SIUE Oral History Project
Every Cougar has fond memories of their time at SIUE and we invite you to share yours! This oral history project provides alumni a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their time at SIUE in their own words. After the collection is complete, these unique stories will be compiled into a book that celebrates our alma mater and our history.
This opportunity is possible thanks to a partnership between the Office of Alumni & Donor Relations and Publishing Concepts, Inc., (PCI). In addition to collecting stories, PCI will assist in collecting updated biographic information from alumni to ensure we have up-to-date information to stay connected with Cougars across the nation. You will be offered an opportunity to purchase the oral history publication and other merchandise. You are under no obligation to do so.
How to Share Your Story
You will receive a postcard (like the one pictured below) and email from PCI with instructions on how to share their story. You'll share your recollections over the phone with a trained communications professional of the PCI team.
If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may share your story by calling: 1-877-254-7514.
Phone lines will become active starting August 12.
Join us in celebrating all eras of SIUE alumni by sharing your unique experiences and memories. Let's celebrate our past and inspire future generations of Cougars!
What to Look for
PCI is sending postcards and emails to our alumni. Simply follow the steps to update your information and set up a time to share your story with one of their staff members.
Postcard Example:
Email Example:
Please take a moment to review our FAQ section to help answer common questions.
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Southern Illinois University. Tell me more about the project.
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for SIUE Alumni Association. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and how the school helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Does SIUE Alumni Association benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni
- Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our school
- Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our school
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?
- If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to SIUE Alumni Association at the conclusion of the project.
- If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
- If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?
If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before 2/7/2025 by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before 2/7/2025 to share your story.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.
If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The SIUE Alumni Association Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni. There is no obligation to buy.
I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
