The Oregon State University Sesquicentennial Oral History Project

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Susan Castillo Oral History Interview

Life history interview conducted by Janice Dilg.

June 17, 2014

Abstract

“Breaking Ground in the Senate and in Education”  June 17, 2014  Location: Castillo residence, Eugene, Oregon.  Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)

In the interview, Castillo discusses her family background, her educational path, and her OSU experience, including her association with KOAC radio and television, and her memories of campus life as a non-traditional student. From there she recounts an influential internship at the Northwest Illustrated television program, her years in television journalism at KVAL-TV, and the beginnings of her interest in politics.

The bulk of the session focuses on Castillo's political career as a state Senator, as Superintendent of Public Instruction, and as an executive with Project Lead the Way. In this she notes several points of pride looking back on her career, reflects on her role as a leader in the Hispanic community, and speaks to her strong advocacy of STEM education. The interview concludes with Castillo's thoughts on the current direction of the university and the advice that she would lend to today's students.