The Oregon State University Sesquicentennial Oral History Project

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Ann Kiessling Oral History Interview

Life history interview conducted by Chris Petersen.

June 13, 2014

Abstract

“Reflections on Oregon Roots”  June 13, 2014  Location: Valley Library, Oregon State University.  Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)

In the interview, Kiessling speaks of her connections with the state of Oregon and OSU. In so doing, she reflects on the academic path that led to her arrival at OSU as a doctoral candidate in 1967, a path that included her earning a degree in nursing as a tool for funding further schooling. She discusses her association with her major professor at OSU, Dr. George Beaudreau, and the work that she conducted in his laboratory, investigating the relationship between viruses and cancer. She shares her memories of her academic progression at Oregon State as well as campus and community life in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She likewise notes the impact that OSU made on the next stages of her career.

The remainder of the interview is chiefly devoted to Kiessling's recollections of her broader ties to the state, including her upbringing in Klamath Falls and the eight years that she spent on faculty at Oregon Health Sciences University.

This interview was conducted in connection with Kiessling's June 2014 visit to Corvallis, during which time she delivered the Commencement Address at OSU's graduation exercises.