Theme: Liberal Studies
Jim Edmunson Oral History Interview
Life history interview conducted by Mike Dicianna.
November 10, 2014
Jim Edmunson (b. 1951) graduated from Oregon State University in 1973 with a bachelor's
degree in Liberal Studies. As an OSU undergraduate, Edmunson was heavily involved
with student journalism during a turbulent era in U.S. history. As news editor of
the Daily Barometer, Edmunson coordinated coverage of anti-war protests and the murder of OSU student
Nancy Wyckoff, among other topics. In 1983, following stints as a professional news
reporter and editor, Edmunson began a new career as a lawyer and political figure,
serving in the Oregon legislature from 1987-1995 and chairing the Democratic Party
of Oregon from 1999-2007. His interview focuses primarily on his undergraduate experience
with particular emphasis placed on his activities as a student journalist.
Steve Fenk Oral History Interview
Life history interview conducted by Chris Petersen.
August 12, 2014
Steve Fenk (b. 1963) is an OSU Liberal Studies graduate from the class of 1987. Fenk
was heavily involved with the OSU Athletic Department as an undergraduate, a time
period during which he served as a color commentator working alongside radio "Voice
of the Beavers" Darrell Aune during Beaver basketball games. As a student, Fenk also
helped to organize a number of Oregon State wrestling meets. In 1990 Fenk accepted
a position with his alma mater as Assistant Sports Information Director. Since 2011
he has served as Associate Director of Athletic Communications. His interview focuses
on his Oregon State undergraduate experience as well as his memories of key people
and events in the modern history of OSU athletics.
Roger Werth Oral History Interview
Life history interview conducted by Janice Dilg.
June 16, 2014
Roger Werth (b. 1957) attended Oregon State University from 1975-1980, graduating
with a degree in Liberal Studies with emphases on journalism and photography. In May
1980, early in his career as a photojournalist, Werth captured several iconic images
of the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens. In 1981 the staff of Werth's newspaper,
the Longview (Washington) Daily News, received the Pulitzer Prize for Local, General or Spot News Reporting, a major recognition
of the paper's coverage of the Mt. St. Helens story. Special commendation was given
by the Pulitzer committee to Werth for his photographs. Werth's interview focuses
upon his undergraduate years at OSU, his memories of the Mt. St. Helens eruption,
and his broader experiences in photojournalism.