University Archives Audio-Visual Collection

George P. Cooper's interview with Harry Parker, a former faculty member of the animal husbandry department at Cal Poly from 1932 to 1954. [00:00:19] As I Remember Opening [00:00:33] Parker recalls leaving Scotland and coming to North America [00:01:11] Parker recalls his first job in California [00:01:27] Parker describes the circumstances that led to him coming to Cal Poly [00:02:46] Parker describes his role in teaching animal husbandry [00:03:13] Parker discusses the students' participation in the competitions held by the Future Farmers and the Cow Palace [00:04:30] Parker discusses the facilities for animal husbandry and beef production when he first arrived at Cal Poly [00:05:35] Parker describes the financial difficulties the university experienced and the students' response [00:06:22] Parker describes his role in the development of the school's purebred herd of beef cattle [00:07:46] Parker recalls purchasing feeder calves for shows and the benefits of doing so [00:08:33] Parker describes other facilities for the calves, such as pastures and barns [00:09:25] Parker recalls how the university went about acquiring new land [00:10:37] Parker describes some of his outstanding students [00:13:05] Parker recalls the addition of new facilities in the late 1930s [00:14:47] Parker discusses successful showings despite changes brought about by World War II [00:16:15] Parker describes how cattle shows have changed [00:17:08] Parker describes who of his "Randall" crew were still alive [00:17:24] Parker discusses how he went about developing his own beef herd later in his career [00:18:49] Parker describes the locations of his operations and the size of his land [00:20:41] Parker describes the expansion of the SLO and the city limits inching towards his his land [00:21:21] Parker discusses judging beef cattle and locations of the shows in which he's been the judge [00:22:27] Parker discusses the changes in the beef cattle business and showing that have come about in the past 20-25 years [00:24:40] Parker touches on the problems with the beef industry [00:26:07] Cooper records the sound of cattle [00:26:40] As I Remember Closing

George P. Cooper's interview with James F. Merson, a former faculty member agricultural engineering department at Cal Poly from 1936 to 1966. [00:00:29] As I Remember Opening [00:00:43] Merson teaching agriculture mechanics at a high school level before coming to Cal Poly in 1936 [00:01:02] Merson recalls the lack of facilities and faculty when he first arrived [00:01:36] Merson describes the objectives of the ag mechanics program [00:02:02] Merson contends that they had a "different kind of agriculture" and describes the ag mechanics program [00:02:36] Merson describes some faculty members who taught in the ag mechanics program [00:03:30] Merson describes some courses that were part of curriculum [00:04:19] Merson describes some of the facilities that were present when he first arrived at Cal Poly [00:05:19] Merson expands on the absence of an ag mechanics course when he first arrived [00:06:33] Merson discusses lack of development and decrease in enrollment when the war broke out [00:06:59] Merson discusses his responsibilities during the war period, including odd jobs at the auto shop and directing all farm operations [00:08:50] Merson recalls having faculty members help pitch hay [00:09:45] Merson describes the increase in enrollment after the war period and the start of the four year agriculture engineering program [00:10:43] Merson recalls acquiring more highly-specialized, permanent staff [00:11:15] Merson discusses the start of the horse-shoeing program in 1948 [00:12:51] Merson describes the degree program and the first student to graduate from it [00:14:14] Merson discusses the increase in enrollment of international students in the agriculture program [00:16:16] Merson discusses the expansion of the ag mechanics program and the addition of new facilities [00:17:36] Merson describes some differences between the agricultural engineering program and the agricultural mechanics program [00:18:24] Merson recalls the addition of the Peace Corps program in 1960 and ag mechanics students' involvement in it [00:20:00] Merson estimates the amount of time faculty devotes to service courses in the agriculture department [00:20:58] Merson describes his hobbies and how he went about carrying them out [00:23:33] Merson and Cooper reflect on their careers [00:25:53] As I Remember Closing

George P. Cooper's interview with Theodore Matthew, a former faculty member of the physical sciences department at Cal Poly from 1948 to 1962. [00:00:10] As I Remember Opening [00:00:23] Matthew recalls his first meeting with a representative of Cal Poly [00:01:31] Matthew describes his experience upon arriving at Cal Poly [00:02:37] Matthew describes the temporary buildings present in 1948-49 [00:04:45] Matthew describes the temporary student housing in 1948-49 [00:05:43] Matthew recalls the changes that occurred in 1949-50, such as the development of the library building and increases in temporary student housing [00:07:42] Matthew discusses the changes that took place in 1959-60, such as larger dormitories and the development of a new science area [00:08:26] Matthew describes the new science building complex [00:09:27] Matthew describes how the staff went about determining what facilities they needed [00:09:57] Matthew discusses the addition of new buildings in 1961, such as the construction of a dining complex, gymnasium, and theater [00:12:13] Matthew describes the growth of the staff in the physical sciences department [00:12:58] Matthew recalls his role in the development of the "college counsel," a group that would represent the faculty [00:15:57] Cooper describes the current state of the faculty/staff counsel [00:16:53] Matthew describes his role in the state employees' organization [00:18:19] Matthew the difference between the problems of civil service employees and those of teachers [00:18:55] Matthew discusses his role in the Disaster Committee [00:20:52] Matthew discusses some of the details of the disaster plan as well as its use in other areas [00:23:19] Matthew discusses what he's being doing since he's retired [00:25:39] As I Remember Closing

George P. Cooper's interview with Louis E. "Mac" McFarland, former faculty member of the maintenance department from 1925 to 1963. [00:00:03] As I Remember Opening [00:00:17] McFarland recalls the circumstances that brought him to Cal Poly [00:00:47] McFarland describes his first job that he had when he came to Cal Poly [00:01:25] McFarland discusses the university presidents during his time: Crandall and McPhee [00:01:55] McFarland describes what the buildings were like when he first arrived in 1925 [00:03:07] McFarland recalls the Cal Poly's financial state during the Depression [00:03:39] McFarland describes the growth of enrollment during his time [00:04:11] McFarland discusses the expansion program, which included additional utilities and infrastructure [00:04:49] McFarland recalls the utilities present when he first arrived [00:06:05] McFarland discusses how he lived off campus when he first arrived [00:07:07] McFarland describes the navy presence on campus during WWII [00:08:33] McFarland describes the number of people that were responsible to him [00:09:06] McFarland describes some of his former students [00:10:25] McFarland describes some of the former members of the Naval Flight Refresher Program [00:11:32] McFarland describes the venues for faculty and student social functions [00:12:38] McFarland recalls being appointed Grand Marshall of the homecoming parade in 1963 [00:13:23] Cooper wraps up the interview [00:13:54] As I Remember Closing

Interview with Couper, who served on Cal Poly's Agriculture faculty from 1931-1965. Couper was also involved in the Future Farmers of America, Cal Poly's Kellogg-Voorhis campus (later Cal Poly Pomona), and the California Bureau of Agricultural Education. [00:00:08] As I Remember Opening [00:00:26] Couper recalls being picked, along with three others, by Julian McPhee in 1931 to be part of Cal Poly's agriculture program and discusses each person's roles [00:01:51] Couper discusses the addition of other personnel in 1932 and each person's respective roles [00:02:42] Couper describes the "old gang," which formed the nucleus of the agriculture faculty [00:03:07] Couper describes what he did to carry out McPhee's plans in the fall of 1931, which included "presenting to the public a good image of the Future Farmers of America" and "presenting a good image of Cal Poly" [00:04:02] Couper recalls making movies of the Future Farmers of America programs in California in the spring of 1932 [00:04:20] Couper describes when McPhee came down to Cal Poly to run it in 1933 [00:05:17] Couper talks about his experience in teaching classes at Cal Poly [00:05:57] Couper talks about what terminated his teaching responsibilities in 1936 [00:06:46] Couper recalls serving as public relations head for several national Future Farmers conventions [00:07:32] Couper describes the absence of limitations in his work [00:09:10] Couper talks about his involvement with the legislature [00:10:28] Couper describes the events that took place at Cal Poly in 1938, which include acquisition of the Voorhis unit, Leopold E. Rassi's fund to help needy students at Cal Poly, and the setting up of a degree transfer with UC Davis [00:13:00] Couper describes the acquisition of the Voorhis unit in greater detail [00:14:33] Couper describes the "PR aspect" of the situation with Rassi [00:15:57] Couper discusses balancing his work and keeping up with McPhee [00:16:43] Couper recalls his unusual experience with a train [00:18:20] Couper recalls when the State Board of Education gave Cal Poly the right to grant a bachelor's degree in 1940 [00:21:25] Couper describes when Robert E. Kennedy came to Cal Poly and assumed some of the former's previous responsibilities in 1940 [00:22:23] Couper recalls his professional reaction when World War II broke out [00:23:01] Couper describes how he aided in the war effort [00:24:32] Couper describes how the emphasis of his work changed when McPhee gave up his position as chief of the State Bureau of Agriculture Education in 1944 [00:25:19] Couper recalls how he worked with McPhee when the latter became the state director of vocational education [00:25:43] Couper recalls being called on to do various tasks at Cal Poly [00:26:16] Couper recalls taking a large group of California Future Farmers to the national convention for the first time in 1946 [00:26:55] Couper talks about his involvement with the acquisition of the Kellogg property [00:27:28] Couper describes in greater detail the "PR aspect" of the acquisition of the Kellogg Property [00:28:28] Couper describes when the Bureau of Agriculture headquarters moved back to Sacramento in 1953 [00:29:09] Couper recalls his final year at Cal Poly: 1964-65 [00:30:10] Couper describes what he did during his retirement [00:31:14] As I Remember Closing

Interview with Bennion, who served as faculty in the Cal Poly Animal Husbandry department from 1938-1967. [00:00:10] "As I Remember" Introduction [00:00:24] Bennion asked about the year and the circumstances in which he arrived in San Luis Obispo [00:00:49] Bennion discusses how he heard about Cal Poly [00:01:46] Bennion shares information regarding the vocational agriculture program at Cal Poly [00:02:06] Bennion describes where he lived on campus, "The Annex" [00:03:01] Bennion talks about being a trainee in agricultural education [00:03:18] Bennion discusses the education level of the students with whom he worked [00:03:48] Bennion talks about forming a basketball team [00:04:36] Bennion discusses his training in Red Bluff [00:05:29] Bennion describes his experience at the agricultural education training center [00:05:45] Bennion discusses going to Salinas in 1932 to teach and coaching athletics [00:06:29] Bennion describes working in the agricultural extension program in Salinas and going to work in Merced County as a farm advisor [00:07:34] Bennion talks about returning to Cal Poly in 1938 [00:07:59] Bennion describes changes to Cal Poly's programs he observed when he returned [00:08:42] Bennion discusses the objectives of students in the agricultural program [00:09:21] Bennion describes the project program [00:10:51] Bennion discusses group projects and rationale behind them within the agricultural program [00:11:55] Bennion talks about the purpose and development of student participation in fairs [00:14:03] Bennion discusses his students competing with top breeders and feeders in county fairs [00:15:16] Bennion describes the impact that the war had on enrollment in the early 1940s [00:16:39] Bennion describes his experience as part the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the establishment of a Thorough-Bred Breeding Unit at Cal Poly [00:18:04] Bennion discusses obtaining stock and building the facilities for the program at Cal Poly [00:19:23] Bennion discusses students entering the thoroughbred business after graduating from Cal Poly [00:20:04] Bennion talks about limitations faced in breeding horses as a result of the war [00:21:21] Bennion talks about the men who were instrumental in establishing the Thoroughbred Breeding Program at Cal Poly [00:22:38] Bennion describes the obstacles brought about by the war [00:23:48] Bennion discusses the victory at Great Western in Los Angeles [00:24:42] Bennion discusses the expansion of facilities and land since his first visit to Cal Poly [00:26:14] Bennion describes training in the cow-calf operation [00:27:12] Bennion discusses the development of the feed-mill, slaughterhouse, and commercial feeding unit [00:28:44] Bennion talks about the increase in managerial positions on growing ranches in the 1950s [00:29:53] Bennion discusses graduates going into fair management work [00:30:39] Bennion discusses employment opportunities in high school agriculture teaching [00:31:20] Bennion discusses the success of students in the animal husbandry program [00:32:02] Bennion describes the trial and development program on the bulls for commercial cattlemen [00:34:10] Bennion discusses the process of grading and auctioning off the bulls [00:34:45] Bennion describes the size of the department at the time in which he retired [00:35:40] Closing Bennion's interview with the chant of a bull auctioneer [00:36:15] "As I Remember" Closing

Interview with Beck, who served as a member of the Farm Management faculty at Cal Poly 1932-1963. Beck was also involved in planning and conducting Poly Royal (annual Cal Poly showcase event), and in coordinating the Alumni Association. [00:00:09] As I Remember Opening [00:00:24] Beck describes how he first heard about Cal Poly while he was still in Colorado [00:01:16] Beck describes his arrival in California in 1927 [00:01:38] Beck recalls his attendance at a summer conference prior to going into teaching and obtaining a teaching credential [00:02:06] Beck describes how he acquire a job as an agriculture teacher in California [00:03:10] Beck describes his time teaching in Middletown and Colusa [00:03:38] Beck discusses how he made a reputation for himself in Colusa [00:04:53] Beck recalls when he arrived at Cal Poly in 1932 and student enrollment at the time [00:05:44] Beck describes the major departments at Cal Poly in 1932 and its "junior college" status [00:06:40] Beck describes the physical facilities at Cal Poly in 1932 [00:12:25] Beck discusses changes that McPhee made when he took over in 1933 [00:14:40] Beck recalls George Couper's important role with regards to Future Farmers [00:15:16] Beck talks about people who McPhee brought to Cal Poly during his administration to work as part of the agriculture department staff [00:17:59] Beck describes people who were part of the new Future Farmers chapter at Cal Poly in 1932 and noted their successes after graduation [00:19:33] Beck describes the importance of Future Farmers chapter at Cal Poly [00:20:34] Beck describes Poly Royal, a country fair and livestock show at Cal Poly on March 31, 1933 [00:21:39] Beck talks about the elected officers of Poly Royal [00:22:36] Beck describes past Poly Royal queens, Miss Cal Poly, and eligibility requirements [00:25:54] Beck discusses his role as an advisor for Poly Royal [00:26:41] Beck recalls his involvement in an honor organization for agriculture students at Cal Poly [00:27:43] Beck talks about the beginnings and purpose of Gamma Pi Delta in October 1934 [00:28:13] Beck describes eligibility for Gamma Pi Delta [00:29:03] Beck talks about the charter members and officers of Gamma Pi Delta [00:30:14] Beck describes Alpha Zeta, an honorary agriculture fraternity [00:32:55] Beck recalls the activities of Alpha Zeta [00:34:02] As I Remember : Reel 2 [00:32:11] Beck describes the service functions of the Future Farmers of America [00:37:55] Beck describes changes that occurred when McPhee became director of vocational education [00:38:27] Beck talks about the service functions the Future Farmers of America performed during the conference of the Agricultural Teachers' Association [00:39:33] Beck discusses the beginnings of the Region at Large [00:40:20] Beck describes issues encountered, such as paying dues to the Agriculture Teachers' Association and lack of representation on the board, and efforts made to remedy this [00:43:33] Beck describes the sources of opposition [00:44:09] Beck describes the "divergent views" of how the Region at Large came to be formed [00:45:51] Beck talks about the "Yellow Dogs," and organization formed for the purpose of "having a good time" [00:48:49] Beck describes changes to the Region at Large, such as initiation and hazing [00:52:09] Beck talks about his involvement in the Staff Club and some of the club's activities [00:54:45] Beck talks about his involvement in the Alumni Association at Cal Poly [00:57:15] Beck describes his time as alumni executive secretary [00:57:52] Beck recalls his biggest achievement as alumni director [00:58:12] Beck talks about his teaching experience at Cal Poly and fthe courses he taught [01:00:02] Interview wrap-up: Couper reflects on Beck's experience at Cal Poly

[00:00:00] Kennedy give the knowledge he has gained from reports on the issue so far [00:01:33] Kennedy invites Clyde Fisher to give a statement about the instructors not being retained in the school of science and mathematics [00:03:50] Fisher says that upon not receiving a recommendation of reappointment, Dr. Williams sent in his letter of resignation [00:04:30] Fisher says that no processing action was necessary or required for Williams regarding the 1971-1972 school year [00:05:05] Fisher says that he did not endorse the recommendation for tenure for Vrana [00:05:34] Fisher says he did not support a move for tenure, but recommended a full notice year of employment for Vrana [00:06:30] Fisher says the grievance committee recommendation supported the administration's decision to not grant tenure [00:07:23] Fisher says Vrana research came subsequent to the decision to not grant tenure [00:07:42] Kennedy gives his perspective about these two cases [00:08:46] Kennedy says he wrote a letter of recommendation for Williams [00:10:40] Kennedy says the faculty needed more Ph.D members according to the accreditation committee [00:12:40] Kennedy says the president shall make decisions if there are compelling circumstances to improve a program [00:13:12] Kennedy says it is not his policy to discuss personnel matters publically [00:14:45] Dr. Ericson gives his statement about Fred Rizzo [00:16:13] Ericson says the file that contained the American Legion newsletter was not available to the tenure faculty who voted against giving Rizzo tenure [00:17:11] Ericson says it was Rizzo's refusal to teach an assigned freshman course that directly led to his non-reappointment [00:18:44] Dr. Cummins begins to give his statement [00:19:11] Cummins was the Dean of the School of Applied Arts for Rizzo [00:20:10] Cummins says he made it clear to Rizzo the policy that all members of the English department must instruct one or more freshman course a quarter [00:20:40] Cummins says Rizzo showed no apparent dissatisfaction about his previous or forthcoming teaching assignments from the year 1969-1970 [00:21:09] Cummins says it was not until winter 1971 that Rizzo expressed dissatisfaction over being assigned to teach freshman classes along with other instructors [00:21:49] Cummins says he had not discussed the American Legion newsletter with anyone [00:22:21] Cummins says the reason he included the newsletter in Rizzo's file was that it was an information file [00:23:50] Kennedy says Richard Greene was hired for only 1 year and his contract was schedule to terminate June 1971 [00:25:59] Cummins says that Ericson probably knows more about the dialogue involving Rizzo agreeing to teach freshman courses [00:27:20] Ericson says that Rizzo was informed to see his department head about his particular teaching assignments [00:28:45] A reporter asks Kennedy if he will attend any of the upcoming SNAP meetings [00:28:55] Kennedy says he does not think he will attend the SNAP meetings [00:30:45] (small break between side A and side B of tape) [00:31:07] Kennedy is asked about the way that faculty is evaluating [00:31:38] Kennedy talks about how he has already been trying to get a student evaluation program off the ground [00:32:40] Kennedy says some of the liberal approaches to student involvement may be declared inoperable soon [00:33:50] Kennedy says at the most recent meeting of the Board of Trustees adopted a new program that did not allow student involvement in evaluation [00:36:25] Kennedy expresses his thoughts on the potential rally being organized [00:39:25] Ericson says he does not want to discuss this personnel matters with a mob [00:40:55] Ericson responds to a question about the political implications in the Rizzo case [00:43:12] Kennedy says it is inappropriate for Rizzo to go into his file and release the information inside to the press [00:44:00] Kennedy says this will lead to returning to closed file systems or risk undermining the evaluation process [00:45:13] Ericson says that the year after Rizzo's greatest political activity, he was rehired and recommended him for promotion [00:46:10] Ericson says the Board of Trustees have rules that allow people who put things into the file to be able to withdraw them [00:47:00] Ericson says the only thing removed was a laudatory letter from students about Rizzo [00:48:35] Kennedy says the open file policy is an optional policy at the local level [00:50:53] Kennedy describes the new statewide academic grievance procedure [00:54:45] Kennedy says the steps of the procedure were followed in order [00:55:32] Kennedy says Rizzo can go beyond campus for a hearing [00:56:08] Kennedy says he would welcome an AUP investigation team [00:57:47] Kennedy talks about when the president had a lot more say in personnel matters

[00:00:02] An unidentified speaker begins discussing the standards and circumstances of holding teachings on library lawn [00:00:10] He goes through the options of how the teachings could be handled and what topics would be covered [00:00:55] He pinpoints the circumstances of the teachings into three options for the students [00:01:30] He finishes explaining the three options for the teachings [00:01:31] The audience applauds [00:01:42] Dr. Kennedy wants to clarify the options and alternatives [00:02:30] Dr. Kennedy asks the speaker to remind him of the first alternative [00:02:38] The speaker says the students have their choice [00:02:42] Dr. Kennedy replies that he only remembers two options [00:02:43] The speaker then goes through options one and two [00:02:49] Dr. Kennedy then asks a questions for clarification [00:02:53] The speaker explains option three in detail, in regards to grading [00:03:17] Dr. Kennedy raises questions about alternative three, regarding if the student would take an incomplete [00:03:42] The speaker tries to explain that there should be no penalties to the student [00:03:45] Dr. Kennedy raises some concern for the relationship between students and teachers as well as not receiving credit [00:04:33] Dr. Kennedy is distracted by somebody having their hand raised [00:04:41] He then explains why he does not want to interfere with student teacher relationships [00:05:00] He asks the audience if they understand what he is saying [00:05:03] The audience replies with a resounding "no" [00:05:04] Dr. Kennedy explains the alternatives once again [00:05:41] He is distracted, which interrupts his explanation [00:05:46] He begins to explain the other alternative [00:06:11] He says he supports the relationship between faculty, student, and the student's education [00:07:04] He announces that he is going to read a directive that states the guidelines of teaching at a University [00:07:33] He says that the teachings do not violate or deviate from the directive as long as the instructor and grading system are involved [00:08:02] The audience applauds [00:08:03] The speaker addresses Dr. Kennedy, and asks how he would grade a student that attended the teachings [00:08:19] Dr. Kennedy says it is not a simple yes or no answer [00:08:51] The audience applauds [00:08:59] He continues to explain that the experience will differ between each faculty member, student, and class [00:09:37] The speaker poses a scenario for Dr. Kennedy, as if he were the teacher giving the grade to a student [00:09:50] As if he were a journalism teacher, Dr. Kennedy says that he would approve of these separate teachings [00:10:26] He would give a grade for the subject work and courses that the student completed [00:10:31] The audience applauds [00:10:35] He discusses the differences of his journalism course in comparison to others [00:10:49] He reiterates that his field was an appropriate type of project for these teachings [00:11:09] He states that the faculty have the right to make that decision, even if they do not have tenure [00:11:16] The audience applauds [00:11:19] Dr. Kennedy says the faculty can participate and will not get fired [00:11:23] A man poses a question in regards to the hearing processes at Cal Poly

Recording of speech made by Bobby Seale (co-founder of the Black Panther Party and activist for the Civil Rights Movement).