for other purposes today.

Doug Collins-Will Robinson (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2007
Run Time: 2:27
ISU Basketball standout Doug Collins remembers a coach who changed his life. Click here to see a Sports Illustrated cover featuring Collins.

Roland & Mary Mercer-Panty Raids (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2007
Run Time: 2:27
Roland and Mary Mercer were on campus in the late 60's and early 70's. They reminisce about witnessing a panty raid.

Chip Bone-ISNU to ISU (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007
Run Time: 2:45
Chip Bone is the son of Illinois State President Robert Bone (1956-1967). Chip recalls the transition from Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) to the current name, Illinois State University (ISU). Click here to see a photo.

Bob Tomaski-Rites of Spring (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007
Run Time: 2:51
Bob Tomaski's first time on campus coincided with the final Rites of Spring celebration on the Quad. Hear his story during this episode of First Person Normal.

Lisa Morreau Sholl-Special Education (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:30
Learn more about distinguished special education professor Dr. Lanny Morreau and his influence on his daughter and a student who would become his future son in law.

Sally Pancrazio-Black Friars (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:23
The former Dean of the College of Education remembers the singing group, the Black Friars and their tradition of serenading recently pinned couples. Click here to see a photo.

Jay Groves-TV10 (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:58
Learn more about the student run TV newscast and some of the behind the scenes drama involved in getting the daily show on the air.

Parker Lawliss-WW II Veterans (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:17
Normal Town Council member Parker Lawliss remembers military style housing and an advantageous male to female student ratio.

Selk-Dickerson-ISU Memories (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:56
Mary Selk and Marjorie Dickerson recall their time at ISU in the early 1940's.

Linda and Lisa Morreau -- The Big Four and other Dances (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007
Run Time: 3:01
Lisa interviews her mom, Linda, about campus life, including freshman mixers and the Big Four Dances. Click here to see a photo.

Mike and Becky Lockett-Dance Clubs (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:14
Mike and Becky recall their passion for dancing and for "Shufflin' Shoes" Wednesday evenings at McCormick Hall.

Steve Adams-Will Robinson (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:27
Illinois State University Acting Vice President for Student Affairs and Voice of the Redbirds recalls ISU's first African American coach.

Mike Emery-Influential Professors (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007
Run Time: 2:56
McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery recalls his non-traditional student experience and a couple of professors who pushed him while in school and then served as advisors for his campaign for sheriff. Click here to see a photo.

Jean Howard-Family History (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007
Run Time: 2:50
Jean Howard explains her family's connection to ISU, dating back to the late 19th century and how things have changed over the past 120 years.

Doug Collins-Arena Floor (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007
Run Time: 2:28
Basketball star, NBA Coach and now TV commentator, Doug Collins explains what having the floor of Redbird Arena named in his honor means to him.

The Mercers-Panty Raids (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007
Run Time: 2:27
Roland and Mary Mercer were on campus in the late 60's and early 70's. They reminisce about witnessing a panty raid.

Linda Bowman-Cafeterias (mp3)
Air Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2007
Run Time: 2:24
Linda Bowman, ISU's First Lady recalls her on-campus job as a student in the early 70's and meeting her husband, ISU President Al Bowman.

Chip Bone-ISU Name Change (mp3)
Air Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2007
Run Time: 2:45
Chip Bone is the son of Illinois State President Robert Bone (1956-1967). Chip recalls the transition from Illinois State Normal University (ISNU) to the current name, Illinois State University (ISU). Click here to see a photo.