Interviews 891-900

Each Guide entry contains information about an interview, including biographical data about the interviewee (name, vital dates, dates at the UW-Madison, and principal positions held as of the interview date), information about the interview (interviewer, year conducted, length, and series, transcript, and restriction information if applicable), and a list of key topics discussed in the interview. For more detailed information about an interview, or to obtain a copy of an interview contact the Oral History Project.

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Abstract:  In his three November, 2007 interviews, he gives a remarkably comprehensive, yet succinct, overview of his life, education, and career at the UW, World Health Organization, and State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services. He reviews the series of key events that led him to a career in economics. Discusses his coming to the UW and eventual move into a most powerful position in state government in the Division of Health. Discusses his relationship with Governors Lucey and Schreiber. Discusses the UW and his career as chair of the department in the 1980s. Discusses his international consulting career under the auspices of WHO. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.

Abstract:  In his 2 November, 2007 interviews Tom reviewed his pre-Wisconsin and then UW career. He grew up poor in Texas in the 1920s and 1930s; joined the army for WWII and described impact on him; had a military career which ended at the ROTC program at UW-Madison. Was recruited by then Dean Martha Peterson to join UW-Madison administration and ended up running the registrar's office. Discussed all of the organizational issues, including all of the problems associated with the first several attempts to computerize the registration process. Had useful observations about the UW leadership and the student body. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.

Abstract: Worked for General Library System for 40 years beginning in 1967 and worked as student employee two years before that. Career in technical services changed dramatically over 40 years as technology and computerization were introduced. Was employed when Wisconsin State Employees Union was formed and worked through the strike. Was employed during campus unrest due to Vietnam War. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.

Abstract:  In his three November, 2007 interviews with Bob Lange, he covered his life:  growing up in Indiana in the 1950s; college and 5 years in the US Air Force; graduate school at Syracuse University; and his career at UW since arriving in 1970. Gives a comprehensive overview of the subject of geography and his career in human geography. Talks about his interest in other cultures and how that eventually led to his creating the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. Gives detailed observations on David Ward, Chancellor and professor of geography. Talks about difficulties in the Geography department. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.

#896. GEISLER, Peg ( - )
Director Emeritus of Continuing Education
At UW:

Interviewed: 2007 (2 sessions)	Length:
Interviewer: Eleanor Albert

Abstract: Early childhood. College and graduate school. Move from counseling to Educational Policy. University Extension. Wisconsin Idea Seminar. Major contributions as an administrator. Explanation of functioning of UW Extension and various UW deans of schools. Work with prior directors. Geisler as director – outreach as public relations, university as cultural heart of the state, university as economic engine of the state. Interests after retirement. Role in helping to organize and find funding for the Mann Endowment. How students changed. Overall achievements. Role in CIC – continuing role in helping through volunteer work.

Abstract: Morris talked about his early life in Whatcheer , Iowa including his interest in the Japanese language which he taught himself. Morris was in the U.S. Army during World War II and used his language skills to interrogate prisoners of war. He also served as a waiter for top brass in the Pentagon. Morris attended Drake University under GI bill and worked toward PhD at UW-Madison. He worked for Gisholt Company in Madison until it closed. Morris began working in UW-Madison’s Memorial Library as a book cataloger in 1972 and is a language specialist. At age 87 he is still working full-time. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the UW-Madison Oral History Program.

#899. ( - )

#900. BERKOWITZ, Norma (1929 - )
Clinical Assistant Professor Emeritus in the UW-Madison School of Social Work
At UW: 1967-1993

Abstract: Norma Berkowitz received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the 1960s several years after receiving her undergraduate degree at Penn State.  She discussed the system approach to social work studies that makes the UW-Madison program unique. In 1993 after retiring from the UW-Madison she founded the Friends of Chernobyl Centers United States (FOCCUS) which provides support, education and consultation to 13 community centers in Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine.

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